I'm taking delivery on an 05 2500 QC auto CTD in 3 days. I've been reading the thread relating to the enabling of a high idle feature on the truck that is manually controlled by the cruise control switch. It sounds like a great feature, and I understand how it works. 1st question is is it enabled already on the 05's? From what I've read it is in the programming, but needs to be enabled by the dealer's tech. 2nd question, is if the diesel's take extra time to warm up, and long low rpm idling is very bad, how well do you do in a condition of an iced window? It appears that the recommendation is to start her up, get oil flowing and proceed slowley until heated up. When iced up that is not possible of course. Anyone have any problems getting going in these conditions? Just want to see what I'm in for on the commute to work in 10 degree weather.
Thanks all.

 

As far as iced windshield, I've never had any problems; or any more than with any other vehicle I've owned (all gassers).

If you can plug her in; when you shut it down, leave the truck in the defrost position. The warm coolant will help keep the windshield clean through convection.

As far as whether the CC high idle feature will be enabled on the '05's, I dunno, but doubt it - it hasn't been factory enabled from the factory for the previous trucks.

Just think, in three days you'll have that same goofy smile that the rest of us have.

 

Thanks... Will post upon delivery whether it's enabled, and how it works.

 

Frosty ,I have an 05 also .You will have to have the dealer enable the high idle,I turned mine on when I got it .Have to use the DRB at dealer.Rob

 

I wouldent wory abought ideling it a bit. I always give mine a few minutes to warm up before taking off if its below 45 or so. I dont like working a diesel that just started in real cold weather. If you have to scrape your windshield I would let it run during that time. If it sits for more than 2 minutes after start up in less than 39 deg weather without you touching any of the peddals it will automaticly idle up to 1000 rpm to help warm it faster. That is what I have been doing lately. After a couple minutes at high idle it is good to go.

 

Rob,
Thanks for the 05 confirmation. I have the dealer working on it. They weren't familiar with the option, but I gave them all the info I could from the forums and expect they'll figure it out. I also sent a letter via email to Dodge in case they don't get it prior to delivery Wednesday. See your located in western Ct- I'm in NY about 15 Miinutes from Danbury.

 

Yes, the option is there it just needs to be enabled. I had to 'teach' my dealer how to do it, but it was free.

As for the ice... my windshield was frozen over this morning, so I just fired up the pressure washer, turned on the windshield wipers and blasted the ice off. If you don't turn the windshield wipers on, it will just make the ice thicker! Of course it was only in the 20's today... this might not work if it's 0 degrees out, but it sure was easier than scraping! And as for waiting for the defrost to heat up, even with high idle I think you'd be waiting a long time. I was 90% the way to work (about 9 miles) before the air coming out the the vents was even barely warm.. and the engine was still at about 150-160 degrees...

 

Just pour a bucket of warm water on the windshield.

Just kiddin...

 

I picked up my 05 on saturday and the dealer had to enable the high idle as well.

 

Just set your Espar to run an hour before your ready to get in, everything is nice and warm ....

 

Ok- picked up the new truck last night, and they were able to enable the high idle. It works perfectly, and the truck is just perfect- no vibrations or anything.
In the 05 manual there is a section on p226 that states the high idle feature exists and must be enabled by the dealer. Glad that through this forum, I knew about it before they did, and was able to get it done before taking delivery.
Thanks guys.

 

Wish I could enable the high-idle feature on truck with 6spd manual transmission

 

I discovered my 6-speed truck's automatic high-idle feature this morning while doing exactly what you'll have to do... scraping the windshield. I would suggest going out, starting up the truck, and then scrape off everything you need to. When you're done, then get in and drive away. Personally, I just feather the throttle and keep the revs below 2000 until the engine and oil are all good and warmed up. Definitely plug in your truck every night. This will be good for the engine because starting it off at a warmer temperature will reduce the rate of thermal expansion on cold starts (this is good for longevity), and it will also reduce the time until the engine warms up (this is good for your rear end, which is probably very cold after scraping off the windshield).

Regarding the air blowing out cold, start off by having the blower motors set on low. The more air that's flowing through the heater core means that more heat is required to heat up that air. You will actually warm up the cab faster if you keep it on low with the temp set to max heat. I find that it starts blowing out warm before the needle even gets off the 140 mark if I do it this way, and then I up the blower motor setting. Plus, this will allow your engine to warm up faster because you aren't taking away as much heat from the coolant.

Also, your truck probably came with the radiator/battery cover as mine did. Putting this on is supposed to reduce the time it takes for your engine to warm up. I'm going to go put mine on today. This morning my truck wasn't even close to being fully warmed up after my 6-mile commute (175 degrees or so). Hopefully between the cover and plugging it in it will be fully warmed up. Good for longevity and good for my rear end!

 

Radiator/battery cover!!!!

More about this please. Sounds like useful feature.

 

Sorry, mine came with just a radiator cover. Rod, yours should have as well. It's a big heavy piece of fabric that clips into various parts of the truck and covers the radiator. There's a mesh rectangular section in the middle that you can cover, partially cover, or leave completely open. I personally have been leaving it completely covered for fastest warm-up. It still maintains normal operating temperature without a problem.

The battery blanket is another issue. That coves the batteries and is electric. Keeps them warm so that you get the full cranking amperage. Of course, with the dual batteries of the 600, it would have to be a pretty **** cold day to not get the cranking power you need.