[rcp2f]

03 4x4 2500 6spd. Will not start if it sits for more than 4 hours below 40 without being plugged in. Starts fine when plugged in.

 

[psd1]

Grid heater working?

 

[rcp2f]

How do you check the grid heater?

 

[BOWZ]

my volt gauge drops and the lights dim when my grid heater cycle. an easy way but i'm sure there is a more technical way.

bowz

 

[rcp2f]

It must be ok. My lights usually dim while I am waiting for it to warm up.

 

[CanCritter]

sounds like batterys

 

[rcp2f]

Please explain batterys. I just put in two new batteries 6 months ago.

 

[1stgen3rdgendodge]

sounds like batterys

:agree2:........

 

[1stgen3rdgendodge]

does the motor seem to crank over slower?

 

[rcp2f]

I can check the batteries. It seems to crank at the same speed as when it is warm.

 

[TXAustin]

Yes check the batteries. It takes a LOT of CCA's to start our trucks. When it does start see if the volt gauge goes straight to 14+ or stays under 14 untill you get above 18mph.

 

[fouled_up]

From what I understand, the grid heater is not required for it to start at those temps. Someone correct me if I am wrong tho. Hopefully it's the batteries. If not, I'm not sure. My truck did the same thing and finally quit starting period within a few days, regardless of outside temp, and it ended up being the injectors:banghead:. Keep us updated and good luck. Oh yeah, is it throwing any codes?

 

[Blueboy]

My grid has been out for 3 years.
I have never had it not start.

 

[TXAustin]

No its not required at those temps for most trucks. BUT every truck is different. I have gone on trips up north in the winter and a couple of times the girlfriend would just start the truck without waiting(about 0-10f) and mine has always started right up. Although there are some trucks that do not want to start unless it is plugged in. Could be a number of things like the FCA, CP3, injectors, lift pump, or a hole in the rail and causing the fuel to go back. It is one of those things where you can't really tell over the internet.

 

[rcp2f]

No it is not throwing any codes.

 

[rcp2f]

The volt gauge stays around maybe 10 until I reach 18mphs then jumps to 14. Both batteries are good had them tested.

 

[wshaul]

mine did that and it was injectors. 03's are awful on injectors!

 

[TXAustin]

If the grid heater is working I would say you have an injector problem. I would try and run some injector cleaner through first, but most likely you need to send your injectors to DDP to have them tested.

 

[rcp2f]

I have been running stanadyne injector cleaner in every tank for the past month, and I use two tanks a week. Before that I used diesel kleen every 2nd of 3rd tank. I appreciate everyones help. If anyone has any ideas please let me know.

 

[Hayseed]

Any white smoke in the mornings or ruff idle? These are signs of failing injectors.