takes a long time to start

metachi · 8 Jan 2021 at 14:59

i have a Nissan micra diesel 2009, sometime it takes a long time to start.

please watch my video.

what could it be before i take my car to a local garage?

Dangerous Dave · 8 Jan 2021 at 15:02

Are you waiting for the glow plug light to go out before starting it ?

Will Gill · 8 Jan 2021 at 15:02

Is this from cold?

I take it you know you have to wait for your glow plugs to warm prior to starting?

Generally the older the car the longer that process takes (unless they have been replaced)

metachi · 8 Jan 2021 at 15:04

oh do i need to wait? i always start as soon as i insert the car key.

metachi · 8 Jan 2021 at 15:05

i changed from many cars in my years, i never had to wait?

Jonnycoupe · 8 Jan 2021 at 15:06

That could be why it doesnt always start then.

pastymuncher · 8 Jan 2021 at 15:06

Insert key, turn on ignition and wait for the glow plug light to go out . Then you can start it up. Compression ignition engines tend to need a little heat when it's cold to aid starting.

metachi · 8 Jan 2021 at 15:09

thanks guys. I'm going out in a bit and I really didn't know about this!

Rroff · 8 Jan 2021 at 15:14

Some of the Nissans pre approx. 2014 or so need a moment for the electronics to do their thing, kind of like booting a computer, as well in my experience - some other vehicles like VWs seem to sort themselves out much quicker.

opstrat · 8 Jan 2021 at 21:52

give it 2 or 3 heats if it is really cold. like where i am at the moment it is -11

metachi · 9 Jan 2021 at 13:27

ok, I've waited for the glow plug's icon to disappear then i turn the key to start the ignition and it's still the same.

this was doing it during autumn.

Lashout_UK · 9 Jan 2021 at 13:34

Sounds like it's labouring a little there, so the battery could be getting tired.

You can cycle the glowplugs a few times, too, and see if that makes any difference. Might have a duff one, or they might not be up to scratch any more.

Will Gill · 9 Jan 2021 at 13:43

It's old and probably cold, you can do the plugs multiple times to see if it helps, or just get new plugs if the start time annoys you

but to me it doesn't appear to be the end of the world.

Rroff · 9 Jan 2021 at 14:12

My Navara was doing similar - friend had a poke around came to conclusion loose connection EDIT: Ignore poster below is probably correct.

andy_mk3 · 9 Jan 2021 at 14:15

Get that battery tested and most likely replaced. That's cranking over pretty slowly and the dash lights flashing indicates that the voltage is dropping down very low while cranking.

Luke · 9 Jan 2021 at 14:25

Yesterday I replaced the battery in my mother in laws 2008 micra as she was having issues. Lots of short journeys was leading to the battery being on it's way out. New battery and it's all good again until she kills this one again!

Howard · 9 Jan 2021 at 14:53

If that’s the blower fan I can hear, turn it off before starting. It won’t help with the already half knackered sounding battery.

RexAlba · 9 Jan 2021 at 14:56

Low battery, could be on its way out and the cold makes it worse

metachi · 9 Jan 2021 at 15:20

thank you guys, i do have a smart battery charger that i bought a few years ago. I'll get the battery check using this, if i really do need to change it then i will buy a replacement battery.
I'll try to keep you guys updated.

andy_mk3 · 9 Jan 2021 at 16:17

The smart charger isn't going to let you know the health of the battery really. It can still show good voltage and charge fully and be low on capacity.