Engine reluctant to start when warm?

[mikebeaches]

Our 2016 Euro 5, 2.3 litre Fiat Ducato-based PVC is getting somewhat reluctant to start when the engine is warm. It has the standard 130 hp engine and a comfortmatic gearbox.

The van - which we've owned from new - has, for various reasons, covered less than 18,000 miles.

When cold it starts immediately, with no hesitation.

But from time to time, it can be difficult to start the engine when warm/hot.

I'm not particularly mechanically experienced when it comes to diesel engines, but I'm guessing there could be various reasons.

I'd appreciate views about possible causes, any simple ways to identify exactly what the problem might be and any easy solutions?

Thanks!

 

[Larby]

Crank and Cam sensors can be temperamental when hot and also when cold.

 

[RobertJary]

I take our Motorhome to JRW Commercials in Nailsea on the Coates industrial Estate.

 

[donkey]

Our 2016 Euro 5, 2.3 litre Fiat Ducato-based PVC is getting somewhat reluctant to start when the engine is warm. It has the standard 130 hp engine and a comfortmatic gearbox.

The van - which we've owned from new - has, for various reasons, covered less than 18,000 miles.

When cold it starts immediately, with no hesitation.

But from time to time, it can be difficult to start the engine when warm/hot.

I'm not particularly mechanically experienced when it comes to diesel engines, but I'm guessing there could be various reasons.

I'd appreciate views about possible causes, any simple ways to identify exactly what the problem might be and any easy solutions?

Thanks!

When you say it is difficult to start, what exactly are the symptoms?
Does the engine crank over at a brisk rate?
Does the engine crank slowly?
Does nothing at all happen?

Different issues with different causes.

Geoff

 

[mikebeaches]

When you say it is difficult to start, what exactly are the symptoms?
Does the engine crank over at a brisk rate?
Does the engine crank slowly?
Does nothing at all happen?

Different issues with different causes.

Geoff

It turns over just fine - hot or cold - but can be reluctant to fire when hot.

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[donkey]

Have you noticed if it is worse or not with full or low fuel level in the tank. I ask because some vehicles suffer from fuel starvation due to inadequate fuel tank breather. Try releasing the cap and trying to start.
Otherwise you will need to interrogate the fuel system from tank to injectors.

Geoff

 

[Mixyblob]

Did you ever get to the bottom of this mikebeaches? as our Ducato has started doing similar.

 

[mikebeaches]

Did you ever get to the bottom of this mikebeaches? as our Ducato has started doing similar.

We haven't been using the van much, and not noticed the symptoms recently. Half wonder if it was some old dodgy Spanish diesel left in the tank - but don't know?

So to answer your question - no, I haven't investigated further.

Sorry to hear you're having a similar issue.

 

[Mixyblob]

Yes, similar issue, been going on a while so probably not dodgy fuel. Its not a major problem, just annoying.

 

[gus-lopez]

or could be an air leak somewhere causing fuel run back when hot?

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[Gromett]

Worth putting an OBD2 dongle on it and seeing if any codes are thrown. Jot any you have down now, then clear them. then run until you have the issue again.

Some might recommend you get a garage to look at the diagnostic before clearing them. But in the case of a new fault I tend to just clear and monitor.

 

[Darloman]

I too have been suffering from this problem on my 2021 Fiat Ducato. Engine starts perfectly well when cold but when hot, engine turns but does not start. Usually takes at least five attempts then it may start and when it does start it’s a little sluggish to rev once started. Once moving the engine pulls fine. Have had it checked by Fiat Professional garage when serviced in June and nothing apparent with no fault codes showing. Bit of a mystery at present.

 

[daveandsan]

I have the same problem 2017 Fiat Ducato 2.3 150 BHP

 

[Podney]

It’s lack of fuel innit! That’s the easy bit. The difficult bit is finding the reason why.

Fuel pump? But that should be ok when hot.
Filler cap? Creating vacuum in the tank. I had that,but it didn’t affect starting,although that is a possibility.
Any ideas Wildbill might have?

 

[Wildbill]

It’s lack of fuel innit! That’s the easy bit. The difficult bit is finding the reason why.

Fuel pump? But that should be ok when hot.
Filler cap? Creating vacuum in the tank. I had that,but it didn’t affect starting,although that is a possibility.
Any ideas Wildbill might have?

That's a fuel problem probably a fuel line drawing air
Wildbill

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[Mixyblob]

Worth putting an OBD2 dongle on it and seeing if any codes are thrown. Jot any you have down now, then clear them. then run until you have the issue again.

Some might recommend you get a garage to look at the diagnostic before clearing them. But in the case of a new fault I tend to just clear and monitor.

OBS2 dongle? Any recommendations, sounds like a handy tool to have.

 

[Landy Andy]

Check what readings you are getting from sensors. Especially temperature sensors, such as the one mounted within the MAF sensor. If it was fuel drain back/air into fuel system the longer you left it the worse it would be.

 

[the1andonly]

If you use a code reader always copy the freeze frame data as well as the code. If you regard obd info as a means of identifying where the problem is the code will tell you the continent or maybe country, the more info you have the closer the next guess is.