Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Rough Idle/Stalls when cold

[JohnnyH]

I picked up a 95 2500 4x4 and have a few questions. When I first start the truck it will rumble and stall unless I hold the accelerator down for a minute or so. Then it seems to idle fine. I know nothing about these 12V engines so any help would be appreciated.



I'm currently rebuilding the front end. Just did 2 new rotors/calipers/pads yesterday and still have to do tie rods to fix very bad steering. I cant wait to get her on the road.



Thanks

John

 

[RJPotts]

The condition you just described is "normal" for the first start on a cold day.

When the "Wait to Start" light comes on, do you wait? And what is the ambient temp. when this happens?

You may need to cycle the grid heaters twice.

-R. J.

 

[JohnnyH]

Yes, I do wait for the light to go out. I would say the temp would be in the 50's. Not very cold.

 

[Joe G.]

Common problem. Your idle is too low. Not normal at all.

 

[Signal73]

Mine did this until I fixed my grid heaters. That was in 35° temps though

 

[RSergeant]

What is the best way to test the grid heaters to make sure they are heating up all the way. my dads truck has the problem.

 

[Missouri Mule]

Symptoms seem to be low idle. Not to hard to adjust.

 

[Signal73]

What is the best way to test the grid heaters to make sure they are heating up all the way. my dads truck has the problem.

I used a test light to see if they were getting power when the WTS light was on. It needs to be cold out (not sure what temp) for them to fire. Helpful to have a 2nd person to turn the key while your under there with the light.

 

[bmoeller]

Mine did this until I fixed my grid heaters. That was in 35° temps though

I don't need to wait for the grids at 35*. She fires right up.



Try that with my 6. 9L. lol Ya, right. No dice. :-laf I have light the GPs 2-3 times for it to hit.

 

[Signal73]

Yeah, I know its wierd, But no more stalling on the first start. Much less blue smoke too. My idle starts off around 600 then after 30 sec or so slowly climbs to 750 or slightly higher. Cold blooded ram I guess