Why is the 3rd Gen such a dog on colder mornings?

[Cummins4WD]

Just wondering here but started the rig today and it was about 55 degrees out and as soon as you pull out of the drive way and up to the stop sign... wait for traffic to go by, etc... then you try and pull out and theres a total lack of power. It's like the Turbo isn't working or no Turbo Boost. Is this because the EGTs have to get to a certain temp before the Turbo starts becomming effective.



My wife almost got clipped when she pulled out because she was expecting the truck to take off from the stop sign. Instead she had to stop and back up to avoid the on-coming traffic. I told her I think it needs to warm up more... but I'll check on it. "She was like, "That would have been nice to have know!"



Would installing a EDGE EZ or similiar fuel box like TST help with these early startup issues or is this just part of owning a Diesel. Obviously it wants to warm up before it runs the best but I'm just wondering.



Would plugging it in even when its 45 to 50 out help with this lack of power situation until warmed up.



This will be the first winter with a Diesel so were just starting to see the effects of the colder weather.



Thanks,

Randy

 

[jersey diesel]

Dog

My 04. 5 doesn't have that problem. Either did my 03 SO auto.

 

[Tomeygun]

if this truck is an auto - it has to do with converter drain-back

the power was not able to get the ground because of a semi-empty converter



This happens the truck on our lot that have sat for a few days



Maybe this is what happen in your case????

 

[Cummins4WD]

Yes it is an Auto 48RE... Our driveway is slightly inclined and it had been sitting since 7pm Sunday night. We back down the driveway about 15 feet and then come to a stop sign and take off. The converter may be a little dry.



Is this normal or is there a fix like TSB for this situation?

 

[Midnight]

After the truck is started in the morning try putting it into neutral for a few seconds before backing out. This should help.

 

[Cummins4WD]

I just told my wife to get in the habit of putting it in Neutral for about 30 seconds before she backs up and takes off.



Another incentive to get a DTT transmission put in as soon as the warranty runs out I guess. Seems like it should have flow in Park... I'm not sure why they wouldn't have designed it like that in the first place. I'm sure the colder mornings aggravate the situation with ATF being thicker.



Randy

 

[Tony T.]

Be sure an set that parking brake while in N. I even put mine in the N while waiting in line at the bank,or fast food places if the lines are long. May be some what extreme, but makes me feel better it's getting the fluid flow.





Tony

 

[Pawpaw]

My driveway is on an incline too. I never idle in neutral before driving, even when it's been sitting for 2 weeks while I'm out of town.



The only trouble I have in cold weather (down to +24F last winter), is watching the tach to keep RPMs under 2,000 until the temp needle comes up off the peg.



Oh, it's bone stock too.





Bob

 

[KLockliear]

Does the truck rev up and not go anywhere or does it just not gain RPM? Depending on the actual temp, the computer has multiple power programs depending on temp, 4WD setting, etc.

 

[RMcCulloch]

Hmmm!



I've never experienced anything like you described - even at -30F!



Of course, I do let the temp needle get off the peg when it's below +40F.

 

[JVolpe]

I have not had that problem either. Mine seems to have a little more pep when it is a little cooler. Of course cooler in Houston means 50F.

 

[Boonieman]

My truck doesn't have that problem either. It might smoke some when it's cold, but no lack of power. I had a 2001. 5 with a 47RE and it had the converter drain back thing, but on that truck when I put it in drive it would take a second or two for the transmission to engage the first time if it had been sitting overnight, but after that it never lacked any power even in very cold weather.

 

[TCDiesel]

I think you may have a coolant temp senor problem,Or a internal ambient temp circuit that may think it"s -0 ,The ECM takes info from these to areas and adjust accordingly. You need a DRB III to check it,I had a 95 dodge that would not start when -0 temps , check the ambient circuit +126*. Reflash PCM started every time.

 

[Jeremiah]

Turbo comin' on

Turbo doesn't spin in from the git-go, guy. Give the engine a chance to rev up before the turbo kicks in at 1200-1400 rpms.

 

[WPeschel]

Just let the truck warm up when cold out... Is this the first diesel that you have owned????

 

[ropinfool2]

I am also experiencing the same situation, and no this is not my first diesel. I had a Chev 6. 2 with a lot more acceleration than this truck, at least for the first 100 yards, then the Chev would run out of power and the Cummins is just starting. I am going to try the N senario and see if that helps. Thanks to all you who actually posted positive replies. John

 

[StephenThomas]

I get the same thing when I start the engine below 60 degrees. And NO this is not my first Cummins diesel. My 01' ran much better when first started in colder weather. I'm wondering if installing the cord for the block heater will help when used.

 

[Bertram65]

Mine does the same thing, I do not think it is the trans, I think if it was the trans the engine would rev and you would not notice an increase is speed. I think it is the ECM protecting the engine by limiting the fuel when it is cold, once it warms up the problem is gone. As far actually letting it warm up before driving it, as long as there is oil presure it is better to drive than let it sit and idle.

 

[Jeremiah]

I am also experiencing the same situation, and no this is not my first diesel. I had a Chev 6. 2 with a lot more acceleration than this truck, at least for the first 100 yards, then the Chev would run out of power and the Cummins is just starting. I am going to try the N senario and see if that helps. Thanks to all you who actually posted positive replies. John

I thought the guy who asked if this was your first diesel was a jerk. He won't last long unless he changes his attitude because nobody will talk to him. There are only a few bozos on this forum and he seems like one of 'em. Don't let 'im bother you.

 

[DPelletier]

The transmission thing sounds most likely to me. My two 6spds have never had such an issue and it gets COLD here! I am careful not to floor the truck when cold, but I did try it a couple of times because my PSD used to have NO power when cold and I almost got hit a few times with it.



Dave