Hi, I have a early build 2003 and I have lately been experiencing a progressive hard starting issue. It started a couple of weeks ago and I figured that I had gotten some bad fuel so I replaced the filter ( it looked dirty) but had about 7k on it since the last change and added fuel additive It started better but would turn over a few times before catching. Ran another tank through it and refueled last week and it started doing it again, to the point that it would take 10-15 seconds of cranking to get it fired.
I have pulled a 5th wheel during this time over mountain passes and it seems like I have plenty of power, no surging etc so I am hopeful that the lift pump is ok, What else can be causing this?

I am pulling only code P0480 and have never cleared codes so I have no idea how long that has been there.

Any help would be appreciated.

P.S I do plan on getting a FP gauge soon but it will be 3 weeks before I will have the time to get it installed.

Thanks
Brett

 

it could be your injectors going out or it can be the backflow valve .

 

Is there a way to test the backflow valve? Or can someone tell me where it's located?
Thanks
Brett

 

Well, The problem is continuing after 3 tanks of fuel, Centane boost and 3 fuel filters. When it is plugged in and pointing downhill, ( temps in the 30-40's at night) it will start after 5-7 seconds of turning over. Without plugging in, it may take multiple attempts with 20-30 seconds of cranking. I have parked it nose down in a steep driveway which I'm not has helped or not.

Once it is warm, It starts within 3-5 seconds of cranking.

The truck is an 03 with 50k on it and this is the 1st real issue we have experienced.

Anything I can do to try and see if something is causing it? The dealer scenario makes me VERY nervouse and I can't really affoed to play the dollar games on this.
Thanks for any and all help.
Brett

 

I've been having hard start issues too. Took it to the dealer and they said the lift pump's failing. While I was waiting for parts, I asked them if they could run the TSB for long crank since I had to leave town and couldn't wait for parts any longer. They ran it and it made the problem better. However, every now and again it will still hard start. It's not even close to how bad it used to be though. I'm not sure if we have the same lift pumps or not being that our trucks are different years. But, it may be a starting point for you. Oh yeah, my lift pump is the internal variety. Hope that helps.