Ford escort '97 1.8 TD hard to start (cold engine only)

buy the operators guide and read that? if lost.
pretty hard to find on now , on such a car. (ebay yes)
above CD not in it.
is engine diesel ,gas or CNG?
wiki shows.
3.1 L 4JG2 TD I4 (real name)

so id bet it is glow plugs, if it looks like them. ,lacking the operators guide.
it might mean car will start very hard in cold weather if glow plugs are bad....

COLD START PROBLEM

Its cold start issues:----

Go through the list of help links mentioned below:----

Click the link :----

Cold start problem and vehicle shudder around 2500 to 3500 rpms

http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.com/2012/10/cold-start-problem-and-vehicle-shudder.html

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Low idle when cold out side?

http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.com/2011/12/low-idle-when-cold-out-side.html

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Ford explorer 4.0 will not idle when cold?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/ford-explorer-40-will-not-idle-when.html

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Automatic transmission shift lever hard to move on cold mornings?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2012/01/automatic-transmission-shift-lever-hard.html

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Car won't start when cold?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/12/car-wont-start-when-cold.html

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These will help.

Thanks.

Replace the spark plugs,and check the boot on that cylinder,it may just be a cold spark plug.

if it gets that cold you will have to plug it in, if equiped with an engine block heater

You havent said which engine you have got so I presume it is the 1.8 diesel. Therefore, when you go to start it when it is cold, wait for the glow plug light to go off then wait approx another 15 seconds as the glow plugs continue to heat up after the light goes off before you try to start it.

For a short term solution, you could run a small electric heater within the engine compartment which will keep everything nice and warm for your early morning starts.
I remember my father using an extension trouble light and leaving it under the engine compartment during the winters.

it might be the starter or ignition

Since you're running diesel, you might need an engine block heater. Even the largest vehicles need to keep the block warm when the winter temperatures drop. It keeps the engine oil & fuel looser.

Hi Patrick.

I would check that you are getting a live feed to your glow plugs terminals first, on cold starting, with a 12v test light.

Expensive to renew them, and then find it was the fuse or relay !

Best of luck !
John.

Don´t forget to give me a vote !

buy some new heater plugs..used heater plugs always struggle in the cold.easier just to change them