Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Cold Start!

[Beach]

Nothing serious, but I forgot to plug in my truck yesterday and it was - 5 deg. or so. I have alway's had good luck with starting it but yesterday was tough. It took about 5 or so cycles just to get it to stay running. I had to almost hold the key forward to keep it firing until it would stay running on it's own. Once it did start it was making a wierd humming noise, smokey and idiling at 1000 rpm's. I don't think I've ever seen my truck idle up even when it is cold? I tapped the throttle and it dropped to around 750-800. I know diesel's don't like cold weather and they will run rough but should I worry about the VP44 or anything when it's started cold and start's at these temp's. I know everything is thicker and moves slower, but how hard or damaging is it on the weak part's "VP" ! I'm just concerned and don't want to damage anything. I did'nt check any code's yet. It ran fine after it warmed up. Thank's for any reply's!

 

[RAJohnson]

What you experienced was what the call the three cylinder high idle feature, it happens when its cold out side and you don't have it plugged in. Its normal and you should let it warm up this way. Do a search on three cylinder high idle and you will have lots to read.

 

[Beach]

Hey, thank's for the info. ! I did'nt think I had that option. I thought it was something you had to have flashed or programmed from the dealer as an option. That's good to know that it will do that. Guess I should have let it do it's thing. I figured it was built up fuel from not starting causing it to idle high duh! Thank's. Is it still hard on these VP44's when it's this cold?

 

[RAJohnson]

Hell it hard on everything when its this cold , Even me :-laf :-laf :-laf

 

[DGerth]

RA, it does'nt get cold down in Richland!!

 

[RAJohnson]

7* the other morning. Hell I had to put on two coats. :-laf :-laf :-laf