Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Starting troubles

[nopowerforme]

I live in Northern MN and it has been pretty cold here lately ... wind chills of 21 below... anyway I had to go away for a week and when I tried to start the truck it cranked over but would not start.



I am using a good fuel so gelling was not the problem... . I cranked it over several times but it would not start then by accident I shut it of and tried instantly to start again and it caught right away.



I took my trip and ALMOST every time I tried to start it the same thing it would crank but not start and then shutting it off and turning the key again real fast it started... . Then when it warmed up to 10 degrees it seemed to start at the first turn of the key.



ANY IDEAS SUGGESTIONS BEFORE I TAKE IT INTO A SHOP????



It is still only 10 degrees here and I have no garage

 

[Keith1]

sounds like the shut off solenoid is not working right,mine will start a little harder when its that cold also,try giving it a little throttle while you are starting mine will idle very slow till it gets warmed up a little

 

[San Felipe Bob]

Ice Cold?

Maybe the fuel shut off solenoid is sticking literaly... . frozen?



Make sure the solenoid is fully retracted.

Turn the key to the on / run position , then open hood and check the solenoid arm . It should be retacted / pulled up.

If it is not then simply pull it up by hand.

Make sure your battery connections are absolutely clean !

The solenoid draws alot of amps to open and needs all the battery current you can give it.

With the cold temps it could be a weak battery / current causing the almost frozen solenoid to not pull all the way up.

Check the relay too maybe it's getting stuck as well.

Mine would act the same way and it was 70 degrees Southern California sun.





SFB

 

[nopowerforme]

Ice cold is right

Thanks guys



I just replaced both batteries as in a month ago, I have a block heater and use it anytime it gets below 30 degrees, which is most of the winter here.



I will check both items mentioned and hopefully solve my problem... . but I almost expect my fingers to stick to the metal. My wife was loading stuff into the truck not too long ago and had left her keys on the hood. As she went to get something else she picked up her keys and put them into her mouth OUCH!!!!! Yup! they stuck to her lip.





Gotta go South soon CA sounds good

 

[NevadaBadBoy]

I've had the same problem with my truck. After installing a new overflow valve, I still had to crank it over several times, cycling the key, until it finally fired up. My problem turned out to be the fuel shutdown relay. I ordered a replacement relay from carparts.com for $50. I've installed the new relay and since that day, no more starting problems. I was ready to shell out $400 for a fuel shutdown solenoid, but only as a last resort. Fortunately, a less expensive part fixed my problem... .



Martin