I am looking for some general information concerning Dodge trucks and the diesel motors. I recently bought my first Dodge and it is also my first diesel. It is a 2000 model 2500 quad cab long bed, diesel, auto, 4x4. I love the truck so far. The question I have is this. I am a member of a local volunteer fire department. This sometimes requires me to start the truck and leave in a hurry, without the "adequate" warm up time. Is there any suggestions on how to "ease the pain" on the truck when I have to do this. I am interested in any and all suggestions/comments. I have spent alot of time reading on this site and have already gained valuable knowledge from the members. Thanks for all your help.
Tim

 

It's really not that different from any car as far as warm up goes. That is to say, the best way to warm things up is to make sure the oil pressure is up, and then drive gently at first until things get up to temp.

A lot of guys put their block heaters on timers that kick on a couple of hours before they take off in the morning to keep their electrical bills down, but in a situation like you're describing it would probably be a good idea just to keep the block heater plugged in.

If you need to leave it idling for longer periods of time in cooler weather, you'll want some sort of high idle device, which can be as simple as a piece of broom handle wedged between the seat and the pedal. This is not from the manual or anything, but I've noticed that somewhere around 40 degrees F and below is where I need to use high idle if it's sitting for any length of time.

Of course, there are some more expensive solutions for some of these situations, Espars and so forth.

 

TIM, Welcome to the DTR!

Check into a remote starter.
I'm assuming it takes you a min or two to get out the door? Truck could be idling all that time.
I don't have one but they're pretty popular - lots of guys here can point you in the right direction. Just start another thread under Accessories Section.

AND, plug it in on cool nights...below 40* F. (It's OK to start it while still plugged in). Just put a flag, or something, on your door handle...to remind you to unplug before rushing off!

RJ

 

If/when I get back into it, I won't be using the CTD for a response vehicle.. I'll have to steal the wife's car...

I really hate to think about doing what I did to my Tacoma to the CTD.. It's just not a "hop in and drive" kind of drivetrain...

Synthetic oil would help, as would the remote starter/cool down timer.

 

I am in the same boat. I keep it plugged in all winter as mentioned above. When I leave I try to take it easy on the throtle till she gets some heat in her. Either way it is hard on them to run hard and cold, keep up to date on all your services. 46000 miles and so far no problems.
Be safe..

 

I'm in the same boat, never know when I might need my truck so a timer won't work.
What I've done is instead of a timer is plug into a line voltage thermostat, leave it plugged in all the time.
Set it at 40F and save some money on the power bill

 

Welcome aboard tchdodg, as others have recommended about block heater, and plug in timers, are probably the easiest solution. If you can park in a garage(even unheated) do it, as it makes a huge difference. Synthetic oil also warms engine up faster, and protects better, and also install a winter front(see my pics).

I have had command start on mine for up in the cold winters here for 5+years, and use it daily in fall/winter, and even in the summer to cool off cab. I can't imagine a vehicle without it here, so much so that I have them on my other 2 vehicles also.

 

Thanks for all the info. I'll probably do a remote start/cool down timer, plug it in when it's cold, and not drive it unless I have to. My first thoughts were to steal the wife's car also. Joined the "2k" club this weekend. The truck had a weak lift pump when I bought it, so I replaced that, but it was too late. I was running down the highway about 75 mph and the thing died. Mechanic came out and diagnosed "dead injector pump". I'm going back with a factory rebuild this time, but I'll be shopping aftermarket, hopefully more reliable options in case it happens again. Thanks again for all the info, you'll probably hear from me again as I need to learn stuff.