2000 Ford F350 Cold weather starting

WILLIE D

MEMBER
2000 FORD F-350
V8
4WD
AUTOMATIC
92,000 MILES

Beginning last winter I noticed that I could not start my truck below 40 degrees without keeping it plugged in. This is a diesel 7.3 liter. Someone recently mentioned to me about either a switch or relay that controls the glow plugs. This made me think a little and I noticed that when I turn the key to the on position my gauge for the battery does not move or there does not appear to be any draw on the battery. So I am wondering if there are any known problems or things to check other than going right to the glow plugs. I would expect that the plugs would put a noticeable drain when they are on.
Any help would be appreciated

3 Replies

FLEXY5

MECHANIC
512 POSTS

If you open your hood, sitting on top of the engine may ba a plastic cowl with the 7.3 emblem on it. Remove it. Located directly behind the fuel filter housing on top of the engine there is a relay that has two large lugs and two small lugs. Use a test light to see if you have power on both of the large lugs when you turn the key on. If you don't, make sure you have power on one of the small lugs and ground on the other lug. If you have power on the small lug and not on both large lugs, replace the relay. If you have all powers and grounds, check the connectors at the valve cover gaskets. Post back your findings and we'll go from there.
Dave

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Wednesday, January 30th, 2008 AT 10:11 PM

WILLIE D

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Thanks Dave for getting back to me. I seem to have 2 relays that are next to the fuel filter.(See pic) ON each relay there is power to one large lug (one with cover) and no power to the other large and small lugs when the key is off. When the Key is on The same large lug still has power and both small lugs have power but the other large lug still does not have power.
I did check all my fuses from the panel under the dash and they are all good. So would the next step be to replace the relay(s). Are both the relays for the glow plugs?

Willie D

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Thursday, January 31st, 2008 AT 11:00 AM

FLEXY5

MECHANIC
512 POSTS

I'm trying to remember, but I don't think they are BOTH for the glow plugs. I couldn't find the pic you were refering to. I believe it is the relay on the passenger side and the forward of the two. It may have had a shield cover on it. If you can repost the pic I could tell you for sure. But at either rate, yes you need to replace the relay. Then retest it.
Dave

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Thursday, January 31st, 2008 AT 4:54 PM