[moparman13045]

I am having a weird issue with my 92 w250 le, the heater grids work properly when the temperature is around 35-45f but any less and they don't work until the engine bay starts to warm up. When they do begin working the very front relay on the drivers side fender clicks loudly right before they do.

When it's not working the alternator is not charging and sometimes the wait to start light says on both until the engine bay warms up and then it all starts working fine, what do I check? Thanks in advance

 

[Shainer]

Sounds to me like a typical relay issue. Fairley delicate electromechanical components. These components work better while warm.

 

[9297oldram]

Check them manually to see what is happening, the small bottom terminals pull the wires off and then ground the left terminal on each solenoid. Then put the terminals on the right to battery + the solenoids should pull in then have voltage at both top terminals on both solenoids. Don't leave the solenoids on for more than 15 seconds at a time and leave off for at least 15 seconds before pulling them in again.

If they check out ok manually they are controlled through the ECM and a air temp sensor in the intake manifold. You can operate them with a push button so you can use them until you figure out why they won't work with the ECM.

 

[jdbigblue12v]

just since this topic is up, is it possible to run my grids to a toggle switch so when its real cold out like the past week has been, i can control the grids to warm the engine up faster? is it even possible?

 

[moparman13045]

Ok thanks for the advice, what is the typical relay problem?

 

[peckens]

just since this topic is up, is it possible to run my grids to a toggle switch so when its real cold out like the past week has been, i can control the grids to warm the engine up faster? is it even possible?

yes do a search or start a thread

 

[9297oldram]

just since this topic is up, is it possible to run my grids to a toggle switch so when its real cold out like the past week has been, i can control the grids to warm the engine up faster? is it even possible?

Just read the post I made above this one of yours, you want to use a push button or momentary toggle switch. If you leave it on for more than 15 seconds you could have a melt down.

 

[9297oldram]

Ok thanks for the advice, what is the typical relay problem?

There is a intake air temp sensor that tells the ECM that the engine temp is below 60 degrees and to cycle the grid heaters. If your gridheaters work good manually then that sensor could be bad or the ECM.

 

[moparman13045]

Ok yes they do so where is the best place to buy an ECM?

 

[NCWDave]

I have been getting that relay (?) flutter as well. Sounds like a ford starter relay when the battery is going dead. (legal note; do not consider this a direct or implied confession that I have ever been a Ford owner)

 

[9297oldram]

I have been getting that relay (?) flutter as well. Sounds like a ford starter relay when the battery is going dead. (legal note; do not consider this a direct or implied confession that I have ever been a Ford owner)

Have you checked the solenoids manually to see if they are ok, read my post #3. If they pull in and hold manually the solenoids are good.

 

[NCWDave]

Have you checked the solenoids manually to see if they are ok, read my post #3. If they pull in and hold manually the solenoids are good.

not yet I hope to get out in the shop tomorrow