glow plug switch
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glow plug switch
So I have this little switch on the dash by the ignition that controls the glow plugs. I was told by a diesel mechanic to hold the switch for like 15-20 sec and cycle the key over again, and do it again. I don't know when that was installed or why, but is that like a relay bypass or something? This is my first diesel so not sure how this system is stock. The 'Wait to Start' light doesn't work.
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I have installed a 'start button' switch that by passes all of the glow plug controls that go bad and cause undue wear to the glow plugs.
Just hold the button for a few seconds when the engine is cold. Once the engine heats up it is not required.
Just hold the button for a few seconds when the engine is cold. Once the engine heats up it is not required.
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From: Thomaston
15-20 is a little long. Turn key on push button count to 10, mash accerlator either 1/2 way or to the floor ( per owners manual ) release button Start truck. DO NOT do excessive cranking or you will be buying a starter
i ain't rite
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From: Marlboro Mental Hospital.
i do not like manual glow plugs, all my diesels have a properly working glow plug system.
this way i do not have to worry about someone getting in the truck and burning out the glow plugs by sending power to them too long.
this way i do not have to worry about someone getting in the truck and burning out the glow plugs by sending power to them too long.
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Very good to know hturner, thank you. It didn't come with a manual, so I didn't know about pressing the gas, and I've been holding it for too long apparently.
I'd much rather have the stock system do the work for me so I don't ever have I worry about it and, as tjc said, worry about someone else burning out the glow plugs too. I'd rather have the computer time it all for me.
Is this an expensive endeavor to return to stock and repair the issues? Is that why it was bypassed in the first place probably?
I'd much rather have the stock system do the work for me so I don't ever have I worry about it and, as tjc said, worry about someone else burning out the glow plugs too. I'd rather have the computer time it all for me.
Is this an expensive endeavor to return to stock and repair the issues? Is that why it was bypassed in the first place probably?
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From: Thomaston
Very good to know hturner, thank you. It didn't come with a manual, so I didn't know about pressing the gas, and I've been holding it for too long apparently.
I'd much rather have the stock system do the work for me so I don't ever have I worry about it and, as tjc said, worry about someone else burning out the glow plugs too. I'd rather have the computer time it all for me.
Is this an expensive endeavor to return to stock and repair the issues? Is that why it was bypassed in the first place probably?
I'd much rather have the stock system do the work for me so I don't ever have I worry about it and, as tjc said, worry about someone else burning out the glow plugs too. I'd rather have the computer time it all for me.
Is this an expensive endeavor to return to stock and repair the issues? Is that why it was bypassed in the first place probably?
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I'll check there too, a picture would be great 
My wife drives it occasionally toting the horses around to various places, and she's never driven a diesel before either. I'll have to make sure she knows the proper way to start it as well.
My wife drives it occasionally toting the horses around to various places, and she's never driven a diesel before either. I'll have to make sure she knows the proper way to start it as well.
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Postmaster
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From: Thomaston
i ain't rite
Joined: Mar 2005
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From: Marlboro Mental Hospital.
usually the glow plug controller is hacked up/bypassed because someone that has no clue what they are doing tries to repair it.
and most of the time there is actually nothing wrong with the system to start with besides the fact the hack put the wrong glow plugs in and then does everything wrong to "fix" it
and most of the time there is actually nothing wrong with the system to start with besides the fact the hack put the wrong glow plugs in and then does everything wrong to "fix" it
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Thanks for the picture hturner!
Tjc, I hear you on that, I've encountered a lot of that in my house lol. I'd like to get the system fixed properly eventually, where do I start?
I guess first off I should see if all the glow plugs are working and what brand they are, right?
Tjc, I hear you on that, I've encountered a lot of that in my house lol. I'd like to get the system fixed properly eventually, where do I start?
I guess first off I should see if all the glow plugs are working and what brand they are, right?
i ain't rite
Joined: Mar 2005
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From: Marlboro Mental Hospital.
that is the best first step!
on top of this forum there is a READ FIRST for glow plug diagnostics.
you will want the Glow plugs, 87 thru 94, new style system thread
by clicking on the blue link it will take you to the thread.
on top of this forum there is a READ FIRST for glow plug diagnostics.
you will want the Glow plugs, 87 thru 94, new style system thread
by clicking on the blue link it will take you to the thread.
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Junior User
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that is the best first step!
on top of this forum there is a READ FIRST for glow plug diagnostics.
you will want the Glow plugs, 87 thru 94, new style system thread
by clicking on the blue link it will take you to the thread.
on top of this forum there is a READ FIRST for glow plug diagnostics.
you will want the Glow plugs, 87 thru 94, new style system thread
by clicking on the blue link it will take you to the thread.
Tuned
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 436
Likes: 51
From: Southwest WA
usually the glow plug controller is hacked up/bypassed because someone that has no clue what they are doing tries to repair it.
and most of the time there is actually nothing wrong with the system to start with besides the fact the hack put the wrong glow plugs in and then does everything wrong to "fix" it
and most of the time there is actually nothing wrong with the system to start with besides the fact the hack put the wrong glow plugs in and then does everything wrong to "fix" it
Agree - I converted my 1984 6.9L from the original spade connector type glowplugs and controller to a newer 90's style solid state retrofit kit from International Harvester over 15 years ago and it still works fine after all these years!
The truck is only used occasionally nowadays, but there has been zero trouble with the glowplugs since the conversion.
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