yellow rope light before starting

Googlyamnesiac · 01-20-2010, 04:15 AM

i've not got my owners manual with me at work but this morning I noticed when put the key in the ignition and just before the car starts turning over a yellow rope like symbol appears and then goes off (no beeps or anything). Is this normal?

Maybe i've just never noticed it before!? Like I say, apologies for being impatient, i'm just curious!

willhollin · 01-20-2010, 04:44 AM

Glow plug pre heating I think.

jonsteele · 01-20-2010, 05:06 AM

Yep, in normal weather it doesn't light - it has to be pretty cold to see it! It's totally normal, nothing to worry about.

themetz · 01-20-2010, 07:32 AM

in ye olde days you had to actually w...a.....i.....t...... for this light to go out before you could start a diesel engine up! now all done automatically... hence a quick flash and job done.

foxy-367 · 01-20-2010, 08:25 AM

I take it you've never had a diesel before?

Googlyamnesiac · 01-20-2010, 09:32 AM

Been driving a diesel for about 6 years now and never knew this.

Thanks guys! all makes sense now, just been out for lunch and didn't see the symbol, hence must be warmer.

HighlandPete · 01-20-2010, 12:06 PM

You may have noted that at really low ambient temperatures, you may have a second or so wait, from pushing the start button, even on the latest engines, before the engine cranks.

Some of us remember the days when you may have had to wait up to about 15 seconds (or more) before the glow plug light went out and you could crank the engine.

HighlandPete

shane55 · 01-20-2010, 12:57 PM

I think all BMW diesels now preheat the engine when below a certain ambient temperature once you unlock the car, that way by the time you open the door and get in, then stick in the key the glow plugs have their job done!...I wondered why I only saw it on mine sometimes...and its because if you unlock it and dont get in for a few minutes, then come back and get in and try to start, it will need to preheat again...BMW just think of everything!

Em135eye · 01-20-2010, 01:24 PM

Saw mine for the first time during the mini Ice Age. They mostly heat so quickly you don't see the light. Except on LR Defenders - which STILL take ages!

SoYank · 01-20-2010, 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shane55

...BMW just think of everything!

Uh, no they don't.

mjh93sa · 01-20-2010, 02:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shane55

...BMW just think of everything!

Quote:

Originally Posted by SoYank

Uh, no they don't.

They might....... but nothing says they'll do anything about it.

craig2859 · 01-20-2010, 03:23 PM

I remember when I first joined up our Landrovers where all Diesel, and we had to 1/2 turn the key and hold it there until the Glow Pug light went out - about 20secs

Dr Dave · 01-20-2010, 05:39 PM

Still have to do that these days with some items of plant & machinery Craig!

Glow plugs fire up when the drivers door is opened, all nice and ready for you by the time you go to start the engine.

willhollin · 01-20-2010, 05:41 PM

My van still takes a few seconds to warm up the plugs of a cold morning.

mjh93sa · 01-20-2010, 06:07 PM

errrr, dare we ask what sort of plugs you mean Will?

willhollin · 01-20-2010, 06:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mjh93sa

errrr, dare we ask what sort of plugs you mean Will?

Nothing worse than cold plugs Matt.

jonsteele · 01-21-2010, 04:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by craig2859

I remember when I first joined up our Landrovers where all Diesel, and we had to 1/2 turn the key and hold it there until the Glow Pug light went out - about 20secs

That'll be the old NA and TD diesel engines - I had the civvy equivilent and it did the same. LR put an auto timer on the 200TDi and above engines, but I don't think the forces ever got those - MOD decided they were too complicated! Funny, cos they stuck an even more complicated engine in the Wolf LRs that came along later!

Em135eye · 01-21-2010, 04:39 AM

Even the latest Defenders still have the glowplug thingy - I had one on 24 hour test. £30k seemed a bit steep for a car with a 120bhp Ford Transit engine, more drafts than a Chicago campsite and wobbly bodywork. It wasn't bad but they are still very, very basic.

jonsteele · 01-21-2010, 05:40 AM

Yep, they're pricing them out of the market. They need to leave it alone and put it back where it was - a basic but very competent off road vehicle. If it was cheap enough, you'd put up with the drafts, leaks, rattles etc. Considering you can pick up a good, older example for £4k, I'm surprised they sell new ones!

foxy-367 · 01-21-2010, 05:55 AM

We use them at work they absolutely outstrip anything japanese when the going gets rough or boggy (L200, Hilux etc) however the driving position leaves a little to be desired! You end up getting out leaning to the left!!! Or drive with the window open which just adds another draft!!!!

Em135eye · 01-21-2010, 06:25 AM

Foxy - I used to be a Geotec Engineer and we had 110 Defeneders (raised, narrower tyres, extra bash plate under the engine) and HiLuxes - the 110s really were very good off road and I often outdid JCBs in them. However they needed a new clutch every 8k miles (lots of towing a 3 tonne drilling rig) and were dead within three years. The hiluxes just went on and on.

