F250 wont start if not pluged in
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
F250 wont start if not pluged in
I have a 2001 f-250and it has been giving me alot of trouble with starting when it is not pluged and it is cold outside. It will start just fine when it is pluged in but when it is not pluged in I need to run it every 4 hours or it wont start and if it starts it will take about 15 min. of turning it over to get it started and I do wait for glow plugs to turn off I actually turn it off and on about 3 times and then try to start it. If I forget to plug it in in the mourning it will not start at all. Today I am changing the oil and puting a new fuel filter on today so I hope that it will help. I have 105,000 miles on it and I am thinking that it is also time to change the glow plugs and the relay. I just bought the truck and I dont know that much about them so If anyone could help me out I would appreciate it. Also I was wondering what type of oil and what weight would be best for this cold weather.
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,758
Likes: 7
From: colorado
glow plug relay and or bad glow plugs could very well be the problem. if you are going to change the oil and want the best starting in the cold put in mobil 1 5-40 truck and suv (or mobil 1 delvac 5-40 if you can find it), you can get the "truck and suv" at walmart. it cost more but it helps alot
Mountain Pass
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 224
Likes: 1
From: Northern IN
As stated, your glow plugs probably aren't working. The WTS light doens't have anything to do with whether they are actually working or not, just that they should be if all components are good.
Check your glow plug relay first. Check the voltage to ground on the side with the heavy wire, (this goes directly to the battery and will always be hot) and then when the WTS light is on, check the voltage on the oposite side (2 smaller wires). The voltages should be very close to the same. If they aren't, or you don't get any voltage you know that your relay is probably bad. Also, if the glow plugs are working you should see a noticeable dimming of the interior lights when the WTS light comes on. If your dome light doesn't dim you know that there is something wrong with your glow plug circuit.
You should also hear this relay click when the WTS light comes on. The OEM relay is app $60, but you can't get comparable relays for app $20 at other places. Do a search for glow plug relay.
Check your glow plug relay first. Check the voltage to ground on the side with the heavy wire, (this goes directly to the battery and will always be hot) and then when the WTS light is on, check the voltage on the oposite side (2 smaller wires). The voltages should be very close to the same. If they aren't, or you don't get any voltage you know that your relay is probably bad. Also, if the glow plugs are working you should see a noticeable dimming of the interior lights when the WTS light comes on. If your dome light doesn't dim you know that there is something wrong with your glow plug circuit.
You should also hear this relay click when the WTS light comes on. The OEM relay is app $60, but you can't get comparable relays for app $20 at other places. Do a search for glow plug relay.
Junior User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 79
Likes: 0
From: Jersey shore
Well the glow plug realy would be the easiest for sure and then the plugs themselves but are you seeing any smoke from the tail pipe when you are trying to start? Thats the key. Also I see that synthetic oil is the way to go and gets rid of looping when cold.
More Turbo
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 513
Likes: 0
From: WA
I had basicallly the same problem with my 2000. I took it in and had 3 bad glow plugs and the harness had some "issues" as well. Had all of that stuff repaired about a month ago and no problems at all since. Good luck, I know from experience that it is a pain.
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Thanks for all of your help I did change the fuel filter and the oil and still the same thing. Also when I do try starting it when it is cold alot of smoke is coming out when I am trying to turn it over.
Trending Topics
New User
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
I just wanted to say thanks for posting the link to Carpentractor's page. I was having cold start problems, and upon testing, found that I had 4 bad glow plugs. The dealer wanted $600 in labor to change, so I decided to do it myself. The article was a godsend - I had the whole job done in about 4 hours. Total cost - $80 for the plugs!
This forum has been a great help - thanks all!
This forum has been a great help - thanks all!
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
Senior User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 110
Likes: 0
I just went thru the same thing with my 97, 135k miles. I changed out the glow plug relay without effect. Took it to the shop and had 3 bad glow plugs, wiring harness was fine. It starts now, not like a new truck, but it starts. Next winter I will put in thinner oil in the fall as well.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
jonnymac
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
9
Jan 27, 2008 08:30 PM
Mookie
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
9
Dec 11, 2003 09:12 PM