It's cold and the truck won't hit a lick

[CKyle494]

What is happing to big red? We are having a cold snap here in TN and now my truck won't hit a lick. I have 2 new batteries (bought 2 weeks ago) and when I turn my key I get nothing . My battery voltage stays at 12.5 even when someone turns the key. It doesn't crank or even try to turn over. It done this once or twice before when cold but now I need it to work because I will have to go to NY to work soon and I don't think I will be able to plug it up. I haven't tried to plug it up to see if it will help. Does anyone have any suggestions? OH also the O/H computer on the temp reading says ICE and flashes the temp. I use Diesel Kleen with every fill up and just the yesterday I changed the fuel filter. The other was dirty, but before I did I drained the water lever on back of the fuel bowl. PLEASE HELP

 

[roosterdiesel]

If it won't turn over at all it could be the starter or starter solenoid or wiring going to the starter.

 

[Tail_Gunner]

You say it won't even crank when you turn the key to start?

How about the various lights, dashboard, head lights, dome light, etc. Are they working?

Have you got an auto tranny or manual?

 

[CKyle494]

Thanks, Rooster I'll try the solenoid tomorrow. Is it on the fender on the passenger side? I think it is. I'll start there. And chase it down to the starter. Is there a solenoid on the starter or just wires to pass the voltage to engage the shaft? Just when it gets warm outside it will start fine.

 

[CKyle494]

Hey Tail gunner, my lights seem to work fine on the dash and everything seems to work fine. I turn the key and only a few of the lights go off the ones on the left stay on. The inside lights never dim and even if I turn the Headlights on then try to start it they never dim? I have a auto It only has done it when it drops below 33F or around there.

 

[Tail_Gunner]

OK, that'll sort of eliminate battery cable connection & ground problems.

One thing to consider, the safety interlock switch: Park/Neutral in an auto tranny.

 

[CKyle494]

I would bet there is no way to get at the Park/Neutral switch inside the tranny. I have tried shifting it to Neutral and starting it but notta' thing is happening. Tried moving the shifter back and forth while in park and Neutral and still nothing. Hope it warms up tomorrow, I've got no garage to work on the thing except with the wind howling and temps dropping. Maybe I can be quick about it.

 

[pleace69]

I had the same problem with mine about 3 days ago, 2000 f-350 6-speed. The problem was the battery cables were lose. I cleaned all the conections and its been working fine, hope this helps.

 

[CKyle494]

Well I replaced the solenoid on the fender but that still didn't do it. I have checked the connections to the starter and they are tight. My battery cables are super tight and very clean with grease and the felt pads. Just a quick question. If the glow plugs aren't very good could they keep it from doing anything (like even turning over as mine is doing) as some sort of safety shut off? If so has anyone seen the glow plugs on E-BAY that they say glow faster, longer and hotter than OEM plugs. I have a mechanic that is a retired FORD man and does work at home and he will do it for a 1/4 of what the stealership does.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/e...K:MEWA:VRI&viewitem=&item=150067209595&rd=1,1

 

[DaveBen]

This looks like several junk glow plugs that are for sale all over the internet. Stay away and only buy Beru's or Motorcraft glow plugs.

Dave