Archived Truck needs help!

[DHarden]

I got in my truck about 12:30 yesterday, the temp was about 35 F, bumped the starter once (like i always do to get the fuel pressure up) and then go to start it. The starter cranks fine and all gauges look fine, but it won't fire and start up. Not a battery problem, radio. . heat. . lights. . box. . all are on and working. The only thing I can think of is possibly a glow plug problem or something with the crankshaft. There is also a code showing but I don't have a reader to check it. Can anyone tell me how to check the glowplugs are working right? I know this is a broad set of problems w/ many possible things that could be going wrong but any help would be appreciated.



Also if anyone in the columbus ohio area has a reader maybe we could meet up. The only other thing is that it is parked about 20 minutes away on The Ohio State campus so unfortunately I can't just run outside and try any solutions... thanks guys!



Harden

 

[rashwor]

I assume this is on the '99. Did your gauge show fuel pressure? If no pressure, it is probably a dead lift pump. Could also be a dead injector pump (VP44). Sometimes they die with no warning.



Dodge Cummins does not have glow plugs. They user grid heaters in the intake mainfold and tend to work well and be many fewer problems with them. When you turned the key on, did the "wait to start" light come on and stay on a few seconds (5+)? Also, the lights in the cab should dim slightly while the grid heaters are on. If so, they are working. At 35* with good batteries, you would not need the grid heaters for it to start. It would idle rough for a few minutes, but it would start easily.



Good luck!

 

[Babyfat]

does 99 have a digital odometer? my 01 does, if you turn key on and off 3 times it shows code.

 

[bnbrown]

the 99s do have the digital odometer, but the key to on X3 trick doesnt work on them... have use a code reader.

 

[DHarden]

The lift pump is 4 months old and is still pumping about 12-14 psi @ idle so its not that. Unfortunately I think it is the injection pump, my dad is going to haul it back home tomorrow morning and we will check to see if there is any fuel making it to the injectors. Anyone ever had a fuel filter cause the engine not to start? Thanks for the suggestions guys, i appreciate them!



Harden

 

[paccool]

Fuel shutoff solonoid? I'm assuming the 99's had one.

 

[rattlnrench]

A bad crank position sensor will cause a no start. Check the code first.