As some people may know it is difficult to start a diesel truck in cold weather, below 30 degrees. Now weather looking at buying one or just end up borrowing someone’s it is a necessary skill to know how to start it. It is important to know how to properly start a diesel truck in cold weather and it will be easier to start and less stress full on the engine. The only things you will need is a diesel truck, diesel treatment, and an extension cord.

Step 1: Checking Fuel

In order to start a diesel truck in cold weather, the first thing is to look at the temperature and plan ahead, because they may take a long time to get started and to warm up. Also, find out when the truck was parked if it had blended #1 and #2 diesel fuel or if it has an additive or if it has just strait #2. In cold weather strait #2 will gel up and the truck will not be able to start till it warms up.

Step 2: Locating and Plugging in Block Heater

At this point open the hood and locate the plug in for the engine block heater. It will have an end just like a Tv, a lamp, or the extension cord. It will look like an extension cord going to the bottom of the engine, usually black. It will usually be located in the area around the head light area or by the battery. It may also be sticking out of the grill or sticking out by a head light. On a semi, it is usually located under the driver door or under the hood. Once located the plug in for the block heater, plug the extension cord into the outlet and the plug the other end into the plug in for the block heater. Once it is plugged in and leave it plugged in for a minimum of 3 hours. If it is below 10 degrees leave it plugged in longer like 6 hours. The truck may be plugged in overnight in order to start it in the morning.

Step 3: Unplug Block Heater

After it has been plugged in for a long enough time and the truck is ready to started, the next step is to unplug the extension cord from the block heater. After it is unplugged shut the hood and get in the truck.

Step 4: Warming Glow Plugs

Once in the cab if the truck and turn the key to the run position but do not start the engine yet. Once turning the key to the run position, wait for all the gauges to move and all the light to go out. Older trucks may have a wait the start light, wait till it goes out. The easiest way to wait long enough before starting is to count it 5. Turning the key to the run position allows fuel to begin pumping and the glow plugs to warm up.

Step 5: Starting Engine

Once the key has been in the run position now try and start the truck. It may turn over for a few seconds before the tuck starts, this is normal. If it turns over for more than 10 seconds stop trying to start the truck and return the key to the off position. Then repeat steps 4 and 5. If it still does not start after repeating steps 4 and 5 go back to step 2 and wait longer, then go through steps 2 – 5 again.