Today was my first time to start a diesel when it was cold (47 degrees)
Are these trucks hard to start when it gets around freezing?

I saw the sticky with the lights dimming so I guess thats normal.

Is there anything I need to do to the fuel during the winter time?

 

No these trucks are the easiest stating Deisel out there, just my 02.
Wait til the wait to start light goes out then she should turn on the first or secound crank.

Adding some kind of fuel additive that is anti gelling is a good idea.

Plugging the truck in helps (blockheater).

Let her idle for a couple minutes so she gets the juices going. Think of it like stretching before you exercise or when you wake up in the morning.

 

Cold starting is not an issue. My truck and all of the other diesels here at school have been cold started at -25F several times without being plugged in and it has been fine. Since your lights are dimming, your grids are working so you really don't have anything to worry about. Your signature says Dallas but if you spend a lot of time in colder places(below 0F without plugging in), synthetic oil will make a big difference.

In theory, the fuel stations blend fuel and it shouldn't gel on you. However, if you are going to operate in a cold place, adding an additive like power service is important to lessen the chances of it happening. If you are driving from a warm place to a cold place, make sure to fuel up when you get there since they are more likely to have properly blended fuel.

Everyone makes a big deal about cold starting these engines. I find that my truck out-starts the majority of the gassers at school. I have had various engines gel up on me from time to time but if you are smart, it is not a big deal at all.

 

Do not count on that !!! I agree on the "in theory" !!!
Last year I got gelled twice at -20 with winter fuel, since then I add kerosene to my tank when it gets way below zero. It's not fun having the truck dying along interstate because filters gelled up, there's no way out. Additives and a spare can of kerosene are always in my toolbox.

 

If it gets really cold and the truck is not plugged in I often go through two WTS cycles. After the turning on the switch I wait for the WTS to go out and then cycle the key too off. The cycle back to on and wait for the WTS to go out again before cranking.

Jim

 

i wired up a switch to my glow plug realay on my vw cause it was having trouble in the winters.

the truck. never once.

 

I live up north and it is common in the winter to see temps at -20 or more. I have never plugged in any vehicle, just make sure you have good batteries. I dont plug it in at home, cuz it never gets plugged in at work either, and is sitting outside all the time I am there. I start it and put the e-brake on and put it in drive and let it idle for about 10-15 min.

 

Temp around here rarely goes to 0. Trcucks starts every time, I use Howes addaitive year round. One thing I have learned from owning Chrysler products just about all my life. After starting in cold weather if you have auto trans. Never pop it in gear and mash the throttle. Put it in the desired gear with foot OFF throttle and wait for the tranny to tell you when its ready to move. Usually five to 15 seconds on the first start of the day. This practise prolongs tranny life immensly. Frank

 

Could you elaborate on this? I've started -14 not plugged in, warmed up about 10-15 minutes, put my auto in drive, felt the trans engage, driving easy trying to stay below 2000 rpm until I see temp on the trans gauge.

FYI your 47re will not shift into 3rd lock or OD until the trans temp is 75* or your traveling 50-55mph. Totally normal but concerning when you hear it revving for the first few times, got me again Sunday but normal.

Cold starts, not an issue with good batteries. 2 WTS cycles if it's below 20* is my rule and it's never left me yet

 

Never heard of that but it sounds like a good idea, obviously with a good e- brake. Wouldn't putting it in reverse heat more? I know my trans gauge can go through the roof in reverse backing in a trailer but never in drive.

 

i dont know for sure but i have asked before and have been told that idling over 5 minutes or so is a bad idea. Just somehting ot think about

 

Never had a cold start problem. Never in below zero tho. The Wait for Start light should go out and then it will start, like others have said, might take 2 cycles on the WTS. I run stanadyne additive all the time.
Also the dealer can do a "3 cylinder enable flash." This will speed up warm up by just running on 3 cylinders. Dallas might get cold enough for it to kick in. Do a search on it here, and it will give you the TSB number.
Cold starts are no big deal.

 

To elaborate on my previous post re: cold start. Those of us that have been around awhile(aka old farts) fondly remember the days of the 747 and 904 Torqeflites, and beloved Loadflites. Virtually indestructable auto trannys. But alas- todays auto trannys are just not as tough, especially Chrysler Products. Waiting that few seconds on a cold morning allow the trans to get the oil warmed up a bit and circulating. Nailing the throttle dead cold forces cold thick oil through all the passages and seals. Not good. I think thats why in this part of the Country you dont see to many Dodge Emergency Vehicles.I.E. ambulances, small fire trucks, etc. any more. Thats just my 2 cents worth. Frank

 

If you have the oppurtunity to plug it in, do it. Starts much easier, quieter, and warms up faster. That being said, 47 degrees isn't that cold. When its minus 20 out and I couldn't plug it in, I'd fire it up, bring up the idle to around 1200 for a minute, get out, clean the windows, change my boots (if at work), then head off. By the time I get back in, my EGT's are back down to around 200 or so and its time to get it warm. I'd never let it idle for 15 minutes unless it was on a high idle. No heat otherwise.

 

I plug mine in every chance I get as well. Easier on the old girl, don't have to worry about it not starting in the morning, and as you said warms up faster.

Last year during the winter I worked at a Ski Hill, plugged my truck in every night during my shift...get home from the 10 min drive and plug it in for the next morning. Around my place -30 degree celsius is average. Or you get the days where it is -35, then wind chill makes it -40, -45. Maybe it's just me, but i like to have my truck plugged in at those temps..specially with regular 15w-40 oil and the wind blowing at 60km/h+ on my truck. And it's also easier on my 8 year old batteries

If I didn't have it plugged in, it is a dog to start, even with multiple grid cycles, -40+ is a little difficult.

This winter I will be plugging it in every night at work, and then once I get home have it plugged in for the next day.