Glow plug controller?
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Senior User
Joined: May 2011
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From: Morgantown, WV
Glow plug controller?
I just read through the whole GP sticky and didnt see it in there.
My WTS light cycles as normal and my battery has a big draw on it but once the light shuts off, the draw is still there and its not clicking like it used too.
I did some wiring repairs to the truck yesterday and after that is when it started. I installed some aftermarket sunpro gauges and i needed to ground the OE wire of the oil sending unit so I grounded it to the bolt to the left of where the old sensor was and one of the GPs that I had fixed the connector on before had come undone so I refixed it.
Idk if either of those have anything to do with my controller. From what I can tell from the battery draw is that the plugs are still cycling, the truck starts up but I havent checked to see if they still cycle even after it running.
any help? im going to undo that ground I made and see if any of the wires on the controller got bumped.
My WTS light cycles as normal and my battery has a big draw on it but once the light shuts off, the draw is still there and its not clicking like it used too.
I did some wiring repairs to the truck yesterday and after that is when it started. I installed some aftermarket sunpro gauges and i needed to ground the OE wire of the oil sending unit so I grounded it to the bolt to the left of where the old sensor was and one of the GPs that I had fixed the connector on before had come undone so I refixed it.
Idk if either of those have anything to do with my controller. From what I can tell from the battery draw is that the plugs are still cycling, the truck starts up but I havent checked to see if they still cycle even after it running.
any help? im going to undo that ground I made and see if any of the wires on the controller got bumped.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2008
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Mine does the same thing, not sure if its normal or not. Just replaced GPs and still barely starts so i guess its time to overhaul the GP system.... was hoping to wait and do this when the engine was out, but it decided to throw a fit
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Senior User
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From: Morgantown, WV
So does anyone actually know the cause or solution? I havent had a time to mess with it yet, just got back from work. Im messing with it tomorrow though. I think Im going to run all new gp wires with new connectors
Fleet Owner
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From: Mi'kma'ki
here is a complete test you can run on the system:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post12967785
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2008
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I know what he means.. when you turn the key on, and the GPs kick on, the light stays on for 15-17 seconds, however the GPs stay hot for another 5-6. I know this from the draw via the gauge, and the sound of my fuel pump is identical. What throws me off, is there is no after glow like this. But if i cycle the key once, it stops glowing as the light goes out, and i have after glow.
That is how mine used to be, now however they only glow for like 7-8 seconds, i get after glow, but it acts like half my plugs are bad.
That is how mine used to be, now however they only glow for like 7-8 seconds, i get after glow, but it acts like half my plugs are bad.
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Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2006
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From: Mi'kma'ki
well,when i first got both trucks,i removed the ground wire for the controller.cleaned it all up,applied a little grease (then put it back of course) and then ran those tests using a multi meter.it's extremely easy.takes 10 mins or less,and tells you whats wrong.removes all guess work.it's a very basic system.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2008
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Problem with mine is a shop already messed with the wiring while my dad had it, i think that is most likely where the culprit lies. I also have a few connectors that are pretty rough, need to dig out the multimeter, but im to lazy to lol. Time to just get a new harness and be done with the stupid thing. Its just a pain in the **** to do it in the truck, i wanted to wait until the engine was out and the IP lines werent in the way.
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Senior User
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From: Morgantown, WV
I bypassed the factory gauges and put in sunpro gauges (including a voltmeter) when the plugs are cycling its down around 10vs while it runs its close to 14v but when it clicks it goes from 10 to 12v
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2006
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From: Mi'kma'ki
how long does the volt gauge/audible clicking continue after the light has goes out/after you start the truck?
this is known as afterglow and helps keep the engine running smooth/reduces white smoke at startup.it's normal operation of the glow plug controller.unless you state something else/additional info besides what you just did here,it appears it's working correctly.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2006
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From: Mi'kma'ki
time to get the multimeter out and see whats going on.10 mins or less you'll know.
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Senior User
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From: Morgantown, WV
if it stays a constant drain,then the controller has failed in the ON state (not typical with the 87+ system) and has/or will burn out your glow plugs and it's likely the alternator won't keep up after a while and both batteries will go dead.i suppose the plugs will burn out far before this happens though.i wouldn't take the truck anywhere.hopefully the plugs come out easy.
time to get the multimeter out and see whats going on.10 mins or less you'll know.
time to get the multimeter out and see whats going on.10 mins or less you'll know.