"wait to start" light comes back on while cranking engine
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 179
Likes: 0
From: San Jose, CA
"wait to start" light comes back on while cranking engine
sometimes when starting my truck the "wait to start" light comes back on while i'm cranking the motor. I always wait for the light to go off before i start cranking, but sometimes it just flashes on for a second when i start cranking. is this something i need to be worried about?
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 26,966
Likes: 50
From: Texas
Welcome to the site. Unless you're having problems getting the truck started I'd just keep an eye on it. The little light isn't actually tied to the functionality of the glow plugs. It's hooked up to a timer, BARO sensor, etc.
I'd recommend checking to make sure your batteries are good, and there is no corrosion on the cables causing a weak current and the "timer" to reset.
I wouldn't worry too much unless it starts happening more frequently. My truck has done this on occasion too.
I'd recommend checking to make sure your batteries are good, and there is no corrosion on the cables causing a weak current and the "timer" to reset.
I wouldn't worry too much unless it starts happening more frequently. My truck has done this on occasion too.
Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 5,584
Likes: 0
From: Millbrook Alabama
Originally Posted by F350-6
Welcome to the site. Unless you're having problems getting the truck started I'd just keep an eye on it. The little light isn't actually tied to the functionality of the glow plugs. It's hooked up to a timer, BARO sensor, etc.
I'd recommend checking to make sure your batteries are good, and there is no corrosion on the cables causing a weak current and the "timer" to reset.
I wouldn't worry too much unless it starts happening more frequently. My truck has done this on occasion too.
I'd recommend checking to make sure your batteries are good, and there is no corrosion on the cables causing a weak current and the "timer" to reset.
I wouldn't worry too much unless it starts happening more frequently. My truck has done this on occasion too.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 26,966
Likes: 50
From: Texas
You may be right. I never really considered the fact that I may have warning indicators to my mess. Either way it's a good idea to check the harness if you've never done so.
Main engine wiring harness: Stand on the driver side of the truck and look in front of the master cylinder but behind the turbo intake hose. You will see a wiring harness coming up and over the side of the engine with a square box over the valve cover. Check for chaffing below the square box where the wires rub against the valve cover, and above the box where the wires run through a metal bracket.
If you've got a lot of time on your hands you can read my old post. If you want the short version the pics start on page 10.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/6...d+on+road+dead
Main engine wiring harness: Stand on the driver side of the truck and look in front of the master cylinder but behind the turbo intake hose. You will see a wiring harness coming up and over the side of the engine with a square box over the valve cover. Check for chaffing below the square box where the wires rub against the valve cover, and above the box where the wires run through a metal bracket.
If you've got a lot of time on your hands you can read my old post. If you want the short version the pics start on page 10.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/6...d+on+road+dead
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 25,090
Likes: 1,112
From: Rio Rico, AZ.
I've seen in many cases on the VW and Audi's that I work on for a living, there will be a gap in the connection between "on" and "start".
What will happen is the driver will attempt to start the car by turning on the ignition and all the dash lights will come on. As soon as you hit the starter the dash lights will go out, but the starter will be operating. The engine will refuse to start because the ignition circuit is now off, but the starter is cranking away!
Stangman, now I'm wondering if the same problem is cropping up here because there might be a gap developing between the contacts on your switch that momentarily cuts power to the ECU and than restores it. At that point the ECU goes through it's normal cold engine startup routine by powering up the glow plugs (again) and that's why the light is coming back on.
I don't know if Ford shares the same design, but on the VAG vehicles all the ignition switches are made out of plastic and they are always failing.
Just a thought.
What will happen is the driver will attempt to start the car by turning on the ignition and all the dash lights will come on. As soon as you hit the starter the dash lights will go out, but the starter will be operating. The engine will refuse to start because the ignition circuit is now off, but the starter is cranking away!
Stangman, now I'm wondering if the same problem is cropping up here because there might be a gap developing between the contacts on your switch that momentarily cuts power to the ECU and than restores it. At that point the ECU goes through it's normal cold engine startup routine by powering up the glow plugs (again) and that's why the light is coming back on.
I don't know if Ford shares the same design, but on the VAG vehicles all the ignition switches are made out of plastic and they are always failing.
Just a thought.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Erics Truck
1994.5 - 1997 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
9
Oct 31, 2020 05:12 PM
mitp1
1994.5 - 1997 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
17
Jun 12, 2020 08:17 AM
Christian Zambrana
1983 - 2012 Ranger & B-Series
3
Mar 5, 2017 01:58 PM
