Starting problem when engine warm

I have a 2001 Freelander TD4 that has an intermittent starting problem. Engine always starts first time when it is cold or if the engine is at normal running temperature (temp needle horizontal). However, if you drive the car so the engine is at normal running temperature then leave the car for a period of time between 45 minutes and 1.5 hours so the engine is still warm, it frequently does not start.The engine turns over, but does not catch. Leave the car until the engine has gone completely cold, usually about 2 hours from when you switched the engine off, and the car will start first time.The duration of time (45mins to 1.5 hours) seems to depend on the outside air temperature. On cold days of about 2 celsius, 45 minutes; on mild days of about 10 celsius, 1.5 hours seems to be the "danger time".The car has been to the garage many times, they can't find the fault, they can't even replicate it. One time I even left it with them for 9 days and told them not to give it back until they found the problem, well they didn't find it. They connected the car up to specialised computer diagnostic equipment that can interrogate the Management System and still found nothing.Anybody have any suggestions?

Hi simonD ,Sounds like one or more of your glow plugs could be u/s or intermittent ,on the td4 you have a fuel heater this will operate on start up at lower temperature [its to help to stop waxing at colder conditions] so because the fuel heater kicks in it has more chance to start if say one glow plug is not working properly,once up to temperature and you switch off engine for a bit,it will not be cold enough to bring in the heater,so less chance of starting ,also worth a check to see if your fuel filter needs changing. . . the real ming

do they have a hot start solenoid?
i'd be inclined to say its a glow plug at first as ming has said, but if the freelanders have hot start solenoids it could be related to that.

Still having problems.

Definitely not the glow plugs, changed them and checked all the circuit. Anyway glow plugs aren't required when the outside air temp is 25 celsius. Glow plugs aren't required when the engine is warm, and that's when the problems happen.

Very frustrating in this warm weather. Can guaruntee car will not start one hour after the engine turned off, then you have to leave it 3 or 4 hours until the engine is cold before it will start.

Seen many similar problems on this forum, lots of different suggestions, but no one seems to have a definitive answer, apart from trial and error.

Suggestions so far:
Cam Sensor (seen several times on this forum)
"one of the two temp sensors" as advised by two independent mechanics, however, I've changed the mass air flow temp sensor so its not that. not sure which is the second one I need to change.
Immobiliser.
Fuel Stop solenoid, as suggested by recovery man who could not get it started, checked the Haynes manual later and the TD4 appears not to have one of these.
Fuel filter relay.

Problem is symptomatic of no fuel going into engine.

Hi
I'm pretty sure our problem is being caused by the cam sensor being faulty when hot. Try taking the sensor out for a few minutes the next time it will not start and then put it back in . This gives the sensor chance to cool down and start working. I'm going to change mine, the stealer is asking for £55 so I'm trying to source a cheaper one. I'll let you know if it works.

Check out my reply ta stevegr bout 4 down and follow the instructions this will give ya a big clue. . .

uh huh, sounds like a potential cam sensor fault. These sensors seem to be so fragile. I had one go on a Vauxhal Vectra. Engine management light came on and the engine was restricted to around 2500 rpm (petrol motor).
If this sensor goes on a Hippo does the engine management light not come on?

mondo said:

I beleive that to be correct Mr Surry

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How strange

marksurry said:

How strange

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Zippy they are at it again. . .the nog gins ,tut tut , I don't know, some people eh,getting silly now,just behave you two, another shiney apple zippy sir, , ,

ming said:

Zippy they are at it again. . .the nog gins ,tut tut , I don't know, some people eh,getting silly now,just behave you two, another shiney apple zippy sir, , ,

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Sod Off yer snivelling little invisible intergallactic Ta@t!

Mark! Just ignore him, He smells o chips anyway

mondo said:

Mark! Just ignore him, He smells o chips anyway

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That's him is it? Stinky chip fat burning freek

marksurry said:

That's him is it? Stinky chip fat burning freek

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Lets get him round the back o the bike shed after skool

mondo said:

Lets get him round the back o the bike shed after skool

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gulp. . . i'm a prefect and i'll tell Mr Zippy,and you'll all get the cane ,Mr Zippy heeeelp meeeee . . . .

Hey Ming you brown nose, watch your back. We know where you park your rocket too. Be a shame to lose it

In response to marksurry's post: "uh huh, sounds like a potential cam sensor fault. These sensors seem to be so fragile. I had one go on a Vauxhal Vectra. Engine management light came on and the engine was restricted to around 2500 rpm (petrol motor).
If this sensor goes on a Hippo does the engine management light not come on?"

If the cam sensor is faulty, and I stress if, it might be an intermittent fault. The engine management light is not illuminated. Engine diagnostic computer records no faults. When the engine starts, it runs smoothly with no restrictions on revs or power.

Hi Simon
I had the same problems as you (see cam sensor), replaced cam sensor today £55 from dealer, it takes about 2 minutes to do yourself. Tried to start the car before leaving the dealers and it wouldn't start, so I fitted the new sensor while I was there, tried the car and it started. I drove home and turned off the car, I gave it ten minutes and went out to try it again, the car started first time again. It looks like this has sorted out my problem and I hope it will help you.
Regards
Steve

Following Steve's success, I tested my Cam sensor.

Drove the car for 5 miles to warm it up. Turned the engine off and left the car standing for an hour (outside temp was about 25 Celsius). Tried to start the engine and it failed. Removed the Cam sensor and put it in the freezer for 5 minutes. Replaced the Cam sensor in the engine and hey presto it started!

Just to be sure, I then left the car standing for another half an hour to let the Cam sensor warm up. Tried to start the engine and it failed. Removed the Cam sensor and put it in the freezer for 5 minutes. Replaced the Cam sensor in the engine and it started again.

So last weekend I also bought a new Cam sensor from the dealer. One week on.. i've had no starting problems when the engine is warm. Best £55 I've ever spent. Nine months we've had the problem. Who knows how many hours we've wasted, sat in Tesco's car park with the frozen food defrosting.

Good news then Simon

Glad your ride is sorted out.

Nice one Chaps!
two more happy hippo's