Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) plug truck in, still starts like cold

[CrazieAbe]

I plug truck in, still starts like I didn't , checked for power at the plug in and its good, any ideas? BTW, new member here, lovin the TDR YE HAA Oo.

 

[SRadke]

Whithin seconds of pluggin the truck in you should hear a faint sizzle sound coming from the heater if it's working. If it isn't working get an ohm meter and check for resistance across the prongs on the plug. If that shows no resistance unplug the cord from the heater at the side of the block and check resistance across the prongs there. This will tell you if the problem is in the heater or the cord.



BTW, welcome to the site and I hope you love it as much as I do.



-Scott

 

[CrazieAbe]

well, I went out in the 5 degree weather to check resistance, and I here the sizzle sound coming out from the grill, so I negate that whole step and jump in, hit the key and she pops right off, go figure. Maybe I need to have it plugged in longer? It had been on wire for almost 3 hrs. now it has been on all evening. so much for the whole timer idea. O well, hope it isn't an intermittent thing, I hate diagnosing them... thanks for your help. By the way, how much resistance are we talkin if this happens again?

 

[Rman]

in that kind of cold three hours would be a minimum... . try bumping your timer up to 4-5 hours and see how that works.

 

[Challenger-II]

If it happens again... ... replace your cord!! My cord had an internal break somewhere and depending on the position it was in would sometimes work or not. Went to cummins and replaced it for less than $20. 00 and all was fine after that.

 

[JR2]

I second the motion to plug it in longer. When it gets cold here in AK I plugged it in (used to now have gagarge and ESPAR) for 4-6 hours. If it was much below 0 I would plug it in all night.

 

[fkovalski]

I have mine timed for 5 hours. Look for how long it takes your "wait to start" light to go out as an indicator for if its up to proper starting temp. Had -20* here last night and it started, but it sure sounded like a bunch o' marbles in the cranckcase! I let it run for about 10 minuted in these real cold temps before heading out.