Zafira 2.0 D + DEFA block heater Problem

[cormu]

sorry to put this in english but my suomi is not good enought to explain this well.

Has anyone else had problems in -10 and below to start thier diesel's when having the defa block heater on ? it seems like the sensor in the engine that detects whether or not to pre heat the fuel and activate the glow plugs doesn't come on long enough to warm the cylinders as the defa block heater is warming the outside of the engine block up and giving false reading to the tempurature sensor that controls the glow circuit , Im guessing its in the ecu block +

is there a way to manually turn on the glow plugs ? if i do not use the block heater it starts right away with no problem but its nice to have a semi-warm engine in these -15 weathers:)

[Juho M-P]

This problem is well known. Glow timer thinks that engine is warm enough to start without glow.

I´m not sure, but disconnecting temperature sensor, will cause maximum glow time. Maybe you could cut the temperature sensor wire and put switch in it. That way you can cut the circuit temporary if needed.

[Teuwo]

A software upgrade that uses the glow plugs upto warmer ambient temperatures might help allso.
Depending on which revision You allready have uploaded.
You could consult an Opel dealership or carage to obtain the upgrade if available.

[cormu]

Oh cool thanks for the advise, I ave a service manual im sure i can find the sensor wires with that.
I have a freind owning a garage Il ask them about upgrading the software also. They always laugh when i bring my opal there though .. they are a citreon garage lol a bit biased towarard garlic smelling, bouncy french cars