Wait to Start??
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 241
Likes: 0
From: Seattle
Wait to Start??
Since I’m new to this diesel business I am always forgetting to wait for the “Wait to start” light to go off. I try to watch it but I guess I’m just to excited to hear my truck run. Anyhow, what is the impact of forgetting to always wait for the light to go off?
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,248
Likes: 1
From: Elverson, PA
If it does hurt anything I've never read anything about it here on FTE - BUT... that doesn't mean that it can't! Try to get in the habit and before long it'll be second nature. I hopped in a truck at work the other day to move it and turned the key and waited...... o yea it's a gasser. Felt like a 'tard.
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,873
Likes: 1
From: Phx, AZ
Cat-man
Hey nothing wrong with waiting for a gasser either. If you wait justa second all the components of the truck or car gets a second to cycle and the computer to do a self check before cranking it over.
Fire rooster
Hey nothing wrong with waiting for a gasser either. If you wait justa second all the components of the truck or car gets a second to cycle and the computer to do a self check before cranking it over.
Fire rooster
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 12,253
Likes: 763
From: Houston, Texas
It's understandable, I did the exact same thing when I test drove one. 
Then I did a little reading and figured out that I had to wait. What most of us do is: get in, turn the key to the first position, and put on our seatbelt. By the time you finish putting on your seatbelt, the glow plugs will be done and you can safely start your truck.
Then I did a little reading and figured out that I had to wait. What most of us do is: get in, turn the key to the first position, and put on our seatbelt. By the time you finish putting on your seatbelt, the glow plugs will be done and you can safely start your truck.
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 435
Likes: 0
From: NW
Speaking of the wait to start, and the glow plug warmup. I knew that the glow plugs kept heating , even after the engine started for a period of time. But I did not know how long. Since I installed an aftermarket volt guage, I now see that apparently the glow plug relay does not turn off until about 30+ seconds after mine starts up.
Is that normal?
Is that normal?
Post Fiend
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 5,324
Likes: 1
From: Denton,TX
Yes, that's normal but there is no set period of time that they turn off. When the engine is warm enough according to the computer they will shut off.
Trending Topics
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 435
Likes: 0
From: NW
Originally Posted by johnsdiesel
Yes, that's normal but there is no set period of time that they turn off. When the engine is warm enough according to the computer they will shut off.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 386
Likes: 0
From: usa
What year trucks are we talking about here? The late 97s and up Only come on if Needed. The older trucks are timed. My WTS light comes on for a half second when the truck is warm But if you watch the Amp gauge the Plugs dont cycle and as far as I know the older trucks cycle every time to key is turned on.
Post Fiend
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 5,324
Likes: 1
From: Denton,TX
My 1997 cycles the glow plugs every time, but they don't stay on for a fixed period of time. If it's warm outside they are only on until I turn the key and when it's cold they stay on for much longer.
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 435
Likes: 0
From: NW
Originally Posted by BigBully
What year trucks are we talking about here? The late 97s and up Only come on if Needed. The older trucks are timed. My WTS light comes on for a half second when the truck is warm But if you watch the Amp gauge the Plugs dont cycle and as far as I know the older trucks cycle every time to key is turned on.
When I first turn on the ignition switch , I hear the electric fuel pump energize for a few seconds, and the wait to start light comes on. My voltage drops to 11 volts. Even after the engine starts, the voltage remains at 11 volts for more than 30 seconds, then goes up to close to 15 volts. Like clockwork. The only thing I can think of that could draw that much current is the glow plugs, or that would continue after starting. Mine is a 2000.
Also, I need to amend something. This is only happening at the first start after sitting several hours, such as overnight, or all day. If I stop at the gas station, for example, and shut it off for 10 minutes, this current drain does not happen. Voltmeter instantly goes to 15 volts at startup.
My Wait to start light goes out very fast on a warm engine. Maybe 1 to 2 seconds.
Last edited by TJC1989; Apr 26, 2004 at 07:21 PM.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 367
Likes: 0
From: New Haven, MO
Originally Posted by Toreador_Diesel
What most of us do is: get in, turn the key to the first position, and put on our seatbelt. By the time you finish putting on your seatbelt, the glow plugs will be done and you can safely start your truck.
