'97 PSD No Start
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
'97 PSD No Start
We've got a '97 F250 4x4 5sp that sat for a few weeks now won't start. The wait-to-start light does not come on, but we cranked the hell out of it anyway, recharged the batteries and tried again. The truck ran fine before this, never a problem, except the batteries do get weak if we let it sit like this (new or old batteries). After talking to some folks indications are pointing to the PCM. My question is this. A relative has a '97 PSD 5sp 2wd truck and we are wondering if we can safely swap the PCM from his truck into mine for testing purposes -- process of elimination thing. Any advice is appreciated.
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,897
Likes: 0
From: Northeastern Pa - USA
swappin parts from one 5 speed to another I would imagine would be okay. The only difference would be evident in automatic trans. I would think the cps may be giving you the fit ... does the tach register while cranking? Also, you may want to be careful not to overheat the starter. Is there any smoke coming from the tail pipe when cranking .. may be the glow plug system may be messed up from sitting. I would also plug the block heater in for a few hours before trying it.
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Thanks for getting back to me. Still need to check the cps as well. Glow plugs are fresh, as is the relay. As for the starter, "Cranking the hell out of it" was an attempt at humor -- it's not being overworked. We'll plug the block heater in and check for smoke/tach movement.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 170
Likes: 0
From: Loudoun, Va
With these trucks it seems that if the glow plug system does not work or its not plugged in they dont want to start. Maybe pulling it would get enough heat built up but I never tried, weak batteries will also cause a no start.. Did the wait to start light work before parking it. If so glow plug issues are more than likely the issue, namely the glow plug relay. If there is no smoke from the tailpipe there is no fuel being delivered. Engine oil level and HPOP oil level would be where I start from that perspective, give us the details
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,816
Likes: 3
From: River Valley AR
I am suspicious of your batteries. My truck had weak batteries when I first got it. To the ear it sounded fine, but white smoke and no crank. Put a booster on it and it fired immediately. Replaced batteries and problem is gone. Your local chain store should be able to load test them for you. Check your big terminals on top of the GPR for voltage. Both should have voltage when key is turned on, and you can feel or hear a click when it energizes. (I know it's new but until you prove it's good you can only assume.) If it broke after sitting i wonder if a rodent made a nest? I could be wrong but I don't see how sitting up could damage the PCM.
Rynl88 has a good point about the wait to start light bulb. Too cheap not to check it.
Rynl88 has a good point about the wait to start light bulb. Too cheap not to check it.
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Swapped PCM's from one vehicle to the other -- same result. Am inclined to look for a rodent nest as bodabdan suggested. We are cranking off a booster, I am assuming that would give sufficient voltage when coupled with the fully charged batteries. Concerning the presence of white smoke when cranking -- unburned fuel by my understanding from reading other posts -- if nothing is coming out of the pipe smoke-wise when I crank does that indicate a fuel starved situation? What is the best way to troubleshoot the fuel delivery system, or am I barking up the wrong tree. Again, thanks to all for your advice. I'm trying to chase this down because the closest knowledgeable Ford dealer is about 100 miles -- one hell of a tow!
RynL88, just read your post again and saw what I was looking for, and it seems you might know what to investigate. Again, help is appreciated.
RynL88, just read your post again and saw what I was looking for, and it seems you might know what to investigate. Again, help is appreciated.
Last edited by peets23; Oct 9, 2004 at 12:52 AM. Reason: Just noticed something from another post
Trending Topics
Tuned
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 250
Likes: 1
From: Mississippi
Engine oil level and HPOP oil level would be where I start
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,816
Likes: 3
From: River Valley AR
I forbid starting fluid anywhere near my PSD. I would not suggest using it. It is my understanding that aside from possible engine damage, the ether can be ignited by the glow plugs before it is in the cylinder. Somebody correct me if I am wrong. If that happens you could not only get a boom in your intake and turbo, but there's a risk of fire also.
No white smoke would make me suspect the fuel system also. I have a theory but i need to do more research before I post it.
No white smoke would make me suspect the fuel system also. I have a theory but i need to do more research before I post it.
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,864
Likes: 0
From: STEPHENVILLE,TX!!!!!
since theese trucks are all electronic, i would go through and clean all your battery terminals and make sure your grounds are super clean, checking pcm connections, sounds like the computer dosnt know its gettting turned on with no wait to start light coming on. im suspecting bad connection, have you checked fuses??
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Checked all the fuses, pulled and cleaned the PCM connections -- It's just real strange. The truck ran fine a month ago when it was parked, now nothing.... I hate to be a parts changer, but is there a way to test the cam position sensor short of replacing it? Friends have had them drop dead while driving and I am wondering if that may be it.
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Gettin' ready to jump off the bridge. Just for grins we replaced the batteries -- they were five years old anyway and I read enough posts to think they might be part of the problem. Still won't start. Tomorrow will try the CPS, although the tach moves when I crank it so my hopes are not very high, unless they can still be faulty and let the tach move. Doesn't seem to be the PCM, the high pressure oil pump level is within 1" of the top, it now has the new batteries, the glow plugs are fresh, relay is fresh -- just don't really know what to check next. After this it might be time to call in the flatbead unless I can figure a way to troubleshoot the fuel system. I have no smoke coming out of the pipe when I crank it and from what I've been told it means no fuel is getting into the combustion chamber. All suggestions are appreciated.