Off road - we have a Suzuki Jimny. It's total lack of weight, proper low range box, amazing clearance, lack of size and massive approach and departure angles means we have genuinely gone where Defenders (standard) can't.

Landcruisers are extremely good off road too - I've greenlaned a new Amazon VX 4.2TD and it was excellent. Felt a bit odd though - too luxury to be going sideways down muddy drops!

01-20-2010, 04:15 AM	#1
Googlyamnesiac Captain 62 Rep 743 Posts Drives: 2013 F10 520D Join Date: May 2009 Location: Yorkshire, UK iTrader: (3)	yellow rope light before starting i've not got my owners manual with me at work but this morning I noticed when put the key in the ignition and just before the car starts turning over a yellow rope like symbol appears and then goes off (no beeps or anything). Is this normal? Maybe i've just never noticed it before!? Like I say, apologies for being impatient, i'm just curious!
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01-20-2010, 04:44 AM	#2
willhollin Major General 275 Rep 9,914 Posts Drives: VW T5 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Worcestershire iTrader: (1) Garage List 2007 BMW E92 330d SE [10.00] 2010 Transporter T5 ... [0.00]	Glow plug pre heating I think. __________________
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01-20-2010, 05:06 AM	#3
jonsteele Old enough to know better! 20 Rep 409 Posts Drives: 320d M Sport, Le Mans Blue Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: In a pub, in the middle of nowhere! iTrader: (0) Garage List 1989 Landrover 90 [0.00] 2008 BMW 320d M Sport [0.00]	Yep, in normal weather it doesn't light - it has to be pretty cold to see it! It's totally normal, nothing to worry about. __________________ Jon Steele 320d M Sport (E90) Le Mans Blue/18" Alloys/Bi Xenons/Climate Screen/Black, Heated Dakota Leather/6 CD Changer with Dension 500/Power Mirrors/M3 Lip Spoiler/Gloss Black Grills/Through Load, Storage pack, Lumbar Support, Smokers Deletion
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01-20-2010, 07:32 AM	#4
themetz smokin' kipper 41 Rep 1,468 Posts Drives: G60 i5 M60 Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: UK iTrader: (2)	in ye olde days you had to actually w...a.....i.....t...... for this light to go out before you could start a diesel engine up! now all done automatically... hence a quick flash and job done.
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01-20-2010, 08:25 AM	#5
foxy-367 Lieutenant 6 Rep 448 Posts Drives: 320d M-Sport Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: North West iTrader: (0)	I take it you've never had a diesel before? __________________ Now - E90 320d M Sport, Le Mans Blue, sun protection glass, Auto lights and wipers, 193M, a big grin Previous - Seat Leon FR, Golf Gttdi (x2), Mk3 Fiesta SI, E30 318i Peugeot 205 Roland Garros, Mk2 Fiesta Ghia (it had a rev counter!!!!)
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01-20-2010, 09:32 AM	#6
Googlyamnesiac Captain 62 Rep 743 Posts Drives: 2013 F10 520D Join Date: May 2009 Location: Yorkshire, UK iTrader: (3)	Been driving a diesel for about 6 years now and never knew this. Thanks guys! all makes sense now, just been out for lunch and didn't see the symbol, hence must be warmer.
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01-20-2010, 12:06 PM	#7
HighlandPete Lieutenant General 6563 Rep 15,856 Posts Drives: BMW F11 535i Touring Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Scotland, Highland Region iTrader: (0)	You may have noted that at really low ambient temperatures, you may have a second or so wait, from pushing the start button, even on the latest engines, before the engine cranks. Some of us remember the days when you may have had to wait up to about 15 seconds (or more) before the glow plug light went out and you could crank the engine. HighlandPete
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01-20-2010, 12:57 PM	#8
shane55 First Lieutenant 34 Rep 336 Posts Drives: BMW 330d M-Sport Auto Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: IRL iTrader: (0)	I think all BMW diesels now preheat the engine when below a certain ambient temperature once you unlock the car, that way by the time you open the door and get in, then stick in the key the glow plugs have their job done!...I wondered why I only saw it on mine sometimes...and its because if you unlock it and dont get in for a few minutes, then come back and get in and try to start, it will need to preheat again...BMW just think of everything! __________________ Sapphire Black* Darklines* Black Dakota Leather* Heated Seats* Professional Navigation* Xenons* High Beam Assist* Hi-Fi* USB Audio* DAB* BMW Assist* Sun Protection Glass
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01-20-2010, 01:24 PM	#9
Em135eye Banned 181 Rep 4,302 Posts Drives: M135i Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: South West iTrader: (0) Garage List 2014 BMW M135i 5 door [0.00]	Saw mine for the first time during the mini Ice Age. They mostly heat so quickly you don't see the light. Except on LR Defenders - which STILL take ages!
