instrument cluster gauges arent working and truck wont start. All started couple days ago I wanted to make it start better(cold so had to plug in at night), so i replaced glow plugs and gpr(well used starter relay trying to save money). When i went to start it turned over slow and started(batteries low). Sounded horriable(sounds if youd restart after running out of fuel) so i shut off(that was when i seen my gauges work last). I took off cheap relay and put on fords gpr. Then go to start- dead batt.. Fixed that with new starter (and 1 batt. by time i charged 2times)old starter was shot and drawing batt. down instantly. When I crank now it has the charge(and will hold charge)and wait to start works. but wont fire and sounds horriable like i stated before. Ive checked all fuses- ok, switched pcm power relay with another relay, tried to pull codes- nothing. Any ideas if i couldve messed something up with glow plugs or maybe shorted something out because of my starter issue?Any ideas would be very appriciated im stumped.

 

Could it be possiable that the valve cover gasket would be causing these two problems of no gauges and no start?? Any ideas would be very appriciated.

 

Try checking for a bad ground. It takes time but dont cost anything, check all ground wires.

 

Didnt try that yet but will. Thank you for the idea but dont think itll be my problem because the truck will hold a charge after replacing starter, but worth a shot because this is problem dont make any sense to me.

 

I know it can be expensive, but it is always better to replace both batteries. If the other one is borderline it doesn't help the new one at all.
Also , the wait to start lite acts independently of the glow plug relay and you could have a glow plug problem too.

 

Thank you for that idea Ill try that. Still no truck.

 

WTS light works just no tachs and cranks fine but no start. Please more ideas.

 

On a diesel when the batterys go bad you have replace both of them lots of money but thats what has to be done. Is the pump shutoff letting it get fuel to start or does it have a elec fuel pump and working to get fuel to the filter and are the glow plugs working