I've got a brand-new 2006 Ram 3500 CTD. The odometer just rolled over 1000 miles. (BTW, I just filled the tank for the second time and I'm getting a hand-calculated 16.25 MPG mixed city/highway, not bad!)

Normally the engine, whether cold or warm, starts with a second or less of cranking. However, occasionally it takes 2-3 seconds. This can occur even when the engine was JUST turned off and restarted within 30-60 seconds. I'm always careful to wait for the heater grid light to extinguish (when it comes on at all).

Normal? Problem? No big deal, or something to worry about? I have zero other symptoms or complaints about this great truck, but this is my first diesel and I don't know what to expect with respect to starting.

Thanks!

 

Normal! cummins says and also i think the book says you can lay into it for 15 seconds but i wouldn't go that far if i had too.

2-6 seconds is fine, don't worry about it.

 

Normal.