Starting problem
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Starting problem
I have a 1999 Ford F350 with 7.3 turbo diesel, live in Anchorage, Ak. It was -20 this morning, had block heater pluged in all night, tryed to start my truck and it would not fire. When I turned the ignition on I noticed the glow plug light on dash did not come on, I tryed again, still nothing, so I turned the key all the way, engine turned over rapidly, but did not fire up. I tryed two more times, to no avail, truck would not start. This is the first time this has happened. I have just over 70,000 miles on truck and change oil, air and fule filters at regular intervals. Does anyone out there have any suggestions on what might be the problem or where to start.
PS......I'm brand new to this site and any suggestions or help would be much appreciated. Thanks...........terry.
PS......I'm brand new to this site and any suggestions or help would be much appreciated. Thanks...........terry.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 26,966
Likes: 50
From: Texas
Welcome to FTE. Check fuse #30. It's probably blown from a shorted out fuel bowl heater. You can unplug the electrical connector on the back of the fuel filter bowl, replace the fuse, then start the truck. The WTS (wait to start) light is the clue here.
Most of the time you can just leave the heater unplugged and ignore it, but since you live in AK, you may need to replace the heater so fuel doesn't gel in the bowl. On the other hand, if the fuel does not gel in the tank, I don't know why it would gel in the bowl. I'm from the wrong part of the country to answer questions about cold weather. It was in the low 80's here today.
Most of the time you can just leave the heater unplugged and ignore it, but since you live in AK, you may need to replace the heater so fuel doesn't gel in the bowl. On the other hand, if the fuel does not gel in the tank, I don't know why it would gel in the bowl. I'm from the wrong part of the country to answer questions about cold weather. It was in the low 80's here today.
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Thanks Chris and Lisa for the heads up, I'll check those things out tomorrow. Right now it's -28 and time to warm up the fingers and toes by the fire. Oh and thanks Chris for letting me know it's in the 80,s there, that made me feel a hole lot better, just kidding. I have to look at my Harley sit in the garage until April. Thanks again both of you, I hope these suggestions take care of the problem, Thanks.
Smokin
Joined: Jun 2006
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Terry I think you have two separate problems popping up here. the fuel bowl fuse, as Chris suggested, shouldn't have anything to do with how the motor starts in cold weather.
Cold start issues are usually caused by one or more of the following:
One or more weak battery. The truck will sound like it is trying to start over as you would expect, but in reality you don't have enough voltage to start the truck and supply the glow plugs. You might disconnect both batteries to ensure both are holding up to the cold temperatures.
Bad glow plug relay. A real easy test to see if yours is working - take a screwdriver and gross both large posts of the relay. Have someone turn the truck into the On position. Wait a minute or so. If the truck starts as normal, you have a bad relay.
Other conditions might include bad battery cables, or corroded battery connections...so you might clean your terminals and posts to ensure a proper connection.
Have fun.
Cold start issues are usually caused by one or more of the following:
One or more weak battery. The truck will sound like it is trying to start over as you would expect, but in reality you don't have enough voltage to start the truck and supply the glow plugs. You might disconnect both batteries to ensure both are holding up to the cold temperatures.
Bad glow plug relay. A real easy test to see if yours is working - take a screwdriver and gross both large posts of the relay. Have someone turn the truck into the On position. Wait a minute or so. If the truck starts as normal, you have a bad relay.
Other conditions might include bad battery cables, or corroded battery connections...so you might clean your terminals and posts to ensure a proper connection.
Have fun.
Of the next Riffraff East
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 8,679
Likes: 2
From: Concord NC
At those temps, any number of things can cause hard/no starts. Sounds like the fuel bowl heater will be the best and easiest place to start. Hope that fixes your no start problem. Fuse #30 controls several items, all of which will keep you from starting. You need also make sure you block heater is heating. They do burn out and they can trip breakers. Frozen fuel lines are also a possibility at those temps. Need to make sure #30 is good then make sure you have fuel supply. Lisa has covered the Glow Plugs, but with those failing, you usually have a bunch of tell tell white smoke at start ups.
And Welcome to the site, It's a great place and I guarantee you that someone here will help you get this fixed.
And Welcome to the site, It's a great place and I guarantee you that someone here will help you get this fixed.
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 3,455
Likes: 8
From: Williams Lake B.C.
Geled fuel isnt that much of a problem in the north.
Most oil companys put additives in the fuels for winter.
Theres "summer diesel" and "winter diesel".
About the only time you may run into trouble is first thing in the fall and they havnt switched yet.
Most oil companys put additives in the fuels for winter.
Theres "summer diesel" and "winter diesel".
About the only time you may run into trouble is first thing in the fall and they havnt switched yet.
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Hey all you fine fokes out there, thanks for all your hlep. This has given me some new hope, where is fuse #30 located, under the hood or in the cab under dash. Just to let you guys know, I do use power service additive at fill ups, so I don't think it's a gelling problem. Well I better get on it and see if I can get this rig up and running.
PS....thanks Lisa for the glow plug relay test tip.
PS....thanks Lisa for the glow plug relay test tip.
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