2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Jump Starting

[cscott]

My batteries are dead and I need to jump start my truck.



Is it possible to jump start a CTD from a regular vehicle?



How long should I leave the cables on before trying to start the truck?



The truck is in a parking lot that doesn't have any electrical outlets so I will have to jump it off another vehicle.



Thanks



Craig

 

[DSiemens]

dead batteries

It will take a while to charge the truck batteries. The time depends on how much current the donor can supply. It can be done.

 

[apkole]

I think you probably can jump from another vehicle. How long you have to charge before attempting to start will depend on the output of the alternator in the system you are jumping from. I would prefert to jump from another diesel p/u. If you can do this, mybe 15 minutes might bring it up. Make sure you find a battery charger when you get home. Using your alternator to charge those batteries from 0 may shorten its life considerably.



Cars these days have some pretty light charging capacity. May have to leave connected longer if that's all available.



Good luck



Andy

 

[Red Rocket]

I have found over time that one of the major differences is the cables you use. Sears sells some pretty good cables, but i got mine from fleet farm, 4 guage, 20 feet long, and let me tell you, compared to a 10 dollar set of cables these work wonders. I guess I'm trying to say, if you hook up a set of 12 guage cables, they may not even carry the current the car can make... .



Nick

 

[illflem]

Like Nick said, if the cables aren't large gauge you won't be able to jump it at all. You can however charge the batteries with rather small wire. I'd try at least 15 minutes with the other vehicle at high idle. It may be easier to remove a battery(s) and haul it to a charger.

 

[Tardog]

Had to jump mine last fall with the wife's 92 escort. #4 cables and 20 min and it fired right up. My batteries were dead enough that the starter would only click.

 

[cscott]

Thanks for all the input.



I tried jumping it once. Part of the problem was I was using a GMC van, side mount battery facing back. I couldn't get a good connection.



I don't know what gauge my cables are but they are not cheapies.



I'll give it another try with something with real terminals.



Thanks



Craig

 

[parcher]

If all else fails, try to find TWO vehicles to jump it from.

 

[illflem]

Another way to do it if out in the boonies with small gauge jumpers is to ground the two vehicles' bumpers together then use both jumper conductors on the positive pole. Can be a trick with modern rigs made out of plastic though.

 

[JohnE]

The starter isn't the killer, its the grid heaters. Depending on local conditions, you may start it with just a jump. If the grids have to cycle it may take all the juice before the starter even gets a chance.



Take the batteries out, go home and put them on the charger overnight?

 

[apkole]

Is there a quick disconnect plug at the grids, or is that a pretty involved process? They do take a heap of current when they kick in.



Andy

 

[cscott]

Is it possible to disconnect the pre-heater?



What would happen if I tried to start the engine before the wait to start engine light goes out?



Just trying to think of ways to avoid draining the battery.



If this seems kind of odd to continue discussing jump starting, I am currently on deployment. I will be returning in March and know the batteries will be dead. The truck sat for about 2 weeks prior to my departure and the batteries where already dead. Thats when I tried to jump it with no success.



Thanks for all the input.



Craig

 

[illflem]

You can start turning over the engine whenever you want, no need to wait for the light to go out, whether it starts is a different story depending on how cold it is. While you are cranking the grids are off. Because of this I see no advantage in disconnecting the grids.



With the ignition off the batteries are supposed to hold a charge for 23 days, don't ask me where DC gets these numbers. If you aren't going to be starting for that long then disconnect the batteries.

 

[Prairie Dog]

Unless it's less than about 10 below, just skip the heaters and hit the starter. It may run rough for a few seconds but it will start.