Cold mornings
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Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2013
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Cold mornings
My truck had trouble yesterday starting at school. It sat in 40 degree weather for 8 hours and it took 4-6 tries to start. The mechanic said to just turn the key on and wait till the warming sign goes off and to that 4 times and then it should crank so far it's worked but should I be worried about this happening in the future?
New User
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 16
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If by "warming sign" you mean "Wait to Start" light, it doesn't mean anything. It's just a dummy light. The glow plugs will stay on for 90-120 seconds. If you are trying to start it as soon as the "Wait to Start" light goes off, you aren't giving the plugs enough time to work.
New User
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 16
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I'm relatively new to diesels also, but I have a blast learning about them. I don't post alot, but I spend a ton of time on here researching and learning from the guys that actually do know.
Enjoy your new ride and enjoy learning.
Enjoy your new ride and enjoy learning.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 498
Likes: 0
From: Hagerstown, MD
Aaron is correct. The glow plugs stay energized after the Wait to Start (or coil lamp on later models) turns off. Some trucks will stay energized for 60 seconds, and some report up to 120 seconds. This can depend on what the PCM sees for intake air temp, engine oil temp, and barometric pressure I believe? Try waiting 30-45 seconds after the light goes out before cranking.
If you continue to have issues, we can start looking at the glow plug system itself to determine if you have a problem there. 40*F is not extremely cold, but I've been told glow plugs are needed at temps under 50*F.
If you continue to have issues, we can start looking at the glow plug system itself to determine if you have a problem there. 40*F is not extremely cold, but I've been told glow plugs are needed at temps under 50*F.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,667
Likes: 5
the glow plugs is only one of the components in your glow plug system,so if you determine its struggling to start after allowing proper glow time, the you will need some more trouble shooting.
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 498
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From: Hagerstown, MD
New glow plugs, old glow plugs- it doesn't matter much if you aren't letting them do their job. The next time you go to cold start your truck, you should just let the plugs run for 30-45 seconds as previously mentioned and then try it. Then report back and we can move forward from there if you're still having concerns.
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 4,738
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From: Temperance, MI
Man we need to school these new guys on the proper "diesel lingo". Stick around awhile and you'll be talking GPs ICP WGs IPR HPOP.... Etc and not only that you'll know what they all do and why.
It sounds like the glow plug relay/ relay starter is the same thing. Good luck.
It sounds like the glow plug relay/ relay starter is the same thing. Good luck.
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,102
Likes: 3
From: Virginia - SW (Riner)
wish it was forty here! try starting in -7deg, w/ 15W40!!! - doesn't usually get cold enough, long enough here to switch to 5W40 but this persistent below freezing single digits it making me think twice !!
Ours start but man is it loud...
Ours start but man is it loud...
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 498
Likes: 0
From: Hagerstown, MD
x2… It's a cold one this year! Easily worth me switching to 5-40 back in August and again earlier this month. I can't remember it ever being -30 w/ wind chill in western MD before. The good old power steering pump sure does sound sad on those mornings...
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 2,500
Likes: 14
From: South Carolina
Since the glow plugs have already been replaced, i think you are right to go after the relay now.
I am in Carolina and my truck is starting on one spin.
I am in Carolina and my truck is starting on one spin.
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