i have an 03 dodge cummins that is hard starting. just got it and with in the fisrst week it would not start, put a fuel filter in and it started right up. still takes a lot longer cranking then my friends truck. i have run a bunch of cleaner but no luck, starts better cold. it has a p0602 error on the computer and i am not sure what is is, it says a check sum error. has great power, runs great and does not smoke. i am changeing the lift pump to a bd unit, but i also am woundering if it is the fca. i took the filter out for a minute and it started like it should, that is why i am thinking the lift pump is week, and when it takes a while to start it is like it is not getting fuel, any ideas?

 

Welcome to DTR. The new filter fix kinda makes it sound like a dirty filter or a pump not strong enough to push through a slightly dirty filter. Most "'03, won't start" threads complain it won't start cold. Wow, ran your Cummins without a filter? Taking some mighty expensive chances there. How about testing the flow of your LP by attaching a longer tube to the bottom of the fuel filter canister and placing the other end into an empty 2 liter bottle. Open the valve (don't take the cap off the filter canister) and have someone turn the key to the 'on' position. See what flows. If nothing, then 'bump' the engine, leave it in the 'on' position. The LP should flow for 20-40 seconds (CRS). I'll try to find what the flow should be and post it if someone doesn't beat me to it.

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"Verify proper low pressure fuel supply to the injection pump. Perform the appropriate fuel supply system flow test. NOTE: This procedure may be slightly different depending on if the vehicle has an engine mounted transfer pump or the in-tank transfer pump. In a good low pressure fuel system, fuel flow of 560 mL in 10 seconds or better is expected for model years 2003 and early 2004. The fuel volume for the model years late 2004 through 2005 is 590mL in 10 seconds. Be sure there is no air in the system. Is the low pressure fuel supply sufficient?"

Remember, a 2 Liter bottle is 2,000 mL. A 10 Second shot should fill more than 1/4 the bottle.

 

the lift pump would be my first guess. But it could very well be the fca. Start with an upgraed pump and go from there. I think if it was the FCA it would do it all of the time.

 

does any one know what this error is? checksum error

 

i changed my fuel filter lastweek after a span of hard starts and today it came back? whats up? any help? liftpumps only 16,000 miles old

 

I would say either a bad lift pump or you are sucking air into the lines. I don't know about a 03 fuel filter, but on an 89 the fuel filter can suck air in if the gasket that seals to the fuel heater is bad. If it runs great I would have to assume you are loosing your prime when it sites there due too a fuel leak.

 

They only thing that fixed mine was a set of injectors, very common on 03s
mine started good cold but after a few minutes, it was nearly impossible to start.
The injectors bypass diesel and will not build up enough pressure to start

 

Thanks for the info. This is really frustrating because im in school and wanna get out of here to go work on it. How can i check if im losing prime? Also how could i go about checking my injectors? Send them to someone with a flow bench? TIA Jordan

 

Also could one of my glow plugs be going? a friend in diesel at VoTech said they haver replaced them on alot of fords with similar symptoms? idk lol jw

 

Our trucks don't have glow plugs, they have grid heaters and they are located at the end of your intake horn. The intake heater would not cause it to not start. Do a search on 2003 hard start or 2003 no start. A lot of information about this year model and a lot of times a bad injector was the problem.

 

Thanks Again. And for the clarification. I have alot to learn. Ill begin searching for a solution, Jordan

 

Checked trouble codes and it gave me code p0477. Exhaust pressure control relay low. Any help on what this is? TIA Took almost 30 seconds of cranking to start this afternoon hot.

 

Our truck was doing something similar and we replaced the lift pump and inj pump .. then the crankshaft sensor went out and we replaced that

 

Thanks Rockinmlb. Just a question for you guys. If i do have an injector going should i relplace all 6 now and upgrade them 25 or 50 hp or should i keep stock for now until i get a better fuel system to support them. Also Should i stay with a Performance shop instead of a dealer beings that i have no warranty left? TIA opinions are never bad

 

What is TIA?