Engine won't start
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New User
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 5
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Engine won't start
.
My husband called about an hour ago. He's at Deer Camp, about 40 miles away. He'd just packed up everything and was going to back under our fifth-wheel camper to come home, but the truck wouldn't start. He told the rest of the guys to go ahead and go home, he'd get it started or call someone to come get him tomorrow. (He's stranded, but does have a 35foot camper to sleep in, to he's not going to freeze to death) Anyway...if anyone can help, he's going to call again in about an hour. So...I'll be watching the posts, and hopefully together we can get him home tonight!!!
Here's what I know about the truck:
1999 FORD F-350 Diesel 7.3L V8
The "wait to start light" does NOT come on when he tries to start it.
All the other dash light do.
The engine does turn over...(tries to start)
It's getting fuel. (He took off the fuel filter and the fuel pump is pumping)
When he turns the key, he hears the relay.(click..click..click.)
He does have power...lights, radio etc.
He does have a power-chip, but did remove it. (He did this while the key was on-could this cause some problem?)
And just so you all know, and might get a laugh---
My husband's occupation-DIESEL MECHANIC (25 years Tractor-Trailers)
HAHAHAHA!
My husband called about an hour ago. He's at Deer Camp, about 40 miles away. He'd just packed up everything and was going to back under our fifth-wheel camper to come home, but the truck wouldn't start. He told the rest of the guys to go ahead and go home, he'd get it started or call someone to come get him tomorrow. (He's stranded, but does have a 35foot camper to sleep in, to he's not going to freeze to death) Anyway...if anyone can help, he's going to call again in about an hour. So...I'll be watching the posts, and hopefully together we can get him home tonight!!!
Here's what I know about the truck:
1999 FORD F-350 Diesel 7.3L V8
The "wait to start light" does NOT come on when he tries to start it.
All the other dash light do.
The engine does turn over...(tries to start)
It's getting fuel. (He took off the fuel filter and the fuel pump is pumping)
When he turns the key, he hears the relay.(click..click..click.)
He does have power...lights, radio etc.
He does have a power-chip, but did remove it. (He did this while the key was on-could this cause some problem?)
And just so you all know, and might get a laugh---
My husband's occupation-DIESEL MECHANIC (25 years Tractor-Trailers)
HAHAHAHA!
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 14,413
Likes: 3
From: Sarnia, Ontario, CANADA!
I have no idea why I am in this forum ( I NEVER go here) but I will try to help. I think the key thing here is the no turning over and the relay clicking. I would GUESS that his starter is shot or maybe the cable from the relay to the starter.
First, tell him to give his starter a couple wacks with a hammer and try to start it. If that doesn't work hopefully he has jumper cables. Tell him to run one of the cables from the main bolt on the starter to the one side of the relay where the starter wire goes to. I am stuck in 1985 so I am not sure if his truck has a relay (solenoid) that is built into his starter or not.
Those are maybe a couple places to start. Good luck (and welcome to FTE!)
-Matt
P.S. I went back and read that the truck is a 1999. Not sure but the solenoid is probably part of the starter. He could maybe by-pass it, not sure though.
First, tell him to give his starter a couple wacks with a hammer and try to start it. If that doesn't work hopefully he has jumper cables. Tell him to run one of the cables from the main bolt on the starter to the one side of the relay where the starter wire goes to. I am stuck in 1985 so I am not sure if his truck has a relay (solenoid) that is built into his starter or not.
Those are maybe a couple places to start. Good luck (and welcome to FTE!)
-Matt
P.S. I went back and read that the truck is a 1999. Not sure but the solenoid is probably part of the starter. He could maybe by-pass it, not sure though.
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,417
Likes: 4
From: Braham MN
Just my guess cuz I am not an expert but I would say it's the CPS Cam Position Sense. It seams to be a common problem on these trucks. symptoms are no start, tach won't move when cranking. do a search on it you will get TONS of info.
Diesel rod
Diesel rod
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,864
Likes: 0
From: STEPHENVILLE,TX!!!!!
i think hes just trying to get a couple more days to hunt!! im gonna have to remeber that one. sounds like the pcm fuse is blown or not getting pwr if the wts light isnt coming on. hotwire the gpr and fire it up
Last edited by barebackjake; Nov 21, 2004 at 06:27 PM.
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,417
Likes: 4
From: Braham MN
I forgot to say I dont know why the wait to start light doesnt come on but i still think it is the CPS that is causing it. not cheap but there REALLY easy to do with a screw drive and about 20 minutes.
Diesel rod
Diesel rod
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 119
Likes: 0
From: Lilburn, GA
If he's chipped the truck tell him to pull the chip.
On Edit:
Never mind - I see he pulled the chip already. He may want to leave it out and see if the WTS light comes on.
Jim
On Edit:
Never mind - I see he pulled the chip already. He may want to leave it out and see if the WTS light comes on.
Jim
Last edited by jmbatlanta; Nov 21, 2004 at 06:25 PM.
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Postmaster
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 2,773
Likes: 0
From: Bonney Lake, WA
I think the key here is that he pulled the chip with the key in the "on" position. I'd have him disconnect both batteries, and turn the headlights on to drain any residual power in the system. This will drain any power left in the pcm. Reconnect the batteries, and let 'er rip. If the pcm gets confused, like it would if the chip were pulled with the key on, it might shut down the trucks ability to start.
Good luck.
Good luck.
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Senior User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 371
Likes: 0
Agree with Quadzilla and Realhp. Do the block heater and battery charger, and while waiting disconnect the batteries to reset the pcm. With the engine warmed up you won't need the glow plugs so it should start. To charge the truck batteries he may have to jerry-rig wiring from the trailer 12 volt converter to the truck batteries if he doesn't have a portable charger.
Good Luck
Good Luck
Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From: Flint, MI
I have to agree with Quadzilla. The chip should not have been pulled with the key on. I would try his suggestions.
Beast12
I don't think they need to hit the starter with a HAMMER to get it to work. As she said " The engine does turn over...(tries to start) "
Randy
Beast12
I don't think they need to hit the starter with a HAMMER to get it to work. As she said " The engine does turn over...(tries to start) "
Randy
