Thanks to all for the suggestions. I listened closely this morning - put key in "on" position, heard relay click closed - 2 seconds later, there was a fainter click and the dome light came back on full brightness. So it does click when it opens back up, but it definitely only stays closed for 2 seconds even at 40F. Sorry for the previous statement that it doesn't click open.

Will check for voltage drop bt fuse strip and GP first. Question - even if glow plugs themselves are getting flaky, shouldn't the relay stay closed for more than 2 seconds? Second question - if I find a large voltage drop, how do I open up the relay for cleaning?

Thanks,

__________________
Charlie

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'66 VW 1300 96K miles
'97 E300D 239K miles
'85 300D 203K miles (sold Sep 2012)