Wont start when cold unless plugged in
#1
10-18-2015, 07:11 PM
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Wont start when cold unless plugged in
Truck info:
-2005 Dodge 2500 Diesel
-137,000 miles
-Oil and Fuel filters changed within 3000 miles
Essentially what is happening is that the truck starts perfectly fine when it is 60+ degrees out and barely cranks before it kicks over. Also the 'Wait to Start' light stays on for less than 5 seconds which from what I can tell from the tables posted all over the place (Ram Diesel Manifold Heater Problems).
I did troubleshooting based on a lot of the different articles that I found from searching 'Dodge Diesel Grid Heater problems' or 'Dodge diesel hard start', etc. Here is what I have done up until this point:
-Replaced both relays
-Replaced Grid Heater
-Listen for clicking noise (supposedly relays/grid heater being utilized) and its there, louder since replacing heater and relays
-Testing voltage and resistance of relays and both are what the troubleshooting articles say they should be
-Tested voltage when truck key is turned on at the 'Output to Heater' posts on both of the relays and they show 12V and go back to 0 when shut off.
-Tested voltage when truck key is turned on at the 'power' terminals on the grid heater and both show 12V and go back to 0 when shut off.
-Tested before/after temperature of grid heater by touch and infrared temp gun in both scenarios you could tell it was significantly warmer and the 'red horn' temperature above the grid heater was significantly higher.
-I bought this truck used off of someone 4-6 months ago and was told the batteries were both replaced within the last two years. I have not had any other issues related to make me think batteries are weak. Both seem to test fine at advanced auto parts and charge and stay at the 14 mark when truck is running.
The problem is this morning it was around 35 degrees fahrenheit and it would not start. I turn the key to the on position and the 'wait to start' light stays on for right around 10 seconds or so then goes off. I then attempt to start the truck and hold it for 10 seconds and still no luck. Let it sit for a couple minutes to let starter cool down and then try again and same results. I end up having to plug the truck in for an hour or so and then it starts up right away as if it were 60+ degrees outside.
Any suggestions on where I should be looking next?
-2005 Dodge 2500 Diesel
-137,000 miles
-Oil and Fuel filters changed within 3000 miles
Essentially what is happening is that the truck starts perfectly fine when it is 60+ degrees out and barely cranks before it kicks over. Also the 'Wait to Start' light stays on for less than 5 seconds which from what I can tell from the tables posted all over the place (Ram Diesel Manifold Heater Problems).
I did troubleshooting based on a lot of the different articles that I found from searching 'Dodge Diesel Grid Heater problems' or 'Dodge diesel hard start', etc. Here is what I have done up until this point:
-Replaced both relays
-Replaced Grid Heater
-Listen for clicking noise (supposedly relays/grid heater being utilized) and its there, louder since replacing heater and relays
-Testing voltage and resistance of relays and both are what the troubleshooting articles say they should be
-Tested voltage when truck key is turned on at the 'Output to Heater' posts on both of the relays and they show 12V and go back to 0 when shut off.
-Tested voltage when truck key is turned on at the 'power' terminals on the grid heater and both show 12V and go back to 0 when shut off.
-Tested before/after temperature of grid heater by touch and infrared temp gun in both scenarios you could tell it was significantly warmer and the 'red horn' temperature above the grid heater was significantly higher.
-I bought this truck used off of someone 4-6 months ago and was told the batteries were both replaced within the last two years. I have not had any other issues related to make me think batteries are weak. Both seem to test fine at advanced auto parts and charge and stay at the 14 mark when truck is running.
The problem is this morning it was around 35 degrees fahrenheit and it would not start. I turn the key to the on position and the 'wait to start' light stays on for right around 10 seconds or so then goes off. I then attempt to start the truck and hold it for 10 seconds and still no luck. Let it sit for a couple minutes to let starter cool down and then try again and same results. I end up having to plug the truck in for an hour or so and then it starts up right away as if it were 60+ degrees outside.
Any suggestions on where I should be looking next?
Last edited by Brett Fritzsch; 10-18-2015 at 07:31 PM.
#2
10-19-2015, 04:27 AM
Diesel Bomber
Sounds to me like the heater its working fine just as advertised.
From what I have seen the engine will start at cold temps even without the grid heaters.
Maybe remove (or use another for TS) and manually cool your AIT down below 30 degrees during a normal 70 day and see what happens.
From what I have seen the engine will start at cold temps even without the grid heaters.
Maybe remove (or use another for TS) and manually cool your AIT down below 30 degrees during a normal 70 day and see what happens.
#3
10-19-2015, 08:40 AM
i have never saw a problem like this. your truck should start without grid heater but will mis fire till it warms up a little. how is your rail pressure cold vrs warmer temps. 
