Just bought 2004 F250 turbo diesel for my daughter truck runs great but will not start when it is cold without pluging in. Puffs white smoke and coughs alot before starting, this is my first diesel can anyone help. truck has 66,000 miles.

 

Welcome to DB!

Could be a few things. There's a few things you need to check out/try first so we can eliminate some things. First and foremost... get the batteries load tested. If one is bad, replace both. Then, only after you know you've got good batteries, test your FICM. You can find this test procedure at the top of the 6.0 page. Not difficult at all, but you'll need an extra set of hands to turn the key and such. If it falls below 48V under any conditions, it needs repair. Don't buy a new one, they're a ton of money and will eventually do the same thing. Report back here with what you find. If those items check out, next we will test the glow plug system. 90% of all 6.0 hard start problems are usually batteries or FICM related though.

 

You said FICM at top of page how do I get to it sorry new to this but appreciate this very much. Thanks

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Found it will test this weekend thanks so much gets alittle frustrating when all I have ever had are gas engines.

 

haha I know the feeling. This is my first diesel too, but I've learned quite a bit from the forums and just diving in. Once you get that intercooler piping out of the way, it's still just a simple pushrod V8 under there, just a lot more stuff bolted on.

Just remember... it's all nuts and bolts man.