it doesnt do this every time, but when i go to start it, it will turn over fine, but wont start. i'll let off the key (not turn it off) then retry and it will fire right up. any idea's? only does it after i have driven a bit, like running to the store. it will start right up right after it does this,

 

Try turning your key on (dont start) and letting it set for 10-15 seconds and then try turning it over. Mine will do the same thing if I just try to start it. I think by waiting (forgive me if im wrong) it gives the fuel pump time to build up pressure. Hope this helps!

 

i wait for the glow plug light to go off every time. i would think this would be enough time. maybe the pump is going out??

 

our trucks dont have glow plugs. its a grid heater. and more than likely it isnt even being used since we have warm weather again. the "wait to start" light, is a little squiggly line...

brett

 

i understand the use of the grid heater, the reference to glow plug light was out of habbit as this isnt the only diesel i own, does anyone have any suggestions as to what might be causing the problem? i could get into the history of the "squigly line" as it refers to an international symbol for a "heating element" and has nothing to do with a symbol for "wait to start" but that isnt the topic.

 

Have you changed the fuel filter lately ??

If yes... maybe cross threaded the cover OR
the 0-ring on the cover of the filter housing...

and if you get all huffy whenever someone tries to help you with Dodge Knowledge ...you will be having a hard time getting help here...'Brett' is a very helpful guy and I think you owe him an apology. good luck , Flip

 

I've seen mulitple posts on this same issue for a while now. Seems that once in a rare while it turns out to be a problem of some nature but thats rare from all the daily reading that I do here.

My own minimally educated guess is that with the Common Rail engines being so well monitored by the engine computer, it doesn't begin injecting fuel until its sensors see all the stars, planets, timing, pressures ect. where it wants them before it will fire up. I know my truck will sometimes start faster than I can let off the key and other times it cranks long enough for me to start to think... "This ain't too good."

Bottom line.... I think its normal, unless it always requires excessive cranking.

Mike

 

If you haven't changed the fuel filter in a while ...maybe try that... when you have the housing open 3/4 fill it with your fav. additive