another starting question
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Junior User
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 64
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From: michigan
another starting question
As the temps drop here in Michigan, my truck gets harder and harder to start.Below 32 degrees I have to plug
the block heater in and usually don't have any problem starting. This year I did. The temps were going to be in the
low 20's overnight so I plugged the heater in and when I went to start it in the morning it turned over like both batteries
needed a charge. So I charged the batteries, plugged the heater in again the next night, and had the same result
the next morning. I got under the truck and felt the block and it was cold, so I followed the cord out to the front
of the truck and found where someone had spliced a new plug into the cord, and it had burnt up.
I repaired it and plugged it in, and the next morning the truck started like it alwas had. The next day wasn't as cold so
I didn't plug it in, and again the batteries hardly turned the starter. Today the starter wouldn't ever turn over. Checked
both batteries for voltage and had 13.56 on each one. Had help today and hammered on the starter as I turned
the key with no results at all. I'm thinking the starter is bad. any way of checking it without taking it off? Thanks
the block heater in and usually don't have any problem starting. This year I did. The temps were going to be in the
low 20's overnight so I plugged the heater in and when I went to start it in the morning it turned over like both batteries
needed a charge. So I charged the batteries, plugged the heater in again the next night, and had the same result
the next morning. I got under the truck and felt the block and it was cold, so I followed the cord out to the front
of the truck and found where someone had spliced a new plug into the cord, and it had burnt up.
I repaired it and plugged it in, and the next morning the truck started like it alwas had. The next day wasn't as cold so
I didn't plug it in, and again the batteries hardly turned the starter. Today the starter wouldn't ever turn over. Checked
both batteries for voltage and had 13.56 on each one. Had help today and hammered on the starter as I turned
the key with no results at all. I'm thinking the starter is bad. any way of checking it without taking it off? Thanks
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 236
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I don't really know the answer to your question, but with fresh charged batteries, does your starter sound like it's going to fly out of the truck? I recently had a starter, a rebuilt part store cheapy, that would drain the batteries very quickly. I put the amp meter on it, the truck drew 64 ish amps with glow plugs, then 214 amps with the starter. Replaced starter, and everything was fine. I also had two worn out batteries in a '99 psd. The truck would cycle the gp's, the crank great for about three seconds, then fall on it's face. The batteries kept testing fine, not great, but fine. First, check your connections, then have your batteries and charging system tested.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 7,760
Likes: 27
From: Hampton, Maryland.
Many people don't realize, the starter is part of the charging system, if it is going out, it can drain the batteries. It is in series and may not allow the alternator to charge them properly. I would take it out and have it tested.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 289
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From: Va. Beach, VA
What Tug said especially in those northern tundra states.....Plus
How old are the batteries? Voltage level doesn't necessarily equate to cranking amps. Went thru the same symptoms and troubleshooting checklist couple years ago and was thinking starter worn or something. Purchased new batts and the starter sounded like a high speed drill. Truck fired up immediately.
In the process I bought a battery load tester as a work around the basic voltage test for not only my truck, but my twin engine offshore powerboat. Everyone should have one.
If the batts are reasonably new and decent brands, then the next step (to eliminate batts) would be to ensure the cables at the batteries are clean and tight AND the connections at the starter are clean and tight. From there you could move forward to the next TS level.
How old are the batteries? Voltage level doesn't necessarily equate to cranking amps. Went thru the same symptoms and troubleshooting checklist couple years ago and was thinking starter worn or something. Purchased new batts and the starter sounded like a high speed drill. Truck fired up immediately.
In the process I bought a battery load tester as a work around the basic voltage test for not only my truck, but my twin engine offshore powerboat. Everyone should have one.
If the batts are reasonably new and decent brands, then the next step (to eliminate batts) would be to ensure the cables at the batteries are clean and tight AND the connections at the starter are clean and tight. From there you could move forward to the next TS level.
Thread Starter
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Junior User
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 64
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From: michigan
temps yesterday topped out at 25, overnight got to 17, I turned the ignition on and let it sit for about 2 minutes and it started. I've had this truck since 2010 when I needed something to pull a 12,000 lb 5th wheel travel trailer and have never had it start below 32 without plugging it in. This is a first.
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