Diesel-powered engines (also called diesel engines) have a different starting system than petrol-powered ones. Gasoline-powered engines start when fuel is ignited by a spark plug; on the contrary, diesel engines start thanks to the heat generated by a compression. In this case the fuel and air need to warm up enough to start a combustion process, which in turn creates the spark that starts the engine. This guide explains how to properly start a diesel vehicle.
Steps
Step 1. Turn the key to the start position without starting the engine
The "wait" light will light up on the dashboard (check your owner's manual for the corresponding light). Do not start the engine before the light has gone out.
Step 2. Wait for the glow plugs to warm up before starting the vehicle
The glow plugs can take up to 15 seconds to warm up - even longer in cold weather. The turning off of the "wait" light is used to signal when the glow plugs are hot enough.
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Check the glow plugs or fuel heater before cold weather to prevent starting problems. There are two methods of producing the heat needed to start the process: the glow plugs and the fuel heater (the latter less used). A glow plug (glow plug) is a device with a resistor that heats the air in the system to allow starting in the vehicle. Especially in cold weather, diesel-powered vehicles won't start without one of these two auxiliary systems.
Start a Diesel Truck Step 2Bullet1 -
If necessary, replace the battery. Diesel vehicles have 2 batteries to start the engine and heat the glow plugs, so always keep 2 good spare batteries. Insisting on starting the engine with a dead battery will ruin the glow plugs to the point that it will no longer be possible to start the engine.
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Step 3. Start the engine, without insisting more than 30 seconds
If it doesn't start in 30 seconds, turn it off by turning the key to the stop position.
Step 4. Attempt to start the vehicle again by heating the glow plugs properly
Turn the key back to the start position and wait for the "wait" light to go out.
Step 5. Turn the key further to start the engine and insist no more than 30 seconds
If it doesn't start, shut down and try these tips.
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Plug the vehicle into an electrical outlet. Diesel vehicles have a 3-pin plug, usually under the front bumper or under the radiator grille. Using an extension cable, plug the vehicle into an outlet. You will hear the heater starting; this allows the heater to create the necessary heat to start the process.
Start a Diesel Truck Step 5Bullet1 - Leave the vehicle plugged in for at least 2 hours before trying to restart it. It takes quite a long time to warm up the coolant in the engine block. If it still does not start after this procedure, ask for the assistance of an experienced diesel engine mechanic.
Advice
- If the vehicle has been left in a very cold place, try heating the glow plugs more than once by turning the key to the start position, waiting for the light to go out, then turning the key to the off position and repeating the process.
- Trying to start the engine before the glow plugs have warmed up properly does not cause any damage to the engine, but it is quite difficult.
Warnings
- Diesel fuel transforms into a gel at temperatures ranging from -6 to -18 ° C. In this case the engine does not start because the diesel fuel is frozen. If you are in an area where temperatures are so cold, refuel at a gas station that uses additives that lower the freezing point of diesel fuel, or buy a special additive yourself.
- Never use starting fluids with diesel fueled engines. Starting fluids can only be used with petrol engines: if used with diesel engines they can damage the pistons or the combustion chamber.
