dash lights flickering after startup

[ndh]

every morning after i first crank my truck the dash lights flicker dim and bright, and after a few seconds this stops (it seems to be in time with the clicking of the glow plug controller?) it's not causing me any problems, i'm just a little worried that it might indicate some future problem coming up for me...

[luckys420]

watch your volt meter, it too will go back an forth. This means you will soon need to overhaul your engine. No, No, NO I am just kidding! it is the after glow. The glow plugs will cycle on and off after you start the truck in order to reduce smoke untill the cylinder temps warm up a bit. The glow plugs just use alot of power so your lights suffer. not a problem

[merdock69]

[ QUOTE ]
every morning after i first crank my truck the dash lights flicker dim and bright, and after a few seconds this stops (it seems to be in time with the clicking of the glow plug controller?) it's not causing me any problems, i'm just a little worried that it might indicate some future problem coming up for me...

[/ QUOTE ]

Nope, no problem, in fact you should consider yourself fortunate, there are several people on this board that wishes their lights would flicker after startup... [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/warmsmile.gif[/img]

[ndh]

[ QUOTE ]
watch your volt meter, it too will go back an forth. This means you will soon need to overhaul your engine.

[/ QUOTE ]


LOL! God, you almost made my heart stop when i read that!!!

[rpugel]

Okay, I'm still not convinced. I've spent 2 hours sorting through this forum only to find that what I thought was a wacky problem that has been nagging at me for a few years, is really just the normal operation of the "afgerglow" glow plug circuit.

I find hard to believe that this clicking, flickering lights, and voltmeter swinging widely is GOOD. I don't see other diesels starting up in the morning with their lights flickering. Furthermore, I cannot figure out why I didn't seem notice this for the first few years I had the truck (since June 2000); nor can I picture this as a standard operating "off the showroom floor" condition.

I really love this website and appreciate those of you "angels" who monitor the questions, ready to assist with your talent and experince. But I'll remain bewildered unless someone can expain this.

All my cold morning starts are just fine. I plug in the heater if it's going to be below freezing. The WTS light stays on longer on cold mornings than warm mornings. I get a little puff of smoke when the engine starts. It's all good -- except... this.

Don't wanna fix what ain't broken.
[img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img]

[arthurgoboom]

To my knowledge the newer diesels don't use an afterglow feature, I think it's something used with the IDI to keep the prechamber hot, which a DI diesel doesn't need. I'm not even sure if the 24-valve Cummins even have glowplugs. I've NEVER heard of anyone having to change glowplugs in one of those engines, they're either super reliable or they aren't there. They do have an intake air heater. A buddy of mine is a Dodge guy, has had a 2001 and a 2005 now, and their WTS light doesn't come back on, nor do the interior lights dim while the WTS light is on before starting. Maybe our glowplugs draw more amperage.

[Mr_Roboto]

Correct the Cummins do not have glow plugs. Something about the design lets them start without.

A strong, reliable straight 6. And Dodge has it. Sometimes the world just doesn't make sense.

[pafixitman]

According to the Ford Parts and Service Divisopn Training and Publications Department's 1988 7.3L Diesel Engine manual, page 23 states.
"When the indicator turns off, the glow plugs have reached the proper temperature and the engine can be started. An after glow operation occurs after the WTS indicator has turned itself off. This cyclic operation of the glow plugs reduces white smoke during engine warm-up. This after glow cycle can be determined by listening to the power relay operation."

The test procedures for the GPC require between 8 and 10 volts. That is a healthy draw on the system. Mine has blinked and (with an after market gauge) the volt draw is substantial for the past 3 years I have owned her.

[cdnsarguy]

If you have DTRL's (daytimerunninglights) your supposed to engage the park brake to shut off the headlights......so all the required power goes to the GPs and starter to get ya goin. If some of you guys still had your VO manuals and 7,3 Diesel suppliments to read, all this info is in there.

I'm thinking there a couple postoffice rejects working at the Autoboneyard or dealerships saving all the VOM's and suppliments under their beds.......... [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif[/img]

Check with your local wreckers for a copy....... can't find them on Ebay so they must be somewhere. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shrug.gif[/img]

[asauer]

Yes, it is completely normal. Something nobody else has addressed- if you have excessive light dimming it could either be you have a bad connection (probably at the glow plug relay- check that it is bolted securely as this is the ground), or else your batteries are getting weak. Does your truck spin over as fast as normal?
New diesel might not have "after glow"...but they sure start alot worse than my truck. Any new dodge or ford I've seen can't hack 0 degree weather without being plugged in. Also, 7.3L powerstrokes have that STUPID butterfly valve thing in their exhaust that opens and closes when the motor is cold to increase backpressure and help warm it up. Makes the truck sound like crap...oh well they're crap anyways. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smokin.gif[/img]

[rpugel]

Thanks everyone for the advice -- I sure have a better understanding of what my truck is doing. Originally, I thought it was the voltage regulator, then maybe the batteries - but after replacing those over the years (in their own time, for their own reasons) and not seeing any improvement, I figured it could only be the GPC or glow plugs themselves. Now that I understand this a lot better, I will just marvel at the start-up routine, truly appreciating the sophistication of this technology. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif[/img]

[Turbine205]

I am having the same problem but went out and purchased a new controller. What I found out was, it's still doing the flickering after replacing the controller and when the light goes out. And I am getting white smoke on start-up.
I have new batteries, so I am wondering if it may be bad glow plug (s).
Would bad plugs cause this flickering?

My glow plugs have been replaced about 4 years ago. So........I am a little unsure what could be wrong. Any ideas, would be appreciated.
Is there a test I can perform without removing the plugs?

[luckys420]

[ QUOTE ]
I am having the same problem but went out and purchased a new controller. What I found out was, it's still doing the flickering after replacing the controller and when the light goes out. And I am getting white smoke on start-up.
I have new batteries, so I am wondering if it may be bad glow plug (s).
Would bad plugs cause this flickering?

My glow plugs have been replaced about 4 years ago. So........I am a little unsure what could be wrong. Any ideas, would be appreciated.
Is there a test I can perform without removing the plugs?

[/ QUOTE ]

read the entire thread.

[luckys420]

[ QUOTE ]
I am having the same problem but went out and purchased a new controller. What I found out was, it's still doing the flickering after replacing the controller and when the light goes out. And I am getting white smoke on start-up.
I have new batteries, so I am wondering if it may be bad glow plug (s).
Would bad plugs cause this flickering?

My glo

[Turbine205]

Thanks for the _tip_ "luckys" but I have read the entire thread.javascript:void(0)
[img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img] [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img]
Have I missed something?javascript:void(0)
[img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shrug.gif[/img]