Been getting cold out, 10degs in the morning. My '05 has been hard to start. Past winters it always fired first time you keyed it.

This winter very long crank time, sometimes it fires up, more times lately I key it off, wait then try again.
2nd time don't have to crank as long- it fires, lopes along for a 30 secs to a minute (pretty rough running) then smooths out.
White smoke for a few seconds then clears up.
Rest of the day you can drive it, park for a while, get in and it fires up with no laboring, runs great.

No codes coming up.
This morning both batteries had 12.6V
Cleaned terminals
Topped of both batts w/charger
Again, very long crank time, had to key it twice before it got going on its own.
13.6V at both battery terminals while running
Did alt check with a B&D smart charger, said alt was good with noload and with loads.
12.8V on batts after I shut it down.
Fuel filter does not have alot of miles on it. I use PS winter blend at fill ups.

Wondering what should I check next? New Fuel Filter, Starter? Hope its not injectors....

Thanks, T

 

I know there is a TSB out for cold/hard starts and white smoke. dont know if your truck has had this flash done.
A quick answer is to plug it in and put it on a timer. I have my block heater/oil pan heater kick on 2hr before i have to drive the truck.
Get going in the morning with a 60-70deg engine temp. still takes about 20 mins to get to operating temp even with the winter guard on.

 

block heaters are not necessary on these truck, before you flame me, yes I think they are a great idea I have one and use it occasionally; that said when these trucks are in good working order they are designed fire up just fine down to -20F unaided, personal experience multiple times.

Check to see if your grid heater is working. I believe they draw about 90A. You can check this two ways... when the truck is cold in the morning cycle the key on and see if you can feel the base of the air intake horn heat up, should be warm to the touch after one or two grid heater cycles. If you have a clamp-on DC meter you should be able to check the grid heater current draw.

Otherwise you can check to see if your battery voltage dips significantly during the grid heater cycle, if it does not I'd say your grid heaters are not working properly.