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01-20-2010, 03:23 PM	#12
craig2859 Black .... all the way !! 59 Rep 601 Posts Drives: [Previous]2006 330d M-Sport Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: UK-Dorset iTrader: (4) Garage List 2006 E90 330d M-Sport [0.00]	I remember when I first joined up our Landrovers where all Diesel, and we had to 1/2 turn the key and hold it there until the Glow Pug light went out - about 20secs
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01-20-2010, 05:39 PM	#13
Dr Dave Zummerzet Zyder Drinker! 119 Rep 5,541 Posts Drives: '06 330D Le Mans Blue Join Date: May 2009 Location: Somerset iTrader: (3) Garage List 2006 330d M Sport [0.00]	Still have to do that these days with some items of plant & machinery Craig! Glow plugs fire up when the drivers door is opened, all nice and ready for you by the time you go to start the engine. __________________
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01-20-2010, 05:41 PM	#14
willhollin Major General 275 Rep 9,914 Posts Drives: VW T5 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Worcestershire iTrader: (1) Garage List 2007 BMW E92 330d SE [10.00] 2010 Transporter T5 ... [0.00]	My van still takes a few seconds to warm up the plugs of a cold morning. __________________
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01-20-2010, 06:07 PM	#15
mjh93sa Major General 150 Rep 5,080 Posts Drives: 530d Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Gloucestershire iTrader: (0) Garage List 2012 BMW M135i [10.00] 2011 Mini Countryma ... [5.50]	errrr, dare we ask what sort of plugs *you* mean Will? __________________ Gone: Fiesta - Focus - E46 320dSE - E91 330dMSport - E82 135iMSport - R55 JCW Clubman - M135i Now: 530d
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01-21-2010, 04:39 AM	#18
Em135eye Banned 181 Rep 4,302 Posts Drives: M135i Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: South West iTrader: (0) Garage List 2014 BMW M135i 5 door [0.00]	Even the latest Defenders still have the glowplug thingy - I had one on 24 hour test. £30k seemed a bit steep for a car with a 120bhp Ford Transit engine, more drafts than a Chicago campsite and wobbly bodywork. It wasn't bad but they are still very, very basic.
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01-21-2010, 05:40 AM	#19
jonsteele Old enough to know better! 20 Rep 409 Posts Drives: 320d M Sport, Le Mans Blue Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: In a pub, in the middle of nowhere! iTrader: (0) Garage List 1989 Landrover 90 [0.00] 2008 BMW 320d M Sport [0.00]	Yep, they're pricing them out of the market. They need to leave it alone and put it back where it was - a basic but very competent off road vehicle. If it was cheap enough, you'd put up with the drafts, leaks, rattles etc. Considering you can pick up a good, older example for £4k, I'm surprised they sell new ones! __________________ Jon Steele 320d M Sport (E90) Le Mans Blue/18" Alloys/Bi Xenons/Climate Screen/Black, Heated Dakota Leather/6 CD Changer with Dension 500/Power Mirrors/M3 Lip Spoiler/Gloss Black Grills/Through Load, Storage pack, Lumbar Support, Smokers Deletion
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01-21-2010, 05:55 AM	#20
foxy-367 Lieutenant 6 Rep 448 Posts Drives: 320d M-Sport Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: North West iTrader: (0)	We use them at work they absolutely outstrip anything japanese when the going gets rough or boggy (L200, Hilux etc) however the driving position leaves a little to be desired! You end up getting out leaning to the left!!! Or drive with the window open which just adds another draft!!!! __________________ Now - E90 320d M Sport, Le Mans Blue, sun protection glass, Auto lights and wipers, 193M, a big grin Previous - Seat Leon FR, Golf Gttdi (x2), Mk3 Fiesta SI, E30 318i Peugeot 205 Roland Garros, Mk2 Fiesta Ghia (it had a rev counter!!!!)
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01-21-2010, 06:25 AM	#21
Em135eye Banned 181 Rep 4,302 Posts Drives: M135i Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: South West iTrader: (0) Garage List 2014 BMW M135i 5 door [0.00]	Foxy - I used to be a Geotec Engineer and we had 110 Defeneders (raised, narrower tyres, extra bash plate under the engine) and HiLuxes - the 110s really were very good off road and I often outdid JCBs in them. However they needed a new clutch every 8k miles (lots of towing a 3 tonne drilling rig) and were dead within three years. The hiluxes just went on and on. Off road - we have a Suzuki Jimny. It's total lack of weight, proper low range box, amazing clearance, lack of size and massive approach and departure angles means we have genuinely gone where Defenders (standard) can't. Landcruisers are extremely good off road too - I've greenlaned a new Amazon VX 4.2TD and it was excellent. Felt a bit odd though - too luxury to be going sideways down muddy drops!
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