Not starting in cold weather

[CLAWSON]

I have an 03 2500 with the 5.9 cummins. It has been pretty cold here for the Northwest (12 DEG). I never had ant starting issues before now, but it's never been this cold. The last few days it would crank over alot longer before it fires up, but it has been firing up. I thought I would plug it in last night. Went out to start it and would crank over forever but wouldn't start. Anyone have any ideas? Should I replace the glow plugs, and if so what's all involved.

[02tjwrangler]

check ur computer make sure its ok.

[jphrse]

Do you have anything in the fuel to keep it from gelling? Does the station you fill up at have winter diesel? Have you checked for water in your fuel filter? Are you sure that it is plugged in and the block heater is working? I asked that one because I plugged mine in and blew the breaker and did not realize it and my would not start at all. After figuring out that the breaker blew (from a bare spot in the cord touching the bumper) I left it pugged in over night and it started right up in the morning. You should be able to hear the block heater start up when you plug it in.

[CLAWSON]

No water in fuel seperator. not throwing any codes. I think the extension cord might have been pulled out of the plug in a little bit. I made sure I'm getting power to the cord and plugged it in last night. I don't remember hearing anything though. I'l try it tonight when I get home. Thanks for the replies. If the block heater isn't working is there a fuse or something I can check? Owners manual doesn't cover crap. Des anyone know how hard it is to replace the glow plugs or grid heater. This is my first diesel and it's all new to me. My jeep starts all day long in cold weather. The diesel I use is suppose to be for winter conditions.

[jphrse]

You might not hear the block heater start if the truck is already warm, it is really nothing more than a hot water heating element not fuses or relays. The grid heater is sandwiched in your intake and only has to wires so that should be easy to test. As far as the glow plugs I have never messed with mine so I don't know how hard they are to change.

Get yourself so additive for the fuel with anti gelling properties and good lubrication these 5.9s don't like this low sulfur diesel that they are selling now.

[busydaddy]

i believe the 5.9 doesnt use glow plugs just has the intake heater. When you plug in block heater there should be a small spark if no spark no connection. A better way is a muliti meter to check resistance. It was -40 in winnipeg on thursday my mercedes in my freightliner didnt like to be started after only being off for 2 hrs but was better than the cat beside me that was left overnite a bullet htr helped to warm it up.

[busydaddy]

As to ultra low sulpur diesel i saw a test in diesel power magazine wher they used 2-stroke oil mixed i think 20:1 to add lubricity it also added 1 mpg. it was actually a reasonable test over several tanks of fuel.

[CLAWSON]

Thank you all for the info and replies. Turns out the truck plug in cord was worn part way thru. I fixed it, rerouted it and pluged it in. It started right up the next day. All this gelling fuel and block heaters is new to me but I enjoy learning new things when it comes to my rigs. I think I'll look into a fuel additive also. Thanks again for all your help.

[jphrse]

Turns out the truck plug in cord was worn part way thru. I fixed it, rerouted it and pluged it in.


Sounds like Dodge needed to use thicker insulation on there cords.

[CLAWSON]

someone placed a brkt with sharpe edges(no idea what it was for) in a bad spot and then ran the cord around it. My truck sees a lot of off pavement driving and in time wore a bare spot. I took the brkt off and it should all be good now.

[iluvmyCJ-7]

glad ya got it figured out!!