Hard Start Runs Fine

[BradsKQ]

I have an '05 F 250 that is really hard to start on the first start of the day but when it starts it runs and sounds fine. After the first start it will start fine the rest of the day no matter how long it sits. Ive read quite a bit on here so I went and had my FICM flashed a week ago hoping that would fix the problem but it did not. It threw no codes when it was updated. It is completely stock as far as I know. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[troid123]

Originally Posted by BradsKQ

I have an '05 F 250 that is really hard to start on the first start of the day but when it starts it runs and sounds fine. After the first start it will start fine the rest of the day no matter how long it sits. Ive read quite a bit on here so I went and had my FICM flashed a week ago hoping that would fix the problem but it did not. It threw no codes when it was updated. It is completely stock as far as I know. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Any black smoke on first start? Running really rough? I bet it is the FICM. I had your same issue as well as many other members here recently. If it is under warranty take it in and have them look at it. If not you are looking at some where in the ball park of $1000 for a new one...

[BradsKQ]

No black smoke. White smoke when it starts and smells like raw diesel. Runs smooth. If the FICM was bad wouldnt they know when I had it updated last week?

[Abrannan19]

Originally Posted by BradsKQ

No black smoke. White smoke when it starts and smells like raw diesel. Runs smooth. If the FICM was bad wouldnt they know when I had it updated last week?

nope, all they did was flash it, they probably didn't test it for voltage output. Once you start in the AM, does it have a rough idle? Also what type and brand oil are you running? What are the temps where the truck is parked overnight?

[BradsKQ]

The temps are around the mid 30's to mid 40's. I dont know what kind of oil I bought the truck a month ago. The idle is not really rough it sounds like my 7.3 when cold. It may be rough for 2 to 3 seconds and then smooths out.

[Abrannan19]

I would suggest the following, just to start out with the cheaper stuff before a $600.00 FICM. First change the oil and filters, use a full synthetic, our trucks love synthetic. I prefer the Valvoline Extreme Premium Blue 5w40 Full Syn, you can find it at NAPA or any cummins power. This oil isn't cheap, but you can go further on oil change intervals. Also while after your oil change, change both fuel filters, replace the frame mounted (HFCM) filter and the underhood secondary filter, ONLY USE MOTORCRAFT FILTERS. Try this and see what happens. Since the truck is new to you you have no idea whats in it for oil or the last time the fuel filters were changed, so its a good idea to perform the above.

Also, if the temps are under 32* and the truck is equipped with a block warmer, you should highly consider plugging it in at night, possibly on a timer about 2-4 hours before the first start of the day.

[BradsKQ]

Thanks for the info. I had planned to change the oil and filters this weekend. I didnt realize that the synthetic works better I was gonna use rotella. Thx. I thought of that and looked and I saw no block warmer. Should I check for voltage on the FICM. I thought I read on here how to do that

[Abrannan19]

yep, if you have the tools needed, check the voltage, do it. My thoughts are its just cold outside..a small puff of smoke in the winter and a small delay in starting is kinda normal

[BradsKQ]

It's actually a cloud of white smoke. I am sure it is raw fuel from trying to start it. It takes three times turning it over at about 6 seconds each before it starts. It will try to fire about 3 seconds before the truck actually starts. Before that it just spins over.

[cRaZy8]

Dude, I had the exact same conditions. 2005 truck, 62k miles. All stock for first 61900miles.

I was guessing glow plugs. I replaced those (found 3 out of spec). Still no dice. Checked the FICM, bingo, 21V key on.

Followed Dr Quads write up- 48V!!!!! Only took about an hour for entire process. Truck fired up on second try. Just finished it about an hour ago.

Before I did this, when it was running, it would start hard, and run rough for 4-5 seconds, sometimes longer. This time, started easy, no rough stumbling idle.

Check your FICM bro, my money is on that.