I live in Texas BUT we just had a cold snap! I've never had any problems getting my truck to start in the cold. Even when travelling to visit relatives in the 0 degree parts of the country. Yesterday, at noon, I came out of an appointment and tried to start the truck. It spun up just fine. When I let off the key it died instantly. Same story 6 or 8 times in a row. By using the starter to Keep the engine spinning I forced the engine to run for about 20-25 seconds and let off the starter and she kept running. I'm SO puzzled by this. At first I thought maybe the fuel shutoff solenoid was just acting up because of the 35 degree day (31 earlier that morning). I have since used the same technique twice to get home. I parked the thing until I can really fix it because I am worried about damage from my brute-force starting method. Please help!! btw I had the fuel transfer pump replaced about 1000 miles ago. This is my first diesel so I'm still learning.

 

does your wait to start loght come on?, is the element still in working order for the cold stsrt? check these first

 

Sounds like the idle is low.

 

Trouble with that is that when I push the throttle (little, lot, medium) it does NOT keep running when I let off the starter. It instantly dies. Is there something that takes over control from the operator during the start sequence?

 

The wait to start light Does indeed come on, stays on for what seems normal amount of time, and goes out. When you say "element for the cold start" are you refering to the heater that is being used all year round during the time the WTS light is on or something else?

 

does the shutdown solinoid not have a start and hold circuit. start pulls it in then held on by key on?
Clark

 

I doubt you would have a fuel jelling up at 0 F but it's possible with wind etc.

1. Idle should be 750 in park warm w/ac on.

2. check shut off solenoid for full travel.

3. check fuel heater.

4. could be air in sytem. remove return line, replace with short piece of clear hose into a bucket to look for air bubbles at startup.

go in this order

good luck

 

I am having the same problem as scooter. My truck will fire up fine after running a while but let it sit over night and it takes an act if congress to get it started. Once it is started it fires up just fine. Can anyone help me with this problem or give me a starting point? Its a 1998 dodge 2500 4x4 with 5.9L cummings.

 

Likely air leak in the fuel system. First is it a 12 valve or a 24 valve?

 

if it dies when you let off the starter its the shutdown solinoid for sure- the solinoid gets much more power when the key is in the Start function than it gets after you let off the starter as it uses lower power to keep it open but still not burn it up. By holding the key to start your zapping the solinoid enough to warm it and then it stays open. You most likley dont have this issue on a warm engine?

 

Bad battery or grounds need cleaning, shutdown solinoid not getting voltage because of a bad cell in the battery or bad dirty ground. BTDT cleaned the grounds and had a bad cell in one bat .replaced both batteries and good ever since . my .02

 

Its a 12 Valve.

 

Did she start right up after manually priming it?

 

I would give the fuel shut off sholenoid a once over. If the boot is torn it needed replacing anyway if its not you can re use it if you're careful. I had to take mine apart, cleane it, hit it with some scotch brite, put a little lube, and reassemble. Works great now. I also had the solenoids for the intake heater go south a few years ago. RockAuto has aftermarket replacements that are affordable.

 

Well I am unable to try what you advised since im working, but it always starts right up but seems to loose its prime in about 3-5 secinds and then I have to crank it a while to get the fuel back up the the injectors) I assume thats what going on. I got some advise to chnage the fuel line since it could have a hole in it and not be leaking. I ordered that and when I get home will install to see if that eliminates the problem and I will prime as well.