E53 3.0 Diesel - Cranking but not starting?

[baker330]

Hi all,

My 2006 3.0 Diesel E53 with 170k on the clock is not starting! From using ISTA and checking/clearing codes it's coming up with codes 00412-DDE Glow Plug Cylinder 1-6.

This obviously points towards the glow plugs or glow plug module, I've seen this error before but on clearing the codes the car started as this was originally a rail pressure sensor monitor on engine start, I didn't think anything of this glow plug error. Would ISTA show up all errors?

The following has been checked so far:
- Battery good - full charge
- Key/Immobiliser working
- Fuel pump right hand side passenger is pumping on taking the rubber pipe off and turning the key (this is priming).

It's noted the car is cranking turning over but not starting.

Thanks in advance for your help/replies.

[Clavurion]

Glow plugs have nothing to do with starting at these temperatures. Can you hear the inline fuel pump (under the vehicle) running when you turn on ignition? With diagnostics check the rail pressure while ignition on and while starting.

[baker330]

Originally Posted by Clavurion

Glow plugs have nothing to do with starting at these temperatures. Can you hear the inline fuel pump (under the vehicle) running when you turn on ignition? With diagnostics check the rail pressure while ignition on and while starting.

Thank you Clavurion, I thought as much but wanted someone to confirm this.

So the inline fuel pump primes, I can hear it.

Therefore it is likely that my rail pressure sensor is faulty? The rail pressure sensor was replaced with a second hand one a couple of months back. However the original was showing errors, but on clearing with ISTA the car worked before replacement.

ISTA is not displaying this error as of now. Although it could still well be the problem here.

On removing the rail pressure sensor and letting air in, will this cause any issues?

Is next steps to crank whilst opening the injector to see if diesel is coming out?

[baker330]

Also how do we know it's not the fuel pressure regulator sensor at the rear of the engine at this stage? To be fair, ISTA is displaying the fuel pressure sensor that was replaced on double checking just now.

Is there anyway to test the rail pressure regulator before replacement and taking it off etc maybe with ISTA?

[baker330]

From checking ISTA and performing a rail pressure check the value is coming back at 2.1 bar, it's suggesting this should be at 4 bar.

Is this correct would that really stop the engine from starting even a little at this stage?

I assume this could be the fuel filter under the car, how easy are these to get at and change?

[Clavurion]

If the pressure is that low most likely the inline fuel pump is not working correctly. How much is it showing while cranking? The inline pump and fuel filter are in the same place so worth renewing them both the same time. OEM pump is Pierburg.

[baker330]

It was 2 bar whilst cranking.

I'll get under the car and check to see if I can hear the pump priming.

[wpoll]

In this frame grab from a YT video you can see the fuel filter (on the left), the dosing pump for the auxiliary heater (centre) and the inline fuel pump (on the right).

[baker330]

Thanks Wayne, looks like a right pain to get to it!

Drilling rivets is not the one.

[SirHiss]

Originally Posted by baker330

Thanks Wayne, looks like a right pain to get to it!

Drilling rivets is not the one.

You don't have to drill any rivets. Whoever made that video is an idiot.

I changed my fuel filter last year by just removing the bolts and pulling the housing down.

The ONLY piece you need to remove (not even remove, just lever down the front part) is the plastic cover with the metal part attached to it. It will require some force in a couple of places but removal of any surrounding plastics is not necessary.