Question Hard cold start

[Crabcakes]

Having issues getting my 03 6.0 to start in temps under 45f.Anything under 45 I need to plug it in to start. 45-50f is a rough start. She starts up fine over 50f. My mechanic is thinking bad injectors but I changed them all out about 6 years ago.. I’ve been told it might be the glow plug relay. Any thoughts? I really don’t want to spend money on injectors.. they were a pain replacing last time .. thanks in advanced


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[bismic1]

Hopefully you are using a 5W40 or 10W30 oil in 45 degrees or below. 15W40 oils can cause stiction issues at low temps.

That said, glow plug problems are usually VERY dependable about throwing codes when they have issues.

Could be a FICM issue, could even be a battery voltage issue. Might even be a slow cranking issue.

It would help to know what codes you have (if any).

Download ForScan to a smartphone and get an appropriate ELM327 OBDII adapter.

Also, post up cranking data when you are having the issues:
FICM MPower
FICMLPower
FICM VPower
cranking rpms
ICP pressure, psig
IPR % duty cycle

 

[Crabcakes]

Thanks, no codes, but im starting to think it’s the batteries though, they are 5 years old ,


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[DaveBen]

Your engine needs to turn over at 500 rpms, at least, for the FICM to fire the injectors. Less than that it will not start. Yes, check your batteries. 5 years old is usually the end of a battery in a diesel.

 

[labraque]

Sounds like batteries. But until you buy new try ....
Turn the key ON ....
Wait till glow plugs light goes out then turn key OFF
Turn key on again. But this time continue to start.
I found this worked well in 10deg temps. Glow plug will be just that little bit hotter with a little extra fuel.

 

[bismic1]

The glow plug operation is NOT connected to the glow plug light. The glow plugs will continue to operate for a time period (dependent on oil temp, etc) up to two minutes after the light goes off.