takes a long time to start

[The_Dark_Side]

Does it turn over slower than normal or full speed and just won't fire?
If you've never put a battery on the car check 2 things. First, that the previous owner put the correct spec battery on and second buy a drop tester (sub 30 quid) and do a load test.
Check for bubbles in the fuel line (air=bad) and fit a new fuel filter.

 

[metachi]

before this problem, I can turn on a straightaway. i never needed to wait for the glow plug to get warm.

 

[wedrum]

new battery time, my mondeo has been the same once the cold set in.

 

[RJC]

My old Vectra Diesel used todo that - took forever to start to the point you think your battery would go flat trying to start the car!

TOOK it to two separate Garages and eventually the local garage changed the starter motor, started first time after that. This was a company car.

 

[Diagro]

Wife's 08 Megan did this.

Battery was fobard even after a charge.

 

[dlockers]

As others have said, turn off heaters to lower overall draw on battery when starting. But for almost-certain, your battery is kaput.

 

[Rroff]

before this problem, I can turn on a straightaway. i never needed to wait for the glow plug to get warm.

We rarely get temperatures in this country where glow plugs are a necessity unless you live maybe in some parts of Scotland - just might take a bit longer to start.