Cold Weather Starting
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
Cold Weather Starting
Question for the crowd...I have a 2003 F350 dually, with 7.3. In cold weather I have to cycle the key off and on several times in order to start the engine. Now I know cold weather starting and diesels don't mix, but I'm wondering if there is a mod to allow the glowplugs to stay on longer when it is colder. If I plug in the block heater she fires right up,, but I usually don't plug in.
Comments???
Comments???
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,144
Likes: 11
From: Rochdale MA
In had this problem on one of my trucks and it turned out to be a few bad glow plugs. How cold is it when you start having this problem? I have a timer that i plug my block heater into. it works great. Some Fords have a "wire" for the glowplugs that actualy runs in the valve cover gasket.
I'm sure that some of the other guys will chime in with a few more ideas.
I'm sure that some of the other guys will chime in with a few more ideas.
More Turbo
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 577
Likes: 12
From: Cumming, Iowa
First a question how many miles? Most likley 1 of two things glow plugs or controller. Controller would be easier to replace I think, as the glow plugs require removal of valve covers. but I have been lucky not had to replace anything.....Yet 
Good luck!!
Good luck!!
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 26,966
Likes: 50
From: Texas
Well glow plugs, glow plug relay (or GPCM in Ca trucks) are possibilities. Do you know where your GPR (glow plug relay) is? You can test it immediately after the key is turned on with a simple multi-meter or test light.
Also keep in mind the glow plug activation is not connected to the glow plug (wait to start) light on your dash. The glow plugs are powered by the PCM through the GPR for 0 - 120 seconds depending on temperature, etc. Instead of cycling the key when the light goes off you may just leave it on for 30 seconds or so to see if that helps.
You can also check your glow plugs with an OHM meter at the 9 pin connector where the wires go into each valve cover.
The 9-pin plug is wired as follows:
G G I I C I I G G
G=Glow Plug +
I = Injector +
C= Injector Common
To check glow plugs Test between "G" (outboard pins) and battery ground. Should be between 0.6 and 2.0 Ohms
Also keep in mind the glow plug activation is not connected to the glow plug (wait to start) light on your dash. The glow plugs are powered by the PCM through the GPR for 0 - 120 seconds depending on temperature, etc. Instead of cycling the key when the light goes off you may just leave it on for 30 seconds or so to see if that helps.
You can also check your glow plugs with an OHM meter at the 9 pin connector where the wires go into each valve cover.
The 9-pin plug is wired as follows:
G G I I C I I G G
G=Glow Plug +
I = Injector +
C= Injector Common
To check glow plugs Test between "G" (outboard pins) and battery ground. Should be between 0.6 and 2.0 Ohms
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
Well glow plugs, glow plug relay (or GPCM in Ca trucks) are possibilities. Do you know where your GPR (glow plug relay) is? You can test it immediately after the key is turned on with a simple multi-meter or test light.
Also keep in mind the glow plug activation is not connected to the glow plug (wait to start) light on your dash. The glow plugs are powered by the PCM through the GPR for 0 - 120 seconds depending on temperature, etc. Instead of cycling the key when the light goes off you may just leave it on for 30 seconds or so to see if that helps.
You can also check your glow plugs with an OHM meter at the 9 pin connector where the wires go into each valve cover.
The 9-pin plug is wired as follows:
G G I I C I I G G
G=Glow Plug +
I = Injector +
C= Injector Common
To check glow plugs Test between "G" (outboard pins) and battery ground. Should be between 0.6 and 2.0 Ohms
Also keep in mind the glow plug activation is not connected to the glow plug (wait to start) light on your dash. The glow plugs are powered by the PCM through the GPR for 0 - 120 seconds depending on temperature, etc. Instead of cycling the key when the light goes off you may just leave it on for 30 seconds or so to see if that helps.
You can also check your glow plugs with an OHM meter at the 9 pin connector where the wires go into each valve cover.
The 9-pin plug is wired as follows:
G G I I C I I G G
G=Glow Plug +
I = Injector +
C= Injector Common
To check glow plugs Test between "G" (outboard pins) and battery ground. Should be between 0.6 and 2.0 Ohms
Good info here, I was wondering how they worked. Most of our cold weather is gone for the season here in Virginia, so I have some time to look into this. I always learned to wait till the light goes out, then start. Thanks, Marine from a retired Navy Chief here.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 26,966
Likes: 50
From: Texas
I used to think the same thing about the dash light, but you can learn a lot by hanging out around here Chief. Some of the guys here have installed a little LED light connected to their GPR so they can see how long the glow plugs are being activated instead of relying on the dash light that's just basically a timer.
