Cold Start Issues

[jman]

I'm having some minor cold starting issues and have had them for some time. It seems to stumble to a start, but it only does this if it is close to cool enough for the grids to cycle or if they do cycle. Some things I have noticed, the lift pump runs for the full 25-30 seconds when you turn the key on and it used to only run for 2-3 seconds. I think I have a bad FCA because my idle will stick at 1000 rpm at times. I took it in when it had around 80K and they did a software update and that did nothing. The sticky throttle is A LOT worse in cold weather so it is tolerable right now. Would a bad FCA be causing a funky starting issue?



Truck runs great and mileage is superb. It is always in the garage and starts great, but it had to sit out last night and the grids cycled and it stumbled to a start. I'm pretty sure the grids are working because the volt gauge cycles up and down.



I'm at 98K now, so if anyone has any ideas let me know. I need to get it in before the warranty is gone.



Thanks and sorry so long!!

 

[rbattelle]

they did a software update and that did nothing.

Not quite... the latest software for 2003 trucks reprograms the LP logic to remain on 30 seconds when the key is turned to RUN. That's why yours is magically doing this now.



Bad FCA is a plausible explanation, but not the only one for bad cold starts. I believe some others have experienced these symptoms due to bad injectors.



Ryan

 

[CDonaldson]

What he said ^^^. I have read a lot of threads with the same issues being discussed. You might want to go to your dealership and start complaining A LOT, so they will test your injectors and possibly replace them under warranty. Look at the bright sie, they will probably change the FCA first, and if you still are having the problem they will have to get into the injectors next. Win-Win for you in the long run.



CD

 

[jman]

Good info on the LP. I don't have any white smoke at start up so I don't know if they are leaking by. My oil analysis have come back with no fuel in the oil, so that is a good sign. It is funny that this thing stumble to a start, but when you take it in it starts great. I wish it was a little cooler here, I'm afraid I may run out of warranty before I get to the bottom of this.



Thanks for the replys!!!

 

[jman]

I've been away from the computer for a while. Here is the funny thing. It can sit in the garage for a week where it is pretty warm and start fine like nothing is wrong. Park it outside overnight where it is 55-60 degrees and it stumbles to a start. I'm sure the grids are working because the lights dim and brighten. It is almost like a sensor is telling it the wrong temperature. Same during the winter. Garage is cold, stumbles to a start. Plug in Block Heater and starts great. It does make a puff of smoke at start, but never any white smoke that has been visible.



It goes in tomorrow, so hopefully we will have good results.