glow plug lite
 

Went out to try to start my 81 300SD and won't start!! 11 degrees out noticed that the glow lite goes of after 10 seconds is this a sign of weak glowplugs or failing glowplugs. Help

Had a similar problem with my 240D 77 this morning, the glow plug light does not come on, it is fairly warm here in Houston, the first thing that I normally do when this happens is to replace the big fuse on the firewall, that did not help this time, any other suggestions?

Vahe
240D 77/350K

glow plugs
 

if you are in houson as warm as it gets there!!! How long has it been since you put new glowplugs in?a test lite at one of the glowplugs when you turn the key on the lite should go on

the light usually only stays on for about 10 sec. however its still possible you have a bad glowplug. the light doesnt always stop working when a plug goes out. you need to take an ohm meter to the plugs and check for resistance.

left,

Do a search on cabin light.

Dash GP light has little to do with operation of GP. The dash GP light is an indication of how long the leave the GP preheat before engaging the starter. However, often the dash GP light is out of calibration and goes out too soon. So just wait longer for the GP to preheat.

If the dash GP blinks, one or more of the GP has burned out.

P E H

"if you are in houson as warm as it gets there!!! How long has it been since you put new glowplugs in?a test lite at one of the glowplugs when you turn the key on the lite should go on"

The car has a new motor with about 40K on it, isn't it a little too early for glow plugs to fail?

Vahe
240D 77/350K

its hard to say, theres been a few people that had them burn out in short time. if the engine is as fresh as you say it is it shouldnt have to bad a problem with one burnt out. when its warm outside can you start it without the glowplugs?

"when its warm outside can you start it without the glowplugs?"

About 11 am this morning when I tried to start the 240D it was about 80 degrees F here in Houston, warm but not warm enough to help start the motor.
The car is going to shop tomorrow, will let you know what the problem was.

Vah240D 77/350K

Ouch
 

When my 1985 300SD gets down to 10 seconds = three glow plugs dead.

Glow plug testing.
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=104547&page=1&pp=15

Don't always trust your glow plug indicator light!
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=138347

Glow Plug Relay
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=122826

New Glow Plug kit installation. 1978 240D
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=107319

Glow plugs link thread
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?p=1019018#post1019018

Replacing Glow Plugs
http://mbdieseldiy.tripod.com/glowplugs.htm