Dodge Diesel Question...

[blueriver]

First I know this is a tractor forum, so please don't get all excited cause I ask a truck question.... or a couple!!

My 04 dually has been a champ with no issue's until yesterday. When I went to start it she would barely crank over .. it did start. I thought heck my batteries are low. However thru out the day she would spin right over, I put the battery charger on it last night and again this morning it would barely crank ... just like low batteries ... all day it would spin over great.

I cleaned the post, the cables and I will see what she does in the morning ... Any Ideas???

Second there is a little pump looking thing on the plastic raditator container near the firewall on the passenger side that is making a loud clicking and when I touch it it is running even after the truck is running...what is that thing??

 

[Dmace]

I would start with replacing the batteries. There's a big difference between "cranking amps" and "cold cranking amps" and when a battery can no longer provide that high amperage needed for a cold start, it's ready to go. It may still work good when the engine is warm but that's much easier on a battery. Most places can test the batteries for you too!

As far as the part under the hood, any pics?

Keep that truck forever, it will go down as one of the best ever made! :thumbsup:

 

[Diamondpilot]

You need new batteries like Dmace said. Diesels are tough on them. I am guessing it has dual batteries like my 3 Ford Diesels and the Dmax I had back when.

By nature Diesel equipment is tough on batteries. 3 years of service and I change mine out. You can get more as you may have done but if they are over 3 years old get new ones.

Chris

 

[blueriver]

Dmace & Diamondpilot ... thanks for that I will have the auto parts store check the batteries ... They are the orginal batteries!! I did not take a picture of that thingie .. will do that tomorrow and post it.

 

[blueriver]

One more thing .. I though all Diesels came with a plug in heater? Sure can't find one on this truck ..

 

[Dmace]

with the new grid heaters these trucks have and high pressure fuel systems, there's hardy a need for them. I believe it's still an option on new trucks though. It's part of the "Cold Winter Package".

Like most Dodge trucks, the part is there and just the wiring is optional. The block heater (I've been told) is on all diesel engines and the heater cord receptacle is accessible by removing the turbo intake tube. You can then add a cheap section of electrical cord from the receptacle to the grill to plug in.

Here's the cord through Dodge: https://www.dodgeparts.com/advanced...Csid=69c5af43f198e4efea0980350f41cca6&x=0&y=0

Or here's how to do-it-yourself with a cheap NAPA cord (with pictures): How to: Block heater cord install - Dodge Diesel - Diesel Truck Resource Forums

 

[blueriver]

with the new grid heaters these trucks have and high pressure fuel systems, there's hardy a need for them. I believe it's still an option on new trucks though. It's part of the "Cold Winter Package".

Like most Dodge trucks, the part is there and just the wiring is optional. The block heater (I've been told) is on all diesel engines and the heater cord receptacle is accessible by removing the turbo intake tube. You can then add a cheap section of electrical cord from the receptacle to the grill to plug in.

Here's the cord through Dodge: https://www.dodgeparts.com/advanced...Csid=69c5af43f198e4efea0980350f41cca6&x=0&y=0

Or here's how to do-it-yourself with a cheap NAPA cord (with pictures): How to: Block heater cord install - Dodge Diesel - Diesel Truck Resource Forums

Now ain't that something ... I'll get my batteries tested at NAPA and I am going to get me one of them. I knew darn well the folks here at TBN would throw out that good advise ... Now DMACE get ready for that picture of that thingie tomorrow!!

 

[Diamondpilot]

Dmace & Diamondpilot ... thanks for that I will have the auto parts store check the batteries ... They are the orginal batteries!! I did not take a picture of that thingie .. will do that tomorrow and post it.

The batteries are it. You are on borrowed time with 6 year old batteries. Forget checking them, just get new ones and save yourself some headache. They owe you nothing after 6 years.

Chris

 

[QRTRHRS]

Go with Optima batteries. One, they will not ruin your fenders if they crack like lead acid batteries. Lead acid batteries will on occasion crack from the vibration. And two, Optima's will last sometimes up to eight years on a diesel. I had six on mine when I sold the truck.

I don't know much about anything but a 12V Cummins but on those, the block heater is on the right (passenger) side next to the turbo drain down tube.

 

[Diamondpilot]

As for the "pump looking thingy", could it be the windshield washer fluid tank and pump? Are you sure its a radiator tank?

Chris

 

[Willl]

Get your batteries TESTED, a bad battery will test bad, no need to replace good parts.
God knows we don't need anymore "parts changers".

My 02 still cranking strong with the stock batts.

 

[aczlan]

Get your batteries TESTED, a bad battery will test bad, no need to replace good parts.
God knows we don't need anymore "parts changers".
My 02 still cranking strong with the stock batts.

If one is bad REPLACE BOTH. The second is probably not far behind.

Aaron Z

 

[Willl]

If one is bad REPLACE BOTH. The second is probably not far behind.

Aaron Z

Good advice. :thumbsup:

 

[timswi]

Replace the batteries...My diesel Suburban started doing the same thing and that was the problem. Sometimes the secondary battery will get corrosion on the terminals that can rot the wires under the insulators..Ran into that too. That's a fun one to track down.

 

[aczlan]

Good advice. :thumbsup:

Learned that one the hard way. We pulled, tested and reinstalled the 2nd battery (mounts inside the framerail even with the B pillar) in my parents '99 E350 15 pass Diesel van. Had to replace it a month or so later (when it was COLD and nasty out.

Never again.

Aaron Z

 

[blueriver]

As for the "pump looking thingy", could it be the windshield washer fluid tank and pump? Are you sure its a radiator tank?

Chris

Here'some pic's of it ... its right in front of the plastic tank and has the yellow/orange plug. When you turn on the key you can here that baby running and when the engine is running you can feel it running. I guess it just keeps running ...

 

[Diamondpilot]

Here'some pic's of it ... its right in front of the plastic tank and has the yellow/orange plug. When you turn on the key you can here that baby running and when the engine is running you can feel it running. I guess it just keeps running ...

Not sure, never owned a Cummins. Could it be a fuel pump? Has it always run like that? I am sure the guy at the parts store where you go get you 2 new batteries at can tell you.

Chris

 

[blueriver]

Not sure, never owned a Cummins. Could it be a fuel pump? Has it always run like that? I am sure the guy at the parts store where you go get you 2 new batteries at can tell you.

Chris

I don't think its fuel related... Its odd I do not recall it running, but then again I have never had the hard cranking cold start so I could be looking and listening for problems ... I will let you know what the auto parts guy says.

 

[Diamondpilot]

I don't think its fuel related... Its odd I do not recall it running, but then again I have never had the hard cranking cold start so I could be looking and listening for problems ... I will let you know what the auto parts guy says.

You know, it may be brake related. My Fords have a electric motor to power the brakes. GM uses the power steering pump to give power brakes. Not sure about Dodge. The thing is diesels just do not make the vacuum to give you power assist brakes so you need another source of power.

Chris

 

[PoorMansCat]

Thats a relay.. Although you shouldn't hear it "running" Typically, a relay will "click" when energized and some will have an audible "click" when they are de-energized.