Just bought an 01 f350 7.3 diesel in florida two days ago. Ran fine on the way home to IL. Next day wont start. Checked bat. put in additive (colder here than FL) still nothing. Turns over but wont fire. Now "wait to start" light won't come on.

 

If it had 'no' starting problems in the warmer climates, or after amoderate 'sit' time of overnight to a few days...

Couple things that can affect a 7.3 from starting when temps drop, and first things I'd check....First though,, Does it start as normal if the block heater is plugged in?


One, is that it 'has to crank' at at least 100 RPM minimum or the PCM won't see a tach signal and won't fire the injectors via the driver module.. Glows draw a fair amount of amps and can add to the no start the more the temps drop.. Check the build date/service lifeof the batts, load test them if possible (if you haven't already).. Also, what is the CCA of the batts? Some owners go 'thrifty' when replacing batteries on a PSD.. Not a good idea, worse in low temp climates...

Two, glow plug relay failures are fairly common,and the glows won't lite up.. Look at the glow relay, and see if you see any evidence of high heat on the large copper lugs, loose connections, or any bulge/blistering of the relay case..Also at the harmess connections on the valve cover (outter portions/wires) for burning/bulging.. Not so much on tha later 7.3's though..

Three, there's always the possibility of the CMP (cam position sensor) being at fault and the PCM won't detect an RPM.. There's a current recall (07S57) for the CMP replacement.. Look to see if you see an RPM on the vehicle tach during cranking.. Usually you'll see the tach needbounch a bit..

Not the only causes for a no start, but where I'd look first, more so if the truck fires with the block heater plugged in..

 

Does this have California emissions? Or 49 state? Need to know for the wait to start light.

 

Also,, since the 'wait to start' light isn't coming on at all?, do you hear the fuel pump running with the key cycled ON? (pump under drivers side frame rail area, close to midship) If not, check the fuse/s for power distribution for the PCM.. In the CJB/central junction box fuse position #30/30amp, and just in case, out under the hood (drivers side/rear) in the BJB/battery junction box for maxi fuses #24/20 amp, and #27/30amp..

Could be a shorted fuel heater inside the fuel/water seperator and can take out the
PCM fuse for a no start/no light... If the fuse is blown, replace it, and unplug the fuel heater (back sidethe seperator, next to the yellow fuel drain lever) to see if the truck fires...