Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Wait to Start Lamp

[HTRDHLR]

I have been pluging in every night as it has been very cold lately (down to -5) Sometimes when I turn the key the wait to start lamp goes out almost right away and I start the truck normally. Sometimes I have to wait till the grid heater cycles before the WTS light goes off. I have checked the operation of the block heater and it is working. Do I need to clean the IAT sensor or some other sensor for the WTS light to operate correctly?

 

[Adam]

Depends on the plug-in duration

I start to plug in around +30, and usually use a three-hour cycle at that temp. For every 15 degrees it drops, I need another hour of plug-in time to prevent the grids from heating. It also makes a difference how long the truck has been cold-soaking, ie. , how long has it sat without running or being plugged in. If I let mine sit for over a day, I need to add another two hours to the above formula to keep the grids from cycling. Sometimes there's just no way around it, and I have to WTS, but it's usually -40 by that time, and I shouldn't really be outside anyway .



Also, my formula might not work for you as I have heaters on the oil pan which contribute to engine warmth, but I would think it's pretty close.



-Adam

 

[HTRDHLR]

I understand what you are saying but mine seems very "hit or miss" one day it might be -5 and no wait time next day 10 above and I have to wait. I have my heater on a timer that gives me 4 hours of heat up time. Maybe I will increase it to 5?

 

[Steve St.Laurent]

The biggest difference I find is how much wind there is and whether you are pointed into or away from it. If there's lots of wind blowing into the nose of the truck the heater grids will cycle and your underhood temp will be lower. Less wind and into the back of the truck and your underhood temp will be higher and the grids won't cycle.