2011 JK 2.8 CRD - Hard To Start

[cnd_eh]

My Jeep refuses to start in a timely manner. The engine will crank no problem but it takes a really long time to kick over and fire up.

My biggest problem is there are no Jeep dealers where I live that will work on a CRD so I am using the Nissan dealer as my shop of choice. They do not have a wiTech unit to do dealer level diagnostics on the vehicle.

So far these items have been changed.

1. Fuel Pump and Filter - Fuel pressure is good
2. Cam shaft sensor
3. Glow Plugs
4. Injectors
5. Starter
6. Battery

The Jeep usually starts fine when it is dead cold, left overnight. It will also start fine when it's completely warm, right after a long drive. If the temperature is anywhere in between, say half hour after a drive I have no chance of getting it to fire up nicely. The jeep will eventually come to life after repeatedly cranking it and letting it rest for about 3 minutes or so.

I am at the end of my rope with this thing so any and all ideas would really be appreciated.

Thanks,

rob

ps There are no stored trouble codes appearing at any time using a standard OBDII reader nor does the Jeep ever go into limp mode.

[glend]

Perhaps you have air trapped in the fuel head, have you bled the fuel head/filter? Your symtoms are consistent with air in the fuel system.

[cnd_eh]

The Fuel system was bled when they changed the fuel pump. It didn't seem to help but I will send it back to the shop and tell them to give that a try.

Thanks,

Rob

[Von Depner]

Have you tried a new battery.? These engines need a certain crank speed to start. Worth trying a charged battery to see if it will start quicker when warm.

[cnd_eh]

I have tried two new Optima batteries, a rebuilt starter and a brand new starter along with trying to start it with the battery from my diesel generator. I have disconnected all the aftermarket accessories, no lights, no winch absolutely nothing that didn't roll off the line is connected.

Still no love. I gave it to the shop for this past week and it came back yesterday with exactly the same problem. The mechanic dropped it off to me, we sat out front for about half an hour and then tried to fire it up and nothing but cranking. The mechanic just shook his head and told me he was done with it. I did manage to get it started after trying for 10 minutes.

If anything comes to mind no matter how crazy I am willing to try.

[Von Depner]

Hi CND,

Only other thing I can think of is maybe low compression. Have you done a compression test on the engine?.

[cnd_eh]

Hey Von

No compression test yet. That's definitely worth a shot.

Thanks,

rob