Help Needed Possible Cold Weather Problems

[RCNV1985]

I have a 2000 F250 4WD with the 7.3L Diesel. I live in northern Nevada where the temperatures have dropped below zero recently. I went to start my truck after getting gas and the truck would not even try to turn over. When troubleshooting the RPM gauge would often go up and down even though the truck was not even trying to start, and the windshield wipers would also come on without being activated.

I have got the starter and the batteries checked and both were good, after getting a good charge to the batteries I havent had the same issue with the windshield washers or RPM gauge.

All of this has also happened with the engine block heater plugged in.

Any help would be great.

 

[DaveBen]

A couple of things I want to check with you. You said you got the batteries checked. How and by whom? Did they load test them individually? If not, then you did NOT get your batteries checked. Did you really put gas in your truck? I think not, but you still use gas instead of FUEL. Use fuel next time. Ok? How long was your truck plugged in? It takes 3 or 4 hours at ZERO to get the engine close to firing temperatures. You can put the heater on a timer if you use a timer rated for 2000 watts and an extension cord of 12 AWG. Not less.

Dave

 

[BIG JOE]

None of this had Anything to do with the Block Heater. It's completly independent from Any 12v systems on our trucks.

By what you describe, I'd bet you have some dirty/corroded battery Cable Connections.

Joe

What dave said about Load Testing your Batteries too.

 

[WD40]

You mite want to check to see if your CPS has gone out on your 7.3
Doug

 

[JLDickmon]

(I just noticed something about Big Joe's and Dougs trucks..

When I turn 50 in a couple years, do I need to dump my SRW for a dually?
is that some kinda "old fart" thing?)


back to the topic..
anyway, I think Joe pegged it.

 

[BIG JOE]

(I just noticed something about Big Joe's and Dougs trucks..

When I turn 50 in a couple years, do I need to dump my SRW for a dually?
is that some kinda "old fart" thing?)

Yep.. It's a GEEZER THING A Right of Passage, of sorts.

Turn 50 ? It's.. Multi-vitamins, Clairol maybe, and a Dually Pick-up... yer Good to Go.

'Ol Joe

 

[DaveBen]

Turn 50?? What do I get to look forward to at 70? Triples?

Dave

 

[BIG JOE]

Turn 50?? What do I get to look forward to at 70? Triples?

Dave

Na.. Maybe just another MED, or two Dave......

 

[RoyBoy]

(I just noticed something about Big Joe's and Dougs trucks..

When I turn 50 in a couple years, do I need to dump my SRW for a dually?
is that some kinda "old fart" thing?)

Hey wait a minute... I'm not even 30 yet... what will I be driving by then?

 

[JLDickmon]

Hey wait a minute... I'm not even 30 yet...

in dog years...