Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Wait To Start Light

[AMF]

Oh great ones. am I doing any damage by not waiting for the wait to start light to go out when I start my engine? It starts just fine. THANX Oo.

 

[Mschevey]

Well, you have to remember that our trucks are run by computer. In cold weather the wait to start light will stay on until the heaters have cycled. 'short changing' this a little will not hurt, just run a little rougher. Now if it is warm enough that the grid heaters are not needed (above 60 F) and you still don't wait the 2. 5 second for the light that is a different story. As I said these engines are run by computers. During that first second or two the computer do a quick diagnostic check, and communications check with each other. I would recommend not cutting this short as it may cause memory and communication errors.



My $. 02



Mike Shcevey

 

[AMF]

wait to start

Not to over simplify, but would it be safe to say that on the initial start of the day I should wait?

 

[Mschevey]

YES, I would wait at least the amount of time that it takes for the light to go off when it is warm.



Mike

 

[mongoose]

I would definetly wait a couple of seconds (5 or so) every time you start the truck. Anything under 60 degree's or so i would wait that extra 10-15 seconds for the wait to start light to go out. It probably won't hurt anything if you don't, and i'm guilty about not waiting sometimes. I can tell a difference in the way the truck runs when first started if i don't wait though.

 

[AMF]

Ok thanx sounds like a planOo.

 

[joeyou]

You will not hurt a thing by not waiting for the light to go out. It will not damage anything. The only issue is in cold weather, then you'll get some additional white smoke and rough running. When the engine is warm or during warm ambient temperatures, don't worry about it.



Joe

 

[puffincoal]

i was told by the H. D. mech. at my company that unless u r in cold weather (30f or lower) that is nothing but a smog set up to stop the white smoke. i,ve been running without it for awhile here in cali. saves the extreme wear that it puts on the altinator ( this is why u can hear the motor idle changing during warm up), even in cold weather as long as u plug in the block heater u'll be fine. ever wonder why no semi's or heavy equuipment have a "wait to start" light, no smog i've been up in the sierra's at about 15f with it snowing all night and she fired right up with the block pluged in. smoke on

 

[AMF]

Sounds good if someone else dosent already have it , I think I'LL rename Her; Skin this" SOMKE WAGON"

 

[Hohn]

Originally posted by puffincoal

i was told by the H. D. mech. at my company that unless u r in cold weather (30f or lower) that is nothing but a smog set up to stop the white smoke. i,ve been running without it for awhile here in cali. saves the extreme wear that it puts on the altinator ( this is why u can hear the motor idle changing during warm up), even in cold weather as long as u plug in the block heater u'll be fine. ever wonder why no semi's or heavy equuipment have a "wait to start" light, no smog i've been up in the sierra's at about 15f with it snowing all night and she fired right up with the block pluged in. smoke on

This is EXACTLY right. The WTS light is there for EPA stuff and emissions. In colder weather, I would wait for it to go out. In warmer weather, you can start it like a gasser and your alternator will thank you.



BTW-- the computers in these things aren't Microsoft/Intel, so they don't need ridiculuous amounts of time to process basic functions



HOHN