Lights dimming at idle in 50 dgerees

[jsimpson]

My lights are dimming on and off at idle as though the pre-heater is cycling. And it's only 50 degrees outside. Is this normal?

 

[PJ]

Yes, they all do it

 

[RBratby]

if the temp is at or below 59* the grid heater will cycle.

 

[hasselbach]

has anyone noticed that the charging system doesn't start charging immediately when its cold outside? I've noticed my truck takes a few minutes to start charging after I start it up when its cold. .

 

[GFritsch]

I noticed on my old truck when it was very cold that the grid didn't cycle after starting but just stayed on for a minute or two, and then satrted cycling until it quit after the engine was hot. If your noticing that it is not charging by looking at the guage this might be the case.

 

[Pawpaw]

has anyone noticed that the charging system doesn't start charging immediately when its cold outside? I've noticed my truck takes a few minutes to start charging after I start it up when its cold. .

Right. It won't start charging until the grid heaters are done cycling. As I understand, it's done to save the alternator.

Bob

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

I got so tired of the overcycling of the grid heaters on my '03 that I disconnected them at the end of February. They would come on with the engine at operating temp if I shut it off then restarted 2 minutes later, and keep cycling for the full interval, even when it was only 40s out. So I just said "to heck with it" and pulled the little wires off the relays. If I still had the truck I would've reconnected them a few weeks ago with the cold mornings.



Vaughn

 

[rbattelle]

I agree with Vaughn that the biggest flaw is the heater cycle is completely independent of engine temperature. There's really no need for the heaters when the coolant temperature is 180 degrees, no matter what the outside temperature is. Rather than disconnecting them, I just ignore them when the engine is warm and drive off... they turn off when you hit about 20 mph.



-Ryan

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

Yeah. My concern was needless wear & tear on the alternator, and batteries. Certainly it would take a toll over time.

 

[RonLaw]

I too have noticed that when I start up my selnoid would click. The voltage gage would read below 12. I raised the hood and touched the wires at that selnoid and they would get hot. Is this normal?

I also have turbo whine at 20 mph and that is where the clicking stops and the voltage will kick up to 14 +.

 

[RPotter]

yep, I just bought my new '04 diesel in September, and have experienced all the same things.



Just joined this site, this is my first new diesel. Hi all!! Great info.

 

[Jumbo Jet]

Welcome to the TDR RPotter! Go hide your check book and destroy all credit cards today!



I have my 3rd CTD and will be starting/attending group meetings to help cure all the Geno's Garage Junkies in NW Arkansas!!