need a little help, I have a 2003 f-250 with a little less than a 100k miles. I live in central texas where it really doesnt get super cold right now but just noticed that my truck has been hard to start in the mornings. I started to plug it in and was able to get better starts but now for example i had it plugged in all night and went to start it and it would just turn over so i pumped the gas pedal and it would struggle to turn on. It would just pump out black smoke. However once i do get it on and let it run for 30 minutes or so i can turn it and it will crank right up. I have been told it is the glow plugs then that it isnt the glow plugs and that it might be the injectors or glow plug module? Can anybody shed some light on this for me. Keep in mind the last week here has only been about 40 degrees at night and as high as 70 during the day. Thanks in advance

 

Welcome to the group!

I've got the 03 with one of the early 6.0's. This morning it was 23 out and the truck was plugged in...so it started like it was 70 outside. If I don't plug her in, she will start but will puff out a little blue smoke and then she's fine.

The black smoke is from your pedal pumping...that's pretty much unburnt fuel. One of the more savvy folks will be on shortly and give you better info...but anytime it gets down to 40 my truck gets plugged in. First, it just starts so much better, and second, it doesn't take anywhere near as long to get heat out of the vents!

Good Luck!
Joe

 

Is it cranking longer than normal? Running rough after start up? You can start by testing your batteries/charging system, than test your FICM voltage. In the 6.0 section there is a Tech Folder that will show you how to test the FICM. I have gone in below zero weather without plugging in my truck with no issues.

 

I agree with sammy77. Check your FICM first. Forget the glow plug system, that is not your problem. The temps you have are no problem.

 

Thanks for the help guys,
If I don't pump the truck then it would not start, just keep cranking.

I will test the batteries and ficm.
I had it plugged in last night and it started this morning but still had a little trouble.

 

Theoretically, pumping the throttle should not do anything good or bad. The PCM ignores throttle input.

 

Moved to the 6.0L Power Stroke Diesel forum.

 

First off welcome to FTE

heres the FICM test procedure

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...procedure.html

 

Does it run rough after it starts? I just had a similar problem, but starting wasnt the issue, it the fact that mine was running like garbage until it warmed up. Blade35 knows what I am talking about as he helped with my problem, see my post "changed oil, now I have problems".