7.3 glow plug controller install issue
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 255
Likes: 1
[Going to degrease and clean up the engine in case I need to post a pic with a question.....
]
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 159
Likes: 0
Well, I got it figured out.
I ended up getting another controller as a parts warranty (we'll let ford figure that one out). Don't really know if it was the controller or moving the ground, but she's back together and doing what it should. WTS light comes on, then I get the clicking after the appropriate delay.
As for the ground tab (which may or may not have been the real issue). I moved it to UNDER the control unit. It was hooked up to a wiring harness hold-down bolt. I had even cleaned the area before reattaching to that spot. This time I put it under the driver side mounting bolt for the control unit.
So, it was either a bad control unit out of the box, or relocating the ground. either way, I'm back on the road when it's cold out, without having to look for a place to plug in an extension cord...
I ended up getting another controller as a parts warranty (we'll let ford figure that one out). Don't really know if it was the controller or moving the ground, but she's back together and doing what it should. WTS light comes on, then I get the clicking after the appropriate delay.
As for the ground tab (which may or may not have been the real issue). I moved it to UNDER the control unit. It was hooked up to a wiring harness hold-down bolt. I had even cleaned the area before reattaching to that spot. This time I put it under the driver side mounting bolt for the control unit.
So, it was either a bad control unit out of the box, or relocating the ground. either way, I'm back on the road when it's cold out, without having to look for a place to plug in an extension cord...
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 21,285
Likes: 15
From: Nutter Fort, WV
As long as the bolt was grounded the location should make no difference.
Was the bolt you used the first time on the engine or on the firewall?
I ask because if it was the firewall, that could indicate a cab grounding problem.
But it does sound like a defective new part right out of the box.
Was the bolt you used the first time on the engine or on the firewall?
I ask because if it was the firewall, that could indicate a cab grounding problem.
But it does sound like a defective new part right out of the box.
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 255
Likes: 1
Now you got me thinking again, thanks. I put in a new CB some time ago and ran it the fuse box but it didn't seem like a good connection on the spade and it popped the in line 2 amp fuse. I relocated it directly to the battery and have it grounded to the firewall. Getting a bit of engine noise, I think, through it but where the static is noticeable is when the electric windows go up or down. Could that be an indication of the cab ground? I know there is one located underneath the pass door but unsure of it's condition.Electrical............
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 21,285
Likes: 15
From: Nutter Fort, WV
I have added grounds from both of my battery negative terminals to the body.
Also added an extra engine block to cab ground.
Also added an extra engine block to frame ground.
And I ran a wire from the battery back to my trailer plug to supply a direct ground to what ever I tow.
Yes it was a little excessive, but the grounding straps Ford installed so many years ago do fail.
Also added an extra engine block to cab ground.
Also added an extra engine block to frame ground.
And I ran a wire from the battery back to my trailer plug to supply a direct ground to what ever I tow.
Yes it was a little excessive, but the grounding straps Ford installed so many years ago do fail.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 21,285
Likes: 15
From: Nutter Fort, WV
Bad out of the box would not surprise me at all.
That seems to be happening more as the days roll on.
That seems to be happening more as the days roll on.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Ford Super Duty: 5 Things Owners LOVE, 5 Things They LOATHE!
Joe Kucinski
Every 2026 Ford Truck Engine RANKED from WORST to FIRST!
Michael S. Palmer
The Best F-150 Deal of Every Trim Level (XL through Raptor)
Joe Kucinski
New User
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
I have the same issue i went down to my local parts store and picked up a new GP controller/relay and when i go to turn the key my WTS like goes on for 2 seconds and then off and then it starts clicking like on and off on and off i hooked it up right am wondering if i have a bad ground since the controller is moved over to the passenger side valve cover because of the after market turbo system or is it a bad controller should i return it and get a new one? up were i live am scared of shutting it off and going some where for an hour or two and having it not start.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,709
Likes: 4
From: 8600 ft in Colo
Yeah, that.
The controller reads the resistance to ground through the glow plugs to determine how long to glow. The glow plugs resistance goes up with temperature, and the controller reads this. If a couple plugs are burned out, the resistance that the controller sees is high, and the controller thinks the engine is warmer than it really is...
I had 2 bad plugs, and my WTS light came on for about 3 seconds in 20º temps with a cold engine...
The controller reads the resistance to ground through the glow plugs to determine how long to glow. The glow plugs resistance goes up with temperature, and the controller reads this. If a couple plugs are burned out, the resistance that the controller sees is high, and the controller thinks the engine is warmer than it really is...
I had 2 bad plugs, and my WTS light came on for about 3 seconds in 20º temps with a cold engine...
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
justaworktruck
Pre-Power Stroke Diesel (7.3L IDI & 6.9L)
3
Oct 14, 2016 04:20 PM
Ryanmeff19
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
2
Jul 3, 2016 08:33 PM
Forddiesel17
Pre-Power Stroke Diesel (7.3L IDI & 6.9L)
16
Mar 20, 2016 08:08 PM
CaptainFacePunch
Pre-Power Stroke Diesel (7.3L IDI & 6.9L)
13
Aug 13, 2015 03:38 PM
