Any clever mechanics in the forum?

fusar

Hello,

Please can someone tell me the possible problem with a TDI diesel, if the "pigs tail"/coil symbol on the control panel (the one you have to wait to dsappear before you start the car) flashes on and off continuously whilst drving?

When I start the car it starts fine and runs well, but the pigs tail/coil symbol then comes on when I am driving. It doesn't stay on continuously, just flashes on and off continuously. The car's manual says that it has something to do with the Engine Informanagement system and that I should contact a Ford dealer - however, before doing this I was wondering if anyone had experienced this before?

Many thanks!
Fusar

DavidHM

What's the car? Mondeo TDCi? If so, stop driving the car now.

It could well be an injector problem which can cause further damage to the engine if they're not dealt witih soon.

Look at http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=8442

Disclaimer: I am not a mechanic, but you do need to get the car to a dealer/mechanic that can read the ECU so you know where you stand.

fusar

Many thanks for your reply.

The car is a Ford Galaxy TDI, V reg.


I wonder if it is the same problem as the mondeo mentioned above?

DavidHM

Is that the Galaxy that we were discussing earlier? I thought you ended up buying a Citroen Picasso...

In any event, it's a completely different (VW) engine and the injectors are thankfully somewhat less complicated. It might be a similar problem but it could also be one of a number of other problems.

Either way it's fairly pointless trying to diagnose it without getting it on a computer if there are no other symptoms. That said, if you are considering buying this car, I wouldn't hand over any money without seeing that the problem is diagnosed and fixed to my satisfaction.

fusar

No, this is now the better half's car - I am dreading something else happening with these two cars, as they say "things come in three's". The pig tail only started flashing today, after travelling quite a distance too!

Thanks for your advice on the picasso, I think I was maybe just over-reacting, as I have read the reples I got on the forum and have decided just to send it off.

Many thanks for all your help by the way, mch, much appreciated!

Take care

scatz

I am no mechanic, but I would assume that the coils would need replacing. Some deisel models go through coils like no tomorrow. Let us know when you have resolved.

fusar

Many thanks for all your help. I will get it booked in at the garage and let you know what the problem is when its resolved - fingers crossed that it won't be too expensive!

Many thanks again

flang

I know this type of problem is common on fiats and it usually down to faulty injectors or the lambda sensor.

joshm_2

Do diesels now have lambda sensors, then?

roswell

Have you looked in the owners manual ? id be temptyed to say the plugs need changing but dont hold me to it.

DavidHM

... diesels don't have spark plugs either. They do have glow plugs and that could be the cause - but then that would probably be accompanied by rough starting after several attempts, even though the car would be running fine afterwards.

Realistically, given that there are no other symptoms as the OP has stated, the car needs to be given a diagnostic reading unless anyone actually is a mechanic or owner of one of these with experience of this problem.