I just got a 2005 last weekend. A couple of days later, I added an edge with attitude (slightly used). I never noticed this before, but only drove the truck during the day and it may or may not have been there before.

When the truck starts the voltage is low. Every 6-8 seconds the lights dim for about 2-3 seconds. The voltage on the guage stays constantly low (maybe 12V). After 4-5 minutes, the voltage guage comes up to 14V and everything is fine until you start it again. You can hear something loading the electrical system when the lights dim.

My question is could the edge be causing this? Is this normal?

 

That is your grid heater. Welcome to winter Cummins behaviors....It is very normal!!!

 

Linky to thread regarding this issue...

https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...d.php?t=121337

 

when you hit like 1200 rpm the regulator on the alternator kicks on and shoots you to 14 volts or if you don't do that within like 5 minutes it does it automatically. Sounds completly normal to me.

 

as stated above, it is definitely the grid heater!!

 

once the truck is started the heat grid does nothing, my fuel pump make it do that too, until the regulator kicks in....

 

The assure you the regulator is already "kicked in" as soon as the truck starts and while the grid heaters are on.
The heaters are using every bit of juice the alternator can put out plus the batterys started out low due to the preheat cycle. The alternator plays catch up between heater cycles and tapers off after the heaters are done.

 

You sir are correct...and dead wrong. The truck will continue to cycle power for a few minutes till intake air temp is up or engine temp reaches a level. Your pump might do that....but even when I had a stock lift pump it would do this any time under 40*. As well some trucks will do it for quite a while like when I was in -20* weather!!!!

 

The heater grid does help the truck start when it's really cold outside but it's also programmed to come on even when it isn’t necessary for emission purposes.

 

Thanks guys. I am glad to hear that it is "normal".

 

Not for emissions, just used to help when cold out. It turns off after 3 minutes or you hit 18 mph. If it were for emissions it would continue to cycle well past those cut off points.

 

My first gen it only came on around 50 degrees or below. On my third gen it comes on at way higher temps. What do you suppose the reason is? The truck will start right up without a preheat even at 50 degrees. Don't believe it, how do you think the people with grid deletes get their trucks started in winter?

 

Look at the disclaimer on line 1 of the install sheet.

"Not for use in cold or extreme cold conditions. Hard starting conditions will occur. " This is a documented situation, it is TRUE. Mine also starts in the cold with no preheat. This is because the grid heaters INSTANTLY heat the intake air allowing for a quick start.

 

I never said it wasn't true. Personally I wouldn't put a grid delete on anything but a race only truck. I also don't start my truck till the preheat light goes out. What I'm saying is it isn't necessary above 50 degrees and is programed to come on at cool (in addition to cold) temps for reduced emissions.