Starter issues...NEED HELP FAST
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Tuned
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 405
Likes: 42
Starter issues...NEED HELP FAST
Hey guys, I need help. 01 7.3 PDS. Its was about 3 degrees above last night, and stupid me didnt plug my truck in. I went out to start it today, and it turned over just fine-really fast and normal. I cycled the GS's a few times and when I turned it over again, it acted like the batteries were very low. I JUST replaced the batteries a few weeks ago, Im thinking its the starter. I need to know if this is a common sign of a failing starter. I DONT need to get stranded somewhere.
I know it sounds like low batteries, but I checked them, and they are about 10.5V while cranking and recovers quickly.
It seems to do this kinda often, and will either turn over normal, or slow. kinda whenever it feels like ticking me off!!! What are your thoughts???
Thanks in advance, Aaron
I know it sounds like low batteries, but I checked them, and they are about 10.5V while cranking and recovers quickly.
It seems to do this kinda often, and will either turn over normal, or slow. kinda whenever it feels like ticking me off!!! What are your thoughts???
Thanks in advance, Aaron
Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,048
Likes: 1
check the wires going from the bats to the starter relay, and starter connections themself. and inspect the starter itself, mine was doing the same thing, but after i had no start issue, i went under the truck and noticed that one of the bolts holding the starter together was buster in half and you could see its seperating. after i changed the starter no more starting issue....
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 352
Likes: 0
From: Racine Wi
As mentioned above, could be cables, but I had the same exact issues last year and it turned out to be the starter. Put in a new one and havn't had issues since. Like you said, it is not fun to be stranded.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 191
Likes: 0
From: Pittsburgh, PA
Trust me, its the cold weather. This just happened to me this evening also. I thought I'd get away without having to plug my truck in.. little did I know I was wrong. With the -20 wind chill and 0 degree temps, it was no match for my F250.
When I first went out to start it, I cycled the glow plugs a few times. The first start attempt cranked over normal.. but didn't start. I cycled the plugs a few more times, went to crank again,, noticed a little decrease in cranking amps. Third time, battery drained! Depending on what weight oil you are using can really affect how easy its going to be to start you engine. With a thicker weight in cold weather, its almost like turning over gel.
After plugging in the block heater for 3 hours and throwing the battery charger, it started right up. The cold weather can drain a battery REAL fast if it doesn't start right away!
When I first went out to start it, I cycled the glow plugs a few times. The first start attempt cranked over normal.. but didn't start. I cycled the plugs a few more times, went to crank again,, noticed a little decrease in cranking amps. Third time, battery drained! Depending on what weight oil you are using can really affect how easy its going to be to start you engine. With a thicker weight in cold weather, its almost like turning over gel.
After plugging in the block heater for 3 hours and throwing the battery charger, it started right up. The cold weather can drain a battery REAL fast if it doesn't start right away!
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,274
Likes: 1
From: Milroy, PA
Batteries are weaker when it gets colder out too. Thats why they are rated in COLD cranking amps. Which is its rating at 0F for 30 seconds with a discharge to 7.5 volts IIRC. Most people have battery failures in the winter aswell.
