Notices
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel  
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: DP Tuner

Starting issue......

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Feb 28, 2008 | 02:01 PM
  #1  
H2oRodeo's Avatar
H2oRodeo
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: Reno, Nevada
Starting issue......

This is a new one to me. When I go to start my 99 PSD ( wether it's cold or not) the "wait to start" light goes off, I turn the key, and the engine cranks but no fire. The whole while there is a rapid ticking sound coming from either the steering column or under the dash(at least thats what it sounds like to me). Here's the weird part. If I stop cranking and just back off the key and start it without waiting for the light, it fires right up. No big deal when it's warm and I can fire it w/o worrying about the glow plugs. But when it's cold, Ihate to force her over.
Is there a solenoid or relay somewhere in cab that I'm missing? I just replaced my fuel pump relay (drivers side under hood) not 2 months ago.
 
Reply
Old Feb 28, 2008 | 03:24 PM
  #2  
Smokin''s Avatar
Smokin'
Smokin
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 8,849
Likes: 0
Sounds like weak batteries to me. That electrical clack you hear is probably due to the large drain on your electrical system, and the system will do that when it's low on juice.

When you let your GP's energize, try to start it, and then stop and try to start it again, it starts? right? does it run rough idle and puff out white smoke?
 
Reply
Old Feb 28, 2008 | 03:32 PM
  #3  
H2oRodeo's Avatar
H2oRodeo
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: Reno, Nevada
Nope. No white smoke. I thought about the batteries as well. But THe batteries are under the same load. I don't stop cramking and let it sit. I'm saying I back off the key, immediatley turn it back over and it fires. Shouldn't the batteries be under the same load in both scenarios? aside from (obviously) the drain of the plugs cycling, which would in theory have dropped the voltage already.
 
Reply
Old Feb 28, 2008 | 03:37 PM
  #4  
Smokin''s Avatar
Smokin'
Smokin
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 8,849
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by H2oRodeo
I'm saying I back off the key, immediatley turn it back over and it fires. Shouldn't the batteries be under the same load in both scenarios? aside from (obviously) the drain of the plugs cycling, which would in theory have dropped the voltage already.
Well if the GP's don't have time to energize, than no. It's my understanding that diesels have two batteries because esentially you need one battery to run power to the GP's and one to turn the starter. Perhaps when you turn the truck over without letting the GP's cycle, you get just enough power to turn the starter fast enough to turn over the motor. However, in that scenario, you would be getting some white smoke because you'd be starting the truck on cold fuel.

Where do you live and what is the temperature there?

Edit. I see now you live in Reno.
 
Reply
Old Feb 28, 2008 | 03:48 PM
  #5  
H2oRodeo's Avatar
H2oRodeo
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: Reno, Nevada
It's certainly worth a look-see. I'll load test em' when I get home tonight. I'm probably due for batteries anyways.
 
Reply
Old Feb 28, 2008 | 03:50 PM
  #6  
Smokin''s Avatar
Smokin'
Smokin
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 8,849
Likes: 0
Take a long hard look at your terminals and cables too. They might just need a good cleaning.
 
Reply
Old Feb 28, 2008 | 03:55 PM
  #7  
H2oRodeo's Avatar
H2oRodeo
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: Reno, Nevada
Good point. Thank for the help. I've come to that painful realization that although I have 500,000 mile motor, The rest of the truck is showing it's age! Replacing stuff has been non-stop the last 2 months.
 
Reply
Old Feb 28, 2008 | 04:12 PM
  #8  
Smokin''s Avatar
Smokin'
Smokin
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 8,849
Likes: 0
You may have some other electrical issue(s), but I would definitely rule out the batteries and dirty connections/posts before I start theorizing anything else.I chased around some cold start demons in my truck last year. I ended up having to replace the GPR, batteries, and my starter. I had a battery cable connection wiggle its way off a post one time, the ground off the passenger's side. It made that rapid click sound you described.
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

 Brett Foote
story-2

10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-3

Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

 Brett Foote
story-4

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-6

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

 Brett Foote
story-9

Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

 Joe Kucinski
Old Feb 28, 2008 | 04:22 PM
  #9  
H2oRodeo's Avatar
H2oRodeo
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: Reno, Nevada
I've done the starter, solenoid, GPR, and fuel pump relay all within the last 5 months. I think you're probably right on track with the batteries. I'll post back and let ya know. Thanks man.
 
Reply
Old Feb 28, 2008 | 05:53 PM
  #10  
Tenn01PSD350's Avatar
Tenn01PSD350
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 11,892
Likes: 2
From: Middle Tennessee
Lisa is dead on with the battery post. I am betting you do not have the voltage necessary to crank and power the PCM at the same time. It needs 10.5 and when it falls below that you can hear the clicking of relays and it is not going to start.

Putting the batteries on a charger or whatever ought to prove this out or load test them. When you quickly cycle the key it allows the system the voltage to start before the drain goes below 10.5 as the GP system pulls it down. You could always put a DMM on the batts or GPR and see how far it is going down. Bet you would be surprised. Even a healthy system can pull down to the low 11v area as the GPs heat up.

As for the part about one battery to do this or that, they are hooked together and that prevents us from having to have a huge single battery.

I am sending reps Lisa.
 
Reply
Old Feb 28, 2008 | 06:01 PM
  #11  
Smokin''s Avatar
Smokin'
Smokin
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 8,849
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by Tenn01PSD350

I am sending reps Lisa.
Well...thanks Mike! Your explanation was prettier.

It's 5:00 here, i'll drink to that.
 
Reply
Old Feb 29, 2008 | 09:02 PM
  #12  
billfishnut's Avatar
billfishnut
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 276
Likes: 0
From: Linden, VA
Not trying to hijack the thread but I do have a similar problem. I have the clicking coming from the injector driver module relay. This relay's coil receives voltage at the same time as the PCM relay and I don't think the PCM actually comes to life because I never even get the WTS light. In addition to this, while the relay is chattering, the fuel pump relay does not close so the truck will not start. I am thinking it is not batteries in my case because the engine turns over plenty fast.
 
Reply
Old Mar 1, 2008 | 12:35 AM
  #13  
PaysonPSD's Avatar
PaysonPSD
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 9,549
Likes: 14
From: Payson, AZ
You didn't state the year of your truck but fuse #30 under dash is for the PCM and the fuel bowl heater in my 99. Check your manual. If that fuse is blow disconnect heater at back of fuel bowl and replace fuse. Hope it's that simple.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
kawkx500
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
5
Oct 28, 2013 09:28 PM
6.9idiatsturbo
Pre-Power Stroke Diesel (7.3L IDI & 6.9L)
4
Apr 19, 2012 09:06 AM
W.O.T.PIMP
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
16
Sep 6, 2006 11:58 AM
carnagez28
Pre-Power Stroke Diesel (7.3L IDI & 6.9L)
7
Aug 5, 2006 06:31 AM
Dieseldan7.3
Pre-Power Stroke Diesel (7.3L IDI & 6.9L)
19
Nov 2, 2005 09:23 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 06:09 AM.

story-0
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-1
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-3
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-6
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-8
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE
story-9
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE