Hi guys I know this is a common problem,but I don't know the answer..
I have a 1998 12V 5spd 2500 SB 2wd, and when I go to start it, the starter acts like the batteries are low. Once started and fully warmed up (1 hour drive) I shut it off and then went to re-start and the heater coils are cycling again. I know my batteries are good, I tested them individually and they are fine. I suspect the air temp sensor...what do you guys think???
Thanks.
GCSS

 

Sounds normal to me.

 

See if this explains things http://dodgeram.org/tech/dsl/trouble...niford_htr.htm

 

A good infowebspot... I will look into it some more.
I disconnected the heavy wires to the manifold heater coils and the drain ceased after starting. HOWEVER..... the starter still sounds "LABORIOUS"
and The engine doesn't really want to start unless I press on the gas pedal.
If I press on the pedal,it starts fairly quickly.
Almost seems like timing

 

The tiny connections on the heaters can cause problems. The connections can corrode and cause all kinds of funky heater operation. Mine did.

 

HUMMMMM I may have to look into this for mine. Its been acting as it has weak batteries also.

 

I disconnected them

 

It's not usual at all to have to press on the accelerator for a fast start.
Think the instructions on your visor even tell you to do so.
The alternative is turning the idle up.

 

OK... sounds like a plan.
Now I need to test the starter draw..
will keep you posted

 

PTL!!!
I GOT IT!!!!
New starter and it spins over like the dickens!
Thanks for all the input and tech leads.
I will check it out in the AM when it's cold with the coils hooked up
and see what the colis do. I am sure the problem is solved!
GCSS

 

Cool! You got your starting problem fixed. You might want to upgrade the starter contacts ($38.95) with Larry B's super contacts. Check your old starter and see if the contacts are the reason it is bad. Heres a step-by-step. Its an easy fix...I did mine.

http://www.fostertruck.com/contacts_install.htm

That link "Infidel" gave you has a good table of temperature verses time intake coils are on....also lots of good troubleshoot stuff on the intake heater system. If the temp is 59F or below then the coils will cycle whether the engine is warm or not. I think it uses the intake senser for the temp.

Let us know what you find on the cycling heaters. Be nice if you had an infared temp probe to verify temps.

Dave

 

Mine will sometimes do what his does -- as in recycle the grids after a short shutdown.

Sometimes it doesn't, sometimes it does - not normal?

 

It all depends on the outside temperature and how it effects the intake temp.
When it's super cold it doesn't take much to cool the sensor enough to trigger the grids.

I have an intake air temp sensor on my intake horn.
On -20F days the temp won't even break 32 after driving several hundred miles. Grids start cycling whenever I slow below 17 mph.