I have been reading this forum for a long time and finally bought my first diesel. Coming from a gasser, I forgot to wait for the glow plug light to go off one morning and now it takes forever for the light to go off when I want to start the truck. How do you change the glow plugs? Any pictures would help greatly. Also being new to the diesel, where are the plugs located? Thanks for your help.

 

No glow plugs in a Cummins, it has an intake air grid heater.

 

I'll be the first to bite. Dodge Rams with the Cummins Diesel do not have glow plugs. They utilize a grid heater located in the intake. This heats the intake air. The time on varies based on the temperature. I have not heard of anyone having to change this item so I can't help there.

Welcome to the forum.

John

 

Thanks. Now for the next dumb question. Where is the grid heater located?

 

Grid heater is located between the intake and the engine there is a very heavy cable going to it you need this for operation in cold weather.

 

How long is forever? Up to 20 seconds would be normal depending on temperature.

 

You will find that mostly you do not have to wait for that light to go off before you can reliably start the engine. Just turn the key like a gasser. When the weather gets colder, however, like below 40-45*, you will want to wait a little for the grid heater to warm up.

 

jKitterman

It took about 10 seconds. I guess I was paranoid that I messed something up because it used to take only 3-5 sec. but then again it was 75 degrees in the morning. The last 2 days it was down in the 50's. (morning)

Thanks for all the replys. This being my first diesel, it makes me feel better knowing if I have any problems I can ask you guys and get answers. Thanks again. By the way I love this truck.

 

Welcome to DTR! There are very few problems that the members here can't help you fix. There's a lot of knowledge here.