Can anyone tell me why each winter I need to take my truck in because it will not start properly when cold? I have been told that it has something to do with the computer. Is it an adjustment that can be easily made or is it yet another flaw in design? I live in Arizona and the coldest it gets is around 30 degrees. The problem occurs each year when temps go down below 65. If it starts, it runs very rough and blows lots of black smoke until it warms up. Then it's fine for the day, until the next morning. The dealer said the glow plugs are fine and I give them time to warm before cranking it over. Any ideas?

 

are you letting the glow plugs stay on long enough before cranking it? Does the indicator light go out indicating it is ok to start?

 

It's not the glow plugs

 

You need to find a REAL diesel mechanic! Hopefully you have another Ford dealer that has a certified diesel mechanic on staff. What's the last time they flashed your computer?

 

Most likely you just need the latest flash with inductive injector heating, that solves most of the cold start problems. I think they blow white smoke if its injectors though, but I could be wrong. Could also be a turbo or EGR problem.

 

My 2006 was having a little trouble firing up when it was really cold talked to my ford dealer mechanic and we flashed my computer with the latest update for starting and now I can start it down to around zero with no plugging it in. Just my situation might not be your problem

 

Thanks for the reply, fellas, but i believe the dealer flashed the computer both times this has occured. It works for the winter but each winter it's the same thing. What is the expiration on this fix, 1 year? The temps are just barely starting to cool down, in the 70s for the low and I already feel this problem reoccuring. Any other thoughts? Thanks.

 

Thread moved to the 6.0 forum, good luck!

and WELCOME to FTE!

 

kdi, was wondering if u found out the problem,i am havingthe exact same problem now. funny thing i am in arizona as well, maybe the air is bad here lol. thanks

stan