Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) truck acted weird

[Smokin Joes 2500]

Got off work tonite 27 deg. out. I figured grids would cycle for a while, but the light only stayed on for about 3-5 sec. I thought that was weid so I waited about a nother 2-3 sec. then figured Id start and see what happens. It started but barely it was sluggish for about 5 sec. than I manually brought the R's up to about 1200-1400 and let it run for a while. I cranked the heater full blast while I was waiting and it would blow real hard then cut back, then real hard (blow) then soft again. It fluctuated with the engine RPM's (simultaneously) I dont know if that is the AC cycling or what??? Any ideas or is there not anything to worry about??? Thanks guys!!!

 

[overfueled]

Joe How did it run after you got under way? All the way home? Overfueled

 

[BarryG]

If your grid heaters were cycling after startup like they are supposed to when cold for 190 seconds that could account for the fan motor coming and going but should not have anything to do with the engine rpms. Or grids maybe dead and alternator is wimping out.

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

Sounds like the grid heaters were working OK - but the light wasn't - that's probably why the heater inside was fluctuating - fluctuating voltage as the engine grid heaters cycled as they should...

 

[Smokin Joes 2500]

replyin'

Truck ran great all the way home! I guess Ill watch it tomorrow and see what it does but it is supposed to be in the 40's so I dont know how this will affect it. Is there anything I should check for??? Obvious stuff??? How would I know if light is bad and what would cause it, what would fix it??? How can I tell if my grid heaters are still cycling??? Thanks for the speady responce guys! Your all welcome at my fire any time!

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

If it's cold enough for the heaters to activate, watch your amp guage at startup - if you see it move from the lower reading to its normal range for the first minute or 2, and see other evidence of voltage swings like your heater or lights, the grid heaters are undoubtedly working fine - the tachometer might also change readings mildly as the greater draw on the alternator places a greater load on the engine at idle, and even affect meter accuracy slightly as voltage varies...