Starting a diesel engine in winter
Starting a diesel engine in winter can be a challenge if you are not familiar with this type of engine.
In this article, I will explore the combination of factors that affect diesel engine starting in winter. I will also provide you with tips on how to mitigate these problems.
Why is starting a diesel engine in winter more difficult than starting a gasoline engine?
If we compare a traditional gasoline engine to that of a diesel engine…we observe two different combustion processes.
➡ Gasoline engine: a spark plug is used to create a spark that ignites the air/fuel mixture.
➡ Diesel engine: the piston compresses the air/fuel mixture, which becomes very hot and creates the explosion that the engine needs.
However, the colder the air, the more difficult it is to reach the required temperature to create the explosion, hence the difficulty of starting a diesel engine when the cold weather arrives!
It is said that a diesel engine doesn’t like winter…
This is because when the oil is cold, it is thicker and takes longer to flow through the engine, properly lubricating the cylinders.
And that…is tough on your engine.
Fortunately, there are several integrated systems and simple measures you can take to make diesel engine starting in winter easier!
Your RAM is ready to face the winter
When your truck’s computer detects a drop in temperature, it activates the system to warm up the air entering your engine. It warns you with the message “Wait to Start” or a light indicator (as shown in the photo) when you turn the key to accessory mode.
You must wait for the message to turn off before starting your vehicle. The glow plugs, for Ecodiesel engines, or the intake heater, for Cummins engines, must heat up the air in or on the way to the combustion chamber, creating the right temperature for diesel to burn and ignite.
Cummins engine = Intake heater
RAM diesel trucks equipped with a CUMMINS engine use an intake heater, also known as a grid heater.
Managed by the ECM and powered by the battery, the grid heater is positioned inside the intake manifold. It warms up the air entering the cylinders with metal fins that heat up to red-hot, like in a toaster.
Ecodiesel engine = Glow plug.
RAM trucks with an ECODIESEL engine are equipped with glow plugs. Similar to the Cummins’ intake heater, they are managed by the ECM and powered by the battery. However, instead of heating the air at the engine’s entry point, the glow plugs heat the air directly in the cylinders.
It is common for one or more glow plugs to fail. If this happens, the “check engine” light will turn on. A cold engine that sputters and takes some time to stabilize is another symptom that indicates one or more glow plugs are faulty and need to be replaced.
Your RAM is ready to face the winter
When your truck’s computer detects a drop in temperature, it activates the system to warm up the air entering your engine. It warns you with the message “Wait to Start” or a light indicator (as shown in the photo) when you turn the key to accessory mode.
You must wait for the message to turn off before starting your vehicle. The glow plugs, for Ecodiesel engines, or the intake heater, for Cummins engines, must heat up the air in or on the way to the combustion chamber, creating the right temperature for diesel to burn and ignite.
Cummins engine = Intake heater
RAM diesel trucks equipped with a CUMMINS engine use an intake heater, also known as a grid heater.
Managed by the ECM and powered by the battery, the grid heater is positioned inside the intake manifold. It warms up the air entering the cylinders with metal fins that heat up to red-hot, like in a toaster.
Ecodiesel engine = Glow plug.
RAM trucks with an ECODIESEL engine are equipped with glow plugs. Similar to the Cummins’ intake heater, they are managed by the ECM and powered by the battery. However, instead of heating the air at the engine’s entry point, the glow plugs heat the air directly in the cylinders.
It is common for one or more glow plugs to fail. If this happens, the “check engine” light will turn on. A cold engine that sputters and takes some time to stabilize is another symptom that indicates one or more glow plugs are faulty and need to be replaced.
Practical and easy to use: a block heater, the simplest solution to hit the road in no time.
All Dodge RAM diesel trucks are equipped with a block heater.
The block heater on an engine prevents damage caused by cold starts by warming up the engine coolant and oil, allowing them to circulate better through the engine.
Plugging in your RAM reduces the wait time for your truck to warm up, making it the ideal solution for starting a diesel engine in the winter.
If it’s not possible for you to plug in your truck, that’s okay, there are other ways to help your RAM.
No access to an outlet to plug in your truck? No problem.
Installing an engine heater such as a Webasto or Espar allows you to avoid cold-start problems when the temperature drops below zero without needing an external power source.
The engine coolant is heated by passing through this small diesel furnace. Powered by the battery, some models can even be programmed.
It is important to note that a diesel engine heater consumes a lot of power and greatly impacts your batteries if used for a long period of time. It should only be used for a period of 12 hours at a time.
If the engine heater is used for too long, the battery voltage will not be sufficient for a cold start.
The batteries
When it’s cold, batteries lose efficiency. I’m not telling you anything new.
However, did you know that 2010+ Dodge RAMs need a minimum of 10.9 volts to start?
Below that… they won’t start.
That’s why if your truck won’t start, the first things to check are the batteries.
Practical and easy to use: a block heater, the simplest solution to hit the road in no time.
All Dodge RAM diesel trucks are equipped with a block heater.
