???CAN ANYBODY FILL ME IN ON WHAT THE GRID IS AND THE PURPOSE OF IT AND IS THIS WHY THE LIGHTS WOULD DIM OFF AND ON AT START UP ?

 

The Cummins uses an intake "Grid Heater" instead of glow plugs to raise the temperature of the combustion chamber for cold starts.
The dimming lights is due to the large amp draw of the heaters turning on and off until the engine reaches a preset temp, or the vehicle is moving faster than 25 mph which causes the heaters to quit cycling.
Think of a toaster element in the air intake tract.

ps: it's also why you should never use Starting Fluid(ether) on a Cummins.
Ed

 

The grid ia an intake GRID heater that cycles on and off before starting and during warm up.<br>It pulls 100 amps. if memory serves me right.<br>Thats the reason your lights dim and amp gauges moves untill temps. get up.<br><br>By the way I see you live in Lex. I'm in Frankfort just down the road .<br>My mom lives in Lex also.<br>Welcome to the site.<br><br> : Eddie : 8)

 

;D THANKS GUYS FOR THE QUICK ANSWER I NEEDED!! BTW EDDIE I NOW LIVE IN GEORGETOWN JUST UP THE ROAD FROM YA.

 

Aren't there 2 heaters rated at like 1900watts? Thought I heard that somewhere. Not having the shop tech. manual yet, (bummer) I'm not quite sure. <br><br>

 

There are two grids contained in the heating element housing.<br>Each is rated at 95 amps.<br>per my '99 factory manual.

 

[quote author=Shovelhead link=board=4;threadid=10105;start=0#96562 date=1043543868]<br>There are two grids contained in the heating element housing.<br>Each is rated at 95 amps.<br>per my '99 factory manual.<br>[/quote]<br><br>That's what my 02 manual says too. Nearly 2300 watts at a nominal 12 volts. Geez!<br><br>Tom Hybiske

 

That is the only reason you have two batteries.

 

I have a mechanical fuel pressure gauge and I was surprised to note that when the grid cycles the fuel pressure drops about 1 #. So I imagine just as the grid cycle causes our lights to dim it also causes the electric fuel pump to slow a little.