Question on the Glowplug light (FL1 TD4)

Hello all!

Quick question, with this AMAZING cold weather we are having, ive noticed my glowplug light comes on for a whole 1 second on ignition on, and then goes off. Surely when its -5 outside there should be a longer light on? Never really noticed before, but since its been abit rough on the start and little bit smokey on start im thinking i dont have all the glow plugs glowing.... thanks

Mine do not light at all, but starts ok (-3, -5 deg C). I'm waiting for lower temps.

The glow plug light only comes on as a reminder to wait until it goes off before attempting the start. The length of time the light comes on is controlled by the ECM, based on engine temperature. In general these engines don't need a long pre-heat time, hence the short time the light is on for.
If it's starting ok, then there's nothing to worry about.

JUST A

Nodge68 said:

The glow plug light only comes on as a reminder to wait until it goes off before attempting the start. The length of time the light comes on is controlled by the ECM, based on engine temperature. In general these engines don't need a long pre-heat time, hence the short time the light is on for.
If it's starting ok, then there's nothing to worry about.

Click to expand...

Just a tad smokey and chugs for a few seconds on start up, probably have one duff glowplug im guessing?

The glow plugs can stay on after the engine has started to reduce smoke caused by unburdened fuel although I don’t think the warning light stays on. Think the light is there so you know it’s warming the plugs up rather than just broken.

Ah just noticed you have a freelander 1. Don’t know anything about them. They are bmw.

My fr1 is the same -4.5 this morning light comes on for 3 seconds starts on the second crank of the key lots of smoke but after 6 seconds it's all good

ArchN3m3sis said:

JUST A

Just a tad smokey and chugs for a few seconds on start up, probably have one duff glowplug im guessing?

Click to expand...

If it's starting, then there's not much wrong, but unevenness is likely down to a failed plug. Mine has also dropped a plug this winter, but a quick rev up and it fires on all 4.

It was 16° here this morning, haven't a clue how long the glow plug light was on for, and the Freelander started perfectly.

With its obligatory puff of smoke.