I've never had a diesel before, so I need some advise.
I recently bought a 2005 King Ranch F 350 to pull my 5th wheel. It's got 130K miles, but until it got cold it ran great, and otherwise it's in great shape.
When the weather drops below 40 degrees the truck won't hardly start.
It takes SEVERAL attemps before it will even catch to the point of idleing, then it runs rough for several minutes. Once it gets warmed up, it'll start fine the rest of the day.
I've read some of the posts about engine block heater, but I can't find anything like that on my truck.
I am NOT a mechanic, but I can usually follow instructions.
There is so much junk packed in around the engine that I can't even see down along the sides, and looking under the wheel wells and bumper hasn't helped me.
Can someone help me out?

 

I have to cycle the key a few times when its cold. When below 20 F
I usually plug it in and the starting issues go away.

The block heater plug is in the front bumper. Had to search
a bit to find mine.

Hope some others have better advice.

 

The engine block heater plug should be tied up in front of or attached to one of the battery holders. That is the first place I would look and the three pronged plug may have a cap on it so it may not be obvious. If not, look under the truck and you should see a wire going into the side of the block where a freeze plug would go. I have seen mine but never used it and have no idea where it is right now.

Concerning your hard to start issue, it sounds like the glow plug relay may be bad or the contacts may burnt or pitted. The glow plug relay is located on top front passenger side valve cover. Check the two relay connectors to make sure they are seated all the way in.

Does the instrument panel glow plug light come on when you turn the key on?

Are you waiting for the glow plug light to go out before you try to start it?

The next time you try to start it, turn the key on and off 4 or five times (wait for the light to come on and go off each time) and see if it starts any easier. If it does, then that indicates the contacts are burnt or pitted and I would look at repairing or replacing the glow plug relay.

DSMMH

 

I had the same problem you are talking about. Once the temps got around 40 degrees and below, truck would start real hard the first time but was great the rest of the day. Fortunately, mine was still under the 5yr/100K warranty and I took it to the dealer. It was diagnosed as having a bad FICM. Once it was replaced, it started like a champ. There are threads on this site and others that will show you how to diagnose a bad FICM. It will also show you how to repair it if you have soldering skills.

 

It should start easily in 40 degree weather.

First thing to do is to make sure the batteries are healthy. Then I would fill w/ 5W40 oil if you don't already have it. Next, I would recommend the latest flash update if you have not had one in a year or so. Last, I would check the FICM voltages (lots of threads on this recently).

If these do not help, then you may have injector issues.

 

Thanks for the advice, guys.
I'll try to find the heater plugs again tomorrow.
The truck has 5w40 oil, and the batteries are less than 2 years old, but I haven't had them checked for voltage.
I always wait until the glow plug light goes off to try to start the truck. Lately I've even tried cycleing through the proceedure with out actually hitting the starter as many as 5 times, usually waiting about 30 seconds between cycles. Can't tell that it's made any difference.
What is FICM voltage, and how do I get a flash update?
Thanks

 

The block heater cord "should" be located inside the right bumper tow hook hole. You can barely see it. If it was sold in a southern state they did not have the plug but the block heater is in place. Just have to get the cord. But at 40 deg you shouldn't need the block heater. Good possibility your controler isn't working properly.

 

This picture may help you find the block heater cord "if" there is one present.

My bumper is off in this picture; see the block heater cord pinned behind the bumper mounting plate ....

 

Thanks for the picture, it helped me decide for sure there isn't one on my truck.
Where do I buy the cord? One of the posts I saw said to buy it from International. Are they talking about an International truck dealership? If so, the closest one I know of is in Oklahoma City, 180 miles. I think there is an International tractor place in Tulsa, which is only 85 miles......
It's over 30 degrees today. If I can get it started, I'll take it in to get the voltage checked, and maybe just leave it at the Ford dealership.

 

Hmmm, maybe you are driving down the batteries with too many key cycles ????

turn off all accessories, lites, heater, etc...

key on, let it warm glow plugs one pump of the pedal and start it

anyhing more than 2 key cycles indicates an issue IMHO

should be all u need if running right...


are you driving it more than a few miles between stops ?

maybe batteries are not getting charged, try a battery minder.....

good luck !

J

 

I realize this may be an older post, and you may have bought your block heater cord already. However, if you haven't, check ebay for the cord. navastar puts the block heater in every powerstroke motor they make. Ford on the other hand charges for the cord as an option. I bought my cord brand new from an ebay store for $12.oo. It took about twenty minutes to install. the heater input for the cord is on the passenger side of the motor. If you look behind the front passenger's tire, you can see where it plugs in. My fellow powerstroke buddies paid over $75.00 to buy and have it installed. Since I added mine, as long as I have my truck plugged in, in cold weather, it is easy to start up. Next you will have to buy an extension cord to plug your truck in.

2006 F-250 6.0 liter crew cab, short bed 4x4, 75,000 miles

 

Can you tell me what 1 pump of the pedal before starting is aiding in start up.

 

I was wondering the same thing......... ... since it is not a gas engine with carburetor........

 

Since everything on the 05 is computer controlled I was wondering about the one pump. If it was the older non computer model (like my 93) then the one pump is valid.