406 HDI starting problem (1999)

Hi All
I seem to have a problem with my 406 diesel starting
A few weeks ago the car spun over for about ten seconds didn't start I
left it for a few seconds and then tried again it started ok
I put this down to low fuel as my gauge sometimes drops from 1/3 to
reserve in the blnk of an eye,

last night the car did the same thing only this time I had to try
starting the car at least 6-8 times each time I checked different
things on the car and then tried to start it,
I had all but given up hope of it starting! when she started,
when I got home I changed the fuel filter their didn't seem to be any
brass fillings in the filter trap so i think that side of it is ok

I did manage in my attempt to make sure that all of the plugs had a
connection to break off one of the little plastic button things that as
the plug fitted,
too the engine casing below the fuel filter the car did start with this
just hanging off the engine diagnostic light is showing (not going out
after a few seconds)not sure if this is related to my heavy handedness
or a fault somewere any suggestions the bit thats broke thier is
another plastic thing and plug just below it, can anyopne help with
this.....

 

As an add on to this thread
when the car as been left for half an hour
and I try to start the car

the engine seems to part fire as if she wants to start or their is fuel
sitting in the injector
then she just spins over not fireing

 

I have a 99 306 hdi and have possibly currently got the same problem
except mine can take 2 hrs or more before it will start. It’s
happened 4 or 5 times over the last 3 or 4 months

today I had to sit in a car park in sweltering heat for 3 hrs, not
nice :cry:

quite often you think it is going to fire but it just stops then just
turns without seemingly trying to fire, then if you leave it 30 mins
or so you think it’s going to start then just goes back to turning
over again

I’ve just had mine diagnosed today by the aa of needing a new multi
function relay valve as pin 9 has burnt out, apparently a common
problem with the 306, so possibly the 406 too? on mine the plug is on
the passenger side, close to the bulkhead. by wiggling the wires the
aa bloke managed to get the burnt pin to connect and it started.
mine’s booked in with an auto electrician tomorrow

i’m no mechanic but apparently it runs the fuel pump situated on the
petrol tank


another common problem with my model is apparently if you leave the
car on an incline facing downhill, the fuel can run away and the
guages are not very true reading so it thinks the tank is empty,
although i’ve never experienced this