My uncle has an 03 cummins with 240,000 on it. Since october he has been having problems starting the truck without plugging it in or using ether. He has replaced the two solenoids on the fender for the grid heater and fuel heater, but it didn't help. After the truck starts, the lights dim on and off like normal.

So, what's wrong with this thing? Is there a sensor for the intake air that is faulty? It draws power after it does start, so I would say no. Is the grid itself bad? Has anyone else had a problem like this? I did a quick search but didn't come up with a similar scenario.

Thanks for the help everyone.

 

I would lean more towards a injector problem or a relief valve on top of the rail going bad and not letting the injection system build up enough pressure. these trucks will start no problem without grid heaters down into the single digits.

 

It runs fine once started. Wouldn't a lack of pressure show up as poor performance as well?

 

not really if the injector is leaking down it would still maintain pressure while running thanks to the fca increasing pressure.

 

Yeap, leaky injector or injectors.

 

I will relay the message. Thanks for the help guys, I appreciate it.