Hi, I own a 92 3/4 ton 4x4 with getrag transmission. Recently I've been having a problem with the grid heater ( i believe that's what he called it) I'm fairly new to Dodges and diesels so bear with me here. I've had the truck for a little over a year and it has 143,000 on it. No adjustments ever to the motor as far as performance.

Anyway, I live in Wisconsin and its been about anywhere from 30 degrees to zero for the last two weeks. I noticed that recently when I turn the ignition to the "on" position the two indicator lights "Wait to start" and "Water in fuel" either dont come on or they flicker very fast. I also dont hear the grid heater kick out. Therefore, my truck has been hard to start. Before this problem, both lights would come on and stay on and I would here the grid heater cycle and no problem.

I took the truck to my mechanic, he also owns a first gen cummins truck. He replaced the solenoid for the grid heater but no change. He said he cant get any codes to come up on his computer tester either. I wasn't aware that my year of truck had a computer but he said it does. He called our local auto parts stores and they only sell computers for automatic trucks, about $325.00. Mine is a standard so apparently you have to go thru Chrysler to the tune of about $525.00. Still he isn't positive that the computer is the problem. I don't want to order it and then find out it isn't the problem and not be able to return it because it's electrical.
The other idea he had was to wire the solenoid direct to a push button in the cab and bypass the computer. I don't have a problem with that as the truck is not a showpiece but a work horse for my salvage business. Is this the only function the computer controls is the grid heater and water in the fuel indicator? I really don't want to fork over alot of money for parts if I don't have to of course. Please help with your ideas, knowledge and input. Thanks, Matt.

 

Hi there. Had the same problem the other day. Right where your lights are there in the dash, behind is your board that controls them. You could find another one or just unplug the control wire from the solenoid and run your own wire to a switch that you would install. If you pull your dash apart, you will see the part I speak of. It may need replaced or may very possibly just need a better connection. Let me know if there is any thing else I can help with.

 

Uh, the PCM is next to the battery, not under the dash. Don't go tearing your dash apart looking for stuff.

The flickering WTS/WIF light problem is definitely a bad PCM. Other things the PCM controls are the charging system and the cruise control if you have it. If the truck still charges, it won't hurt anything to put the grids on a momentary switch. Count to ten when it's above 20 degrees outside, count to 20 if if it's colder.

 

me too, but mine was a bad ground from the ecm go figure just redid the contact and bingo, hopefully yours will be this easy, good luck