Truck wouldn't start 28 degree day. Plugged it in when I was at work. Started right away. Are my glow plugs going bad. It seems like it has been taking longer for light to go out. When it's plugged in it goes off in like 3 seconds. If not the plugs any ideas? Can plugs be tested?

 

There is only a grid heater on top of intake manifold. You can check for power at terminals. There should be power when light is on dash.

 

We dont have glow plugs in our trucks. We've got block heaters. Its located on top of the intake manifold. Not tryin to step on youre toes or nothin just helpin ya out. As far as pluggin in Im not too sure about cause I havent had to plug my truck in yet. (I live in Texas ) Although it was 24 degrees here this morning and it took my wait to start light about a minute or two to go out. But after the light went out my truck fired right up. Wish I could help ya more

 

We don't have block heaters on our intake manifolds. We have an intake air grid heater. It is not activated when the block heater is plugged it. It is activated by the ECM when a couple criteria are met (basically low intake air temp and coolant temp).


Not trying to step on your toes, but you are confusing two things.

 

Yes sir. Thank you. No offense taken. Sorry for the confusion. I knew that our trucks had heaters just have always called it a block heater i guess.

 

HI Claw...fill out your sig or list your truck. Do not use starting fluid. The other guys are correct in that you do not have glow plugs in a cummins. When the grid heater fires the volt meter dips to the left because of the drain of power to the grid heater. Also your headlights may dim if you have them turned on. There should be a tech bulletin on this at the top of this forum page.
I begin plugging my truck in around Nov. to help w/ start up, speed defrost and keep things a litle quieter for my neighbors. Many argue the use of the block heater in re: to temps but I just use mine because I ts convenient and it keeps my batteries from having to crank a little longer. Also, cold oil will get thru a warm block faster and get where its needed. I put mine on a timer so it truns on about 2 hours before I leave. This does 2 things, saves on my power bill and doesn't create a warm cover for any rodents, cats etc. that may be looking for comfort!
Sounds like your grid heaters need some attention to me. Kurt

 

I live in a real cold area. I have never timed this but this would be my swag (scientifically whiled A@@ Guess) it take the light when the truck is pluged in about 5 to 10 secounds to go out however when the truck has not been plugged in it takes 30+ secounds. This off course is for like overnight when the engine temp has cooled down to air temp or close. Hope it helps.