Hard Start
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 180
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver
Hard Start
I am having problems with my truck not firing up right away like it used to. I have tested the glow plug relay and it is ok, I replaced one glow plug that was bad and one the was reading a little high. I have tried cycling the relay several times and it still doesn't help. Heck the weather is only in the 40's at the coldest. I checked the voltage of the batteries and they are both 12.7 v. I can watch the amp gauge pull way down when I turn the key on and it can take a minute or two before it goes back to normal range. I also checked the voltage with the truck running and the voltage was 14.something volts. Also checked the HPOP resivior and it is full. Any Ideas of where to look next?
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,764
Likes: 0
From: CentralEastern Utah
I had a similar problem a few years ago. It would start decent cold and would be a bear to start warm. It ended up being the starter. It just wasen't spinning her over fast enough any more. I bought a new starter and haven't had a problem since.
I'm not saying to run out and buy a new starter but its something to consider.
I'm not saying to run out and buy a new starter but its something to consider.
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 509
Likes: 1
From: Pasco, WA
The radical swing of the gauge (if stock, volt, not amp) is due to the cycling of the glow plugs. That's normal behavior. You shouldn't have to wait for the gauge to recenter before starting, just wait a few seconds after the "Wait To Start" light goes off.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 12,835
Likes: 3
From: Silver Lake Dunes, MI
the batteries could be the problem. i have had a number of PSD that have tested good one the batteries but have the same condition you describe and new batteries were the cure. the batteries test just barely good but were 3 years old and just didn't ahve enough to sufficiently heat the glow plugs.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 180
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver
Thanks for the replies, I think I will see if I can get a load test done on the batteries. They are only a few years old but you never know? I have to think since all else has checked out that maybe they are weak.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
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
Ford Super Duty: 5 Things Owners LOVE, 5 Things They LOATHE!
Joe Kucinski
Every 2026 Ford Truck Engine RANKED from WORST to FIRST!
Michael S. Palmer
The Best F-150 Deal of Every Trim Level (XL through Raptor)
Joe Kucinski
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 255
Likes: 0
Is there smoke when you start it? If there's white smoke it could still be that the gp relay isn't working correctly. Just because there is an amp draw that is noticeable doesn't mean it's actually running current through to the gp's. If this is a possibility for you try jumping the two large posts on the relay for 30 seconds or so. If it fires right up then replace the relay.
Re-read the very first post and saw that you'd already checked the relay. Sorry about that... 3rd (sip of) beer tonight, must be losing it. Yikes!
Re-read the very first post and saw that you'd already checked the relay. Sorry about that... 3rd (sip of) beer tonight, must be losing it. Yikes!
Last edited by chapguy; Jan 30, 2006 at 10:39 PM. Reason: Ooops
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 12,835
Likes: 3
From: Silver Lake Dunes, MI
i think your on the right track. i have had a few that have tested good but still didn;t have enough juice to get it done. my dad 03 did this just a few months ago. batteries weren't even 3 years old yet.
Junior User
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 82
Likes: 0
From: Pacific Northwest
I've heard it said that batteries are one of those items that are hard to test. I have had batteries that tested OK and solved a starting problem when replaced. Do you have any prorated life left in the batteries? If so, you might be able to trade them in and buy new ones for less than new. Just a thought.