The block heater on an engine prevents damage caused by cold starts by warming up the engine coolant and oil, allowing them to circulate better through the engine.
Plugging in your RAM reduces the wait time for your truck to warm up, making it the ideal solution for starting a diesel engine in the winter.
If it’s not possible for you to plug in your truck, that’s okay, there are other ways to help your RAM.
No access to an outlet to plug in your truck? No problem.
Installing an engine heater such as a Webasto or Espar allows you to avoid cold-start problems when the temperature drops below zero without needing an external power source.
The engine coolant is heated by passing through this small diesel furnace. Powered by the battery, some models can even be programmed.
It is important to note that a diesel engine heater consumes a lot of power and greatly impacts your batteries if used for a long period of time. It should only be used for a period of 12 hours at a time.
If the engine heater is used for too long, the battery voltage will not be sufficient for a cold start.
The batteries
When it’s cold, batteries lose efficiency. I’m not telling you anything new.
However, did you know that 2010+ Dodge RAMs need a minimum of 10.9 volts to start?
Below that… they won’t start.
That’s why if your truck won’t start, the first things to check are the batteries.
What can YOU do to help your RAM when it’s cold?
As winter approaches, it’s a good idea to take proactive measures to protect your engine. Neglecting cold weather precautions may not have much effect on your truck’s ability to start, however, lack of lubrication can cause premature wear on your engine.
By taking care of your engine during this season, you can extend its lifespan for years!
When temperatures drop, your engine needs to warm up.
It may seem obvious, but it’s worth mentioning: when the outside temperature is freezing, you need to warm up your engine before taking off.
Even though your engine will only reach its ideal temperature once you start driving, letting it warm up increases the oil temperature and optimizes lubrication for better performance.
What can YOU do to help your RAM when it’s cold?
As winter approaches, it’s a good idea to take proactive measures to protect your engine. Neglecting cold weather precautions may not have much effect on your truck’s ability to start, however, lack of lubrication can cause premature wear on your engine.
By taking care of your engine during this season, you can extend its lifespan for years!
When temperatures drop, your engine needs to warm up.
It may seem obvious, but it’s worth mentioning: when the outside temperature is freezing, you need to warm up your engine before taking off.
Even though your engine will only reach its ideal temperature once you start driving, letting it warm up increases the oil temperature and optimizes lubrication for better performance.
Fluids
The performance of the oil has a direct impact on the lifespan of your engine. For this reason, it is important to protect it with a suitable winter oil.
At SML Diesel Performance, when the cold season arrives, we use synthetic 5W40 oil in our Dodge RAM diesel.
It maintains an ideal fluidity and viscosity for starting a diesel engine in the winter.
Fuel and fuel filter
It’s better to keep your tank as full as possible. When your tank is empty for a long time in winter, condensation occurs, which over time accumulates at the bottom of the tank. This water will make its way into the fuel system and could create blockage problems.
If this happens, there are products that you can add to your tank to eliminate ice formation.
If the “water in fuel” light comes on in the dashboard or if you notice that your tank has been empty for a while, it is recommended to drain the water from the fuel filters in cold weather to prevent problems.
Do you find that your RAM consumes more fuel when it’s cold?
You’re not wrong.
This is because cold air contains a greater amount of oxygen, which leads to more combustion. If we also take into account the additional fuel used when letting the engine warm up… your truck will consume more fuel to operate during the winter.
Fuel and fuel filter
It’s better to keep your tank as full as possible. When your tank is empty for a long time in winter, condensation occurs, which over time accumulates at the bottom of the tank. This water will make its way into the fuel system and could create blockage problems.
If this happens, there are products that you can add to your tank to eliminate ice formation.
If the “water in fuel” light comes on in the dashboard or if you notice that your tank has been empty for a while, it is recommended to drain the water from the fuel filters in cold weather to prevent problems.
Do you find that your RAM consumes more fuel when it’s cold?
You’re not wrong.
This is because cold air contains a greater amount of oxygen, which leads to more combustion. If we also take into account the additional fuel used when letting the engine warm up… your truck will consume more fuel to operate during the winter.
Have you ever wondered why it takes time in the winter to have heat in your cab?
As long as the coolant is cold, there won’t be any heat in your truck. For the coolant to warm up… well, the engine needs to warm up.
Plugging in your truck overnight will allow you to enjoy the comfort of a warm cabin more quickly, as the coolant will be preheated at startup.
In summary
Winter diesel engine starting problems can be easily avoided by taking the appropriate precautions.
- Wait for the “Wait to start” light or message to go off before starting your truck.
- Plug in your RAM to warm up the fluids before starting, if possible.
- If plugging in is not an option, consider an auxiliary heating device.
- Check the condition of your batteries.
- Let your engine run to warm up before hitting the road.
- Use a synthetic 5W40 oil that maintains ideal fluidity and viscosity for winter diesel engine starting.
- Keep your fuel tank full to minimize condensation.
- If your truck shows the “Water in fuel” message, empty your filters to avoid problems.
If you follow these tips diligently, you should have no trouble starting your Ram this winter.