weird starting problem
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Joined: Dec 2005
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weird starting problem
is there any link between a block heater, and the ignition system? my father in law has an 85 f250 and when he tries to start it, it just cranks. he plugs in the block heater, and the truck will immediately start if cranked. we've replaced and tested all of the glow plugs, both batteries are good, but can't figure out why? it's kept in a garage, and didn't do this last winter, which was alot colder than what this winter has been?
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 21,285
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From: Nutter Fort, WV
No connection between the block heater and the ignition circuit.
The block heater is 115 volt AC.
Your problem is glow plug related, now to find out where it is.
Does the "Wait to start" light come on?
Can you hear the relay clicking when you turn the key on?
The relay is located behind the passenger side battery on the inner fender well.
Using a test light see if you have battery voltage to the front terminal of the relay, should have a red wire on it.
Now move the test light to the rear terminal, have someone turn the key to run, you should have voltage on this terminal while the glow plugs are heating.
Turn the key back to the off position and wait a few minutes.
Remove a glow plug connector and with the testor touching the terminal inside the connector have someone turn the key back to run. Do you have voltage there?
What glow plugs did you install?
The 6.9 should have Motorcraft/Beru ZD 1A glow plugs used in it.
The others are junk.
The block heater is 115 volt AC.
Your problem is glow plug related, now to find out where it is.
Does the "Wait to start" light come on?
Can you hear the relay clicking when you turn the key on?
The relay is located behind the passenger side battery on the inner fender well.
Using a test light see if you have battery voltage to the front terminal of the relay, should have a red wire on it.
Now move the test light to the rear terminal, have someone turn the key to run, you should have voltage on this terminal while the glow plugs are heating.
Turn the key back to the off position and wait a few minutes.
Remove a glow plug connector and with the testor touching the terminal inside the connector have someone turn the key back to run. Do you have voltage there?
What glow plugs did you install?
The 6.9 should have Motorcraft/Beru ZD 1A glow plugs used in it.
The others are junk.
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sorry about so many post, justt trying to get the widest input possible. ok, he left out some information, the wait light does come on like it should, when he plugs in the block heater, he said it takes about an hour, then the truck will start, once it is running, you can shut it off, and as long as the eng stays fairly warm, about 4 hours of not running you can start it up again without the heater. why would it all of a sudden be tempermantal to the cold, when last year was colder, and it started fine, every time?
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More Turbo
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 743
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From: MI -- farmboy
I had the same problem, the glowplug controller was bad in mine. I also made sure that I only used motorcraft/beru glowplugs. Champion and autolite are not the same and can cause you MAJOR problems. Follow the directions from Dave Sponaugle, this guy knows his stuff and has help me much with mine.
So far you have established the block heater works. Thats good, go on to the next part of trouble shooting. (The block heater is not much diffrent than the electric coil on a water heater. Its just an element with 110v power and is completly independant from the rest of the truck) Establish the glow plugs are getting power and are good. PUtting in a bypass switch wont hurt, but remember to use it carefully, count to 15 at the most then release.
So far you have established the block heater works. Thats good, go on to the next part of trouble shooting. (The block heater is not much diffrent than the electric coil on a water heater. Its just an element with 110v power and is completly independant from the rest of the truck) Establish the glow plugs are getting power and are good. PUtting in a bypass switch wont hurt, but remember to use it carefully, count to 15 at the most then release.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 21,285
Likes: 15
From: Nutter Fort, WV
How did you test the glow plugs and how long ago?
What kind did you install?
And how long does the "Wait to Start" light come on?
Use a test light and see if voltage is actually making it to the glow plugs when the key is turned to ON.
What kind did you install?
And how long does the "Wait to Start" light come on?
Use a test light and see if voltage is actually making it to the glow plugs when the key is turned to ON.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 21,285
Likes: 15
From: Nutter Fort, WV
So for the third time I ask what kind of glow plugs did you install?
I have seen off brand glow plugs die after one or two starts.
Have you tested them again?
Also a failing controller on the 6.9 early system can turn the glow plugs on while the engine is running and you are driving down the road.
Burns the glow plugs up right now reguardless of what kind you install.
I have been down this road two or three times before, it is not my first trip around the block.
So you should start by testing the glow plugs again.
We can start over at square one.
I have seen off brand glow plugs die after one or two starts.
Have you tested them again?
Also a failing controller on the 6.9 early system can turn the glow plugs on while the engine is running and you are driving down the road.
Burns the glow plugs up right now reguardless of what kind you install.
I have been down this road two or three times before, it is not my first trip around the block.
So you should start by testing the glow plugs again.
We can start over at square one.
Last edited by Dave Sponaugle; Jan 3, 2006 at 09:28 PM.
