Harder to start>

[Iguide]

My truck used to start right up at the turn of the key. The past few weeks it has taken up to five seconds to start, and that is happening constantly. Also when I was letting her run to cool off the turbo I noticed that she skipped a beat. Would these two things be related, and what could be causing either or both of these maladies?



Once again thank to the membership for your help. It is great to be a member.

 

[MMeier]

Just a thought, have you replaced your fuel filter and checked your air filter lately?

 

[Iguide]

Replaced the fuel filter 5000 ago. Same with the air filter. Could be that I suppose. Any other thoughts.

Thanks

Wayne

 

[rbattelle]

Could be a fuel delivery problem (lift pump). What year is the truck, and do you have any performance-enhancing devices on it? Have you done the fuel tank vent fix?



-Ryan

 

[Iguide]

Could be a fuel delivery problem (lift pump). What year is the truck, and do you have any performance-enhancing devices on it? Have you done the fuel tank vent fix?



-Ryan

It is an 03, none & no. 35,000 Mi

So what does that mean?

 

[rbattelle]

It is an 03, none & no. 35,000 Mi

So what does that mean?

I just wanted to get an idea what you've got on your hands. It's hard to diagnose this stuff (especially on the internet), but since you know you've got good filters and you haven't done any bombing, I think I'd point the finger at the lift pump next.



If the lift pump is on it's way out, it'll starve the CP-3 for fuel, which in turn starves the engine for fuel. Are you mechanically inclined? Is the truck still in warranty?



-Ryan

 

[Iguide]

Are you mechanically inclined? Is the truck still in warranty?



-Ryan [/QUOTE]





Somewhat, filters fluids ect, nothing to major. 35,000 miles so I would think it would be under warrenty.

Wayne

 

[GerryDrake]

I don't have any expertise on what it might be, but if you have 35K on it, you need to get it to a dealer and get documented what your complaints are such that if it continues to be minor for 4 or 5K more, then pukes, you have it on record that you complained about it prior to the warranty end, and they just didn't/couldn't find/fix it. Get it documented...

 

[Iguide]

By coincidence I just have an appointment for Monday first thing.

Thanks Ryan & Gerry

 

[rbattelle]

By coincidence I just have an appointment for Monday first thing.

Thanks Ryan & Gerry

Please let us know how it goes.



-Ryan

 

[Subby]

Yeah, am real interested in what you find out.

Thanks

 

[Iguide]

Please excuse the fact that I did not get back to this post until now. It is turkey season & I'm busy with clients.

Well got the truck back from the dealer, & with talking with the service writer he told me that they had a TSB for the truck & starting. They did something with the computer, or so

I was told. It did not seem to make any difference in the starting though. So, even though it is documented that I had it checked I'm not sure with 35,500 if the lift pump STB after 36,000 that they will cover it. Any suggestions?

Thanks again guys.

 

[Hawkeye 04]

Mine would start great sometimes but other times it would crank for three times as long before it would start. I put in a carter pump with a lift pump eliminator and all is fine now!

 

[Iguide]

Ok,very good. What is a "carter pump with a lift pump eliminator " and where do we get it?

Thanks

 

[CLAYTON]

Have you done the fuel tank vent fix?

If he had this what about it would effect his truck? I just got mine and haven't installed it yet. Are you thinking that shavings got stuck somewhere?

 

[Hawkeye 04]

Ok,very good. What is a "carter pump with a lift pump eliminator " and where do we get it?

Thanks

I bought mine from a fellow CTD friend to hold me over for now, but will eventually go with the FASS system. That would be my recommendation and it comes with the eliminator plate. They can be bought from TST Products and at various other places.

 

[rbattelle]

If he had this what about it would effect his truck? I just got mine and haven't installed it yet. Are you thinking that shavings got stuck somewhere?

I'm talking about Fireman's vent issue, NOT the slow fillup solver. I asked because I wanted to know if he might have plugged both the vents atop the fuel tank, which could be causing vapor lock problems. Obviously that's not the case here.



W. A. ,

You don't necessarily need to eliminate the lift pump and change to a FASS system. There is a new lift pump assembly that relocates the pump into the tank. This can be done under warranty, if your pump is indeed gone to the great fuel tank in the sky. Problem is, your dealer doesn't seem to be moving that way. I don't know what they could have done to your computer, but it must be a reflash. That certainly won't fix a dying lift pump.



You might consider paying the dealer to perform the lift pump verification test in the 2003 Powertrain Diagnostics Manual (page 260). If it turns out to fail the test, then they should replace the pump with the new-style in-tank pump under warranty.



Also, page 255 of the PDM for 2003 is a list of possible causes for the problem "Engine difficult to start or will not start (no exhaust smoke while cranking)". MOST of the possible causes for this condition are in the low pressure fuel system. But the 1st item on the list is "Check for any TSBs for ECM calibration updates that may apply". Sounds like your dealer got to the first item on the list and said "okay, there's an ECM update so that should make everything great... bring on the next victim!".



Take it back to them and tell them they didn't fix the problem.



-Ryan

 

[Iguide]

Ryan:

How can I get a copy of" PDM for 2003 list of possible causes for the problem"Engine difficult to start or will not start (no exhaust smoke while cranking)". The service writer is being kind of sticky about it, I think because I'm so close to 36000, & is hoping the problem just goes away. I have it rescheduled & I want to know all of the things to look for.

Thanks

 

[mberry]

Forgive me, but isn't the lift pump covered by the 5yr/100K mile warranty?

 

[rbattelle]

Forgive me, but isn't the lift pump covered by the 5yr/100K mile warranty?

Come to think of it, I think you're right. Engine is covered by 5/100... lift pump is part of the engine.



-Ryan