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2001 7.3 Excursion Will Crank But Won't Start When Cold

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Old 01-17-2013, 08:55 PM
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Default 2001 7.3 Excursion Will Crank But Won't Start When Cold

Hi, I have an '01 7.3 Excursion and am having troubles with it starting. I live in Steamboat Springs and it has been extremely cold (below 0) for the past few weeks. For the past month or so my X would start fine in very cold weather, even when it wasn't plugged in. Now, all of a sudden it won't start. I had my batteries checked and they were both no good, so I replaced those. It cranks really well, but doesn't start and really doesn't even seem to try. I plugged in the block heater and it doesn't seem to be working. I know that about a week ago, the block heater was working, because I had it plugged in and the engine was warm to the touch. I know it is getting fuel because I started it with ether and it kept running fine. I shut the truck off and started it again while still hot, no problem.

Does anybody have suggestions on what to check to find out what's keeping it from starting? Any fuses or simple fixes that could both cause the X to not start or keep the block heater from working?
 
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Old 01-18-2013, 11:43 AM
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idk about the block heater..never messed with one..but have you checked glow plugs and your glow plug relay?
 
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Old 01-18-2013, 07:32 PM
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Same issue here with my sons 2000 F250 with a 7.3. New glow plugs, glow plug relay and batteries. If it is plugged in it will start. If not forget it! I know the 7.3's can be a little tough cold cranking and all. But here its only been in the low 30's at night. Right now he cant take it to school because it wont start after school. Any ideas what else to look at?
 
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Old 01-18-2013, 08:12 PM
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Glow plug wiring harness? Relay may br no good even though new.

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Old 01-18-2013, 10:52 PM
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I just replaced my block heater and the truck starts perfectly when plugged in also. I had a code reader on it and it gave codes saying that 6 out of the glow plugs are out. I have an extremely hard time believing that 6 could go out, literally overnight.

Because mine is an excursion, it has a glow plug control module rather than a relay. I tried to use a test light to make sure I was getting power from the correct wires while the key is on, but I am struggling on which wires do what. Can anybody help with that?

I put a brand new module on and it still won't start unless plugged in. How can I tell if the module is getting the power it needs?

Finally where do I use an ohmmeter to test resistance in the glow plugs to see if they are working properly? A step by step procedure or link to a video would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!
 
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Old 01-19-2013, 07:18 AM
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There is a you tube video somewhere on here for that test. I had an old wiring harness to just plug into resistance checking was easy. I will look for this link here.
 
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Old 01-19-2013, 09:04 AM
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What kind of glow plugs did you buy?

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Old 01-19-2013, 04:41 PM
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motorcraft

---AutoMerged DoublePost---

GPR is working fine stays on for about 20 sec after wait to start light goes out. Have a suggestion for an easy way to check the wire harness?
 

Last edited by mark15857; 01-19-2013 at 04:41 PM. Reason: Automerged Doublepost
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Old 01-22-2013, 08:58 PM
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Also 1 more question on this subject. I was told possibly an oil pressure issue? These dont fire unless there is sufficient oil pressure? Is there a way to test for this one if thats the case? I doubt if the dash gage will work correctly during cranking.
 
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Old 01-22-2013, 10:00 PM
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Open the fill hole on the hpop and oil should be close to top.

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