So i have an 03 3500 cummins. Whenever it starts getting cold out(i live in indiana) 40s and below, if i dont plug my truck in at night and i go to start it in the am(this only happens when my glow plug light comes on to) i leave my drive way and take off...right when i shift into 3rd gear and get around 1800 rpm my dash lights up like a Christmas tree(for a split second) and i hear a beep noise. Then i notice my battery gauge in showing charge. Ive checked the connections to my battery and they are tight with no corrosion. I dont think its an alternator issue because like i said, only happens when my glow plug light comes on? any suggestions?

 

Bad cluster comes to mind.

 

Bad cluster as in what?

 

Instrument cluster or a bad connection to it.

 

You really think so?? Because like I said it only happens when my glow plug lights up?

 

It sounds like some error is being triggered when the glow plug circuit is activated. Have checked for cluster codes?

 

Yeah ive checked codes with a service stations programmers, and it didnt throw a single code...thats why im baffled

 

Glowplugs.... are you guys serious?

 

Did you run the cluster test? With the engine off, hold down the trip meter button and turn the key on until the cluster starts its self test. Any codes will then be displayed in the odometer window.

Light on the dash, little pig tail. It is just called a glow plug light because we all know the Cummins uses grid heaters.