7.3 Problems
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7.3 Problems
Last week here in texas it finally got down to the mid 40s. My 2003 started with no problem but as soon as I drove it down the block it would only would idle no matter how much fuel I gave it. Since then I have been pluging it in and it runs ok but If I leave it shut down for more than a couple of hrs It does the same thing until it warms up to temp. Today when I left work after not starting it all day it would not start. I changed the cts but I don't think this was the problem. I cranked on it for about fifteen seconds three times and it finally started.On the drive home it ran fine with no problems. When I got home I shut it off and tryed to restart and no luck. I let is sit for several hrs and tryed it again with no luck. I checked the batteries and have around 12.7 volts. This is as far as I have gone. It has about 150 k on the motor.
Elder User
Joined: May 2007
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From: Florida
GPR -Glow plug relay or glow plugs but i would start with the relay. Just a thought im sure someone else will come in with some more info another thing some ppl might want to know is if u had any white smoke after start up or any other info u can offer.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2007
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From: Texas
Let's get some of the basics out of the way first. How old is the oil, and is it low? How old is the fuel filter? Have you checked the oil level in the HPOP? What happens when you turn the key on? Do you hear the fuel pump buzzing? Any clicking noises under the hood or dash? Does your wait to start light function normally? Do you notice, hear or feel any difference when you crank the engine and it starts compared to when it doesn't?
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Time for a oil and filter change. Changed the fuel filter last oil change about 3500 miles ago. Have not checked the oil level in the HPOP yet. All lights come on and go out at about the same time as usual. I do hear a buzzing under the hood I assume is the fuel pump. No clicks. After it stars when cold and I drive it short distance it seems to go to idle and the gas pedal does nothing until it warms up then it runs ok until today.
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Also since this just started it seems to crank the same when it stars and when it does not. I cannot tell any difference. Turns over good just does not start. Last time this happened the new batteries that the dealer put in were bad and the computer was not getting 12 volts. Should I check the voltage while cranking?
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Given enought time I'll get all the questions answered. While is is cranking I can see no smoke while I'm in the cab. When it did start the last time I did not see anything different than usual.
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2007
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Wow.. we have very close to the last name. mine is MacOwan.
Anyways, your fuel pump is under the truck inside the frame rail by the drivers door. Listen there.
So just to be clear, the truck runs like crap until it's fully warmed up?
Anyways, your fuel pump is under the truck inside the frame rail by the drivers door. Listen there.
So just to be clear, the truck runs like crap until it's fully warmed up?
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I'll check for the fuel pump sound. All this week if I started the truck with out plugging it in it started ok but would run ok for about a block then it would slowly go back to idle and the acc pedal would not make a difference in the engine rpm until it got to the usual operating temp. After I warmed up it ran ok until today.
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The loud buzzing or pumping noise I hear under the hood is some type of pump on the passenger fender well. It runs for about 60 seconds then cuts off. I think I can hear the fuel pump but it is not very loud.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2007
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From: Texas
The no start and lack of pedal response are usually unrelated. You're not running SVO in your truck are you? It almost sounds like a fuel gelling problem.
Maybe start by taking a look at your fuel filter and making sure your not low on engine oil.
Maybe start by taking a look at your fuel filter and making sure your not low on engine oil.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2007
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That's your vacuum pump for your hubs/defrost on the passenger side. If you can't hear you fuel pump, try opening your fuel filter housing w/ the the drain valve open and see how fast it fills. you'll need a helper to cycle the key to the ON position (NOT RUN).
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Herndon KY
The Idle problem sounds like an idle validation switch on the TPS. when you have the problem again push the accelerator with your hand, there is a button that the accelerator depresses when you let off entirely, this is an overide so you don't get a runaway truck with a voltage surge, it provides signals to your tranny if auto and some other stuff, if this button sticks when it is cold that could be your issue. \\
When you say it doesn't start, I assume it is cranking over but no fire, or attempt to fire. You said you had the same issue when it was warm, so it is not your gp system, I wonder if you have an ICP issue, have you looked in to that?
When you say it doesn't start, I assume it is cranking over but no fire, or attempt to fire. You said you had the same issue when it was warm, so it is not your gp system, I wonder if you have an ICP issue, have you looked in to that?
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Seems like I used to hear a click when I depressed the gas pedal and now I don't hear or feel it. Much as I hate admit it it was three quarts low on oil. I had been watching the oil pressure guage and I had good oil pressure before I shut it down last time. Now I have run the batteries down and need to recharge. Tomorrow I will check the chamber on the front for oil level. Now I hope there is a reason to change the oil and watch it closer from now on. I have not seen any oil spots where it is parked so I don't know where it went.