Cold Weather Diesel Starting Guide

Having issues starting your diesel vehicle in cold weather? This guide provides tips to help diagnose and improve starting in temperatures as low as -30°F. Proper maintenance of key systems is essential for reliable cold weather operation.

• Ensure good compression, fuel pressure, electrical fuses, etc. Fix any underlying issues first.

• Remember diesels rely on heat from compression to ignite the fuel. Maintaining this heat is key.

• An adequate starting system (batteries, cables, starter) is needed to turn over the engine fast enough to build heat.

• Use capacitance tester to check battery health. Replace batteries in pairs.

• Clean terminals and ensure tight connections. Consider battery blankets.

• Use proper cable gauge. Crimp connections tightly and consider soldering.

• Insulate connections and apply protectant sprays to prevent corrosion.

• Check for heat indicating poor connections.

• Critical for proper electrical function. Can never have too many grounds.

• Connect grounds from batteries to engine and frame at minimum.

• Ensure tight, clean connections. Consider upgraded high torque starter.

• Use rear bracket to secure starter.

• Check glow plug resistance (should be ~1 ohm). Replace with quality plugs, no sealants.

• Consider replacing aged wiring harness.

• Use relay to provide higher current to glow plugs.

• Provides additional heating to aid cold starts.

• Helps keep coolant warm. Use reasonable wattage for outlet.