Ford Powerstroke Cold Starting Problems.
02 f350 with a 7.3 stroke 58.000mi. what could be the problem the glow plug relay seems to work. the glow plug light illuminates briefly . but seems as if they’re not doing the’re job, so if the relay works batts are good and light works what can it be can the glow plugs go out with that mileage. i belive my unit was manufactured without a block heater! can i istall one myself.
What expert says
There are 6 Responses to “Ford Powerstroke Cold Starting Problems.”Sounds like relay not working.Go under the hood .on top of the engine there is a relay that looks like a starter solenoid .Take a test light one side of the solenoid will have battery power nothing on the other side.Get somebody to turn the key on you should now have power on the other terminal as well.If you don,t Glow plug relay faulty.This was a common problem on 7.3.Good engine compared to the %$&* 6.0L
Auto tech is right, the glow plugs on a colder day should stay on for up to 90 seconds. If they are turning off too quick, the relay assm is bad.
As far as a block heater, napa sells a heater element that goes in the lower hose for about 35.00. very easy to install.
I recommend trading your 02 7.3L for the new 2008 6.4L Powerstroke.
The new 6.4L does not have any cold start difficulties of diesel engines and is quiet like no other. Plus 650lb-ft. of torque at 2000 rpm.
auto tech 25 is correct… Usually people find the glow plug relay going out before the glow plugs themselves but I’ve seen people have to change the glow plugs at higher miles.
Some have block heaters built into the block, you just have to find out from the Ford dealer as some had the plug in , some have the element mounted but no electrical connector, whereas others don’t have anything…
Also what oil are you using at what temperature?
Unless you are in Florida or somewhere’s in the south, you should be running a 10w30 made for diesel engines right now as ford recommends the oil grade to change when it hits freezing.
It’s written in your diesel owners guide supplement
yea u cant get an after market block heater and if u get into really cold weather like sub zero snow kind of weather the glow plugs need longer to work u may have to turn the key off and on a few times to cycle the glow plugs and allow them sufficent time to work. as i had to do in me 2001 excursion with a 7.3 powerstroke when i went snowboarding a few weeks back.
I did alot of warranties in my day for Fo Mo Co 90 % was glow plug relays or an bad injector. that was until Ford relied on International to build their 6.0 diesel junk box. luckily FORD is now building their own 6.4 liter twin turbo diesel themselves..