Glow Plugs Delay

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Apr 30, 2017 | 09:13 PM

lts

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Joined: Aug 2006

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Glow Plugs Delay

Got my truck back from the local dealership recently after having the transmission replaced (another victim of the early build cooling line issue).
I know they updated the PCM, TCM etc. while it was in the shop since it was an early build (late August). I confirmed with them that they did in fact update the modules.
But now there is no delay when I start the truck. Before this work was done it would have a one or two second delay after hitting the start button (or initiating a remote start). I'm in TX & LA most of the time so it's not really cold, but there zero delay now. I mentioned this to the service manager shortly after getting the truck back but he didn't seem to think it was an issue.
I'm no diesel expert, but from what I've learned over the years, it's not good for the engine to crank if the combustion chamber isn't properly heated. I also know the glow plugs have gotten faster over the years. Still concerned about this immediate start thing.
Anyone else experience this after having the PCM updated?
Thanks,
Gentry

Apr 30, 2017 | 10:17 PM

347Flatty

Senior User

Joined: Sep 2016

Posts: 286

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From: Bothell Wa

I have a truck built recently but I don't have the push button start. When I turn the key on, the glow plug symbol will appear for a second or two and then I start it. With that said, I can just as easy put the key in and start all in one motion without any starting issue. It starts right up. Honestly I'm not sure if it matters much to wait on these new diesels to wait?

Apr 30, 2017 | 10:22 PM

Painted Horse

Lead Driver

Joined: Nov 2005

Posts: 5,239

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From: Kaysville Utah

The glow plugs on the 6.7 go from ambient temp to 1200° in 2 seconds. So you don't need a long wait like the 7.3L engines. If the engine is already warm, there is almost no wait

Apr 30, 2017 | 10:34 PM

347Flatty

Senior User

Joined: Sep 2016

Posts: 286

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From: Bothell Wa

Is there any down side to starting immediately since it doesn't seem to matter? I'm used to the 7.3 and we all know how that worked

Apr 30, 2017 | 10:38 PM

Painted Horse

Lead Driver

Joined: Nov 2005

Posts: 5,239

Likes: 4,257

From: Kaysville Utah

Once my truck has been started in the morning, the rest of the day, I pretty much jump in and turn the key. My 2011 ran 150,000 with no problems and my 2015 is almost to 70k with no problems. I've yet to replace a glow plug

Apr 30, 2017 | 11:20 PM

BII Plow Truck

Elder User

Joined: Aug 2006

Posts: 634

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Modern day diesels don't use the glow plugs to heat the combustion chamber if coolant temperature is above 34*F. (Not sure the exact degrees on a Ford). Basically above that temp it's the compression of the cylinder makes the heat required to start, and the light on the dash is just to tell you the light is working.

May 1, 2017 | 01:16 AM

AK_SuperDuty

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Joined: Apr 2016

Posts: 812

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With the push button start at temperatures around -10 this winter, truck not plugged in or run for at least 12 hours, my truck starts within 1-1.5 seconds of pushing the button. It's never taken longer than that.