Truck want start until i use a light to heat up the engine

before you take it to the shop go to an auto parts store and they will scan it for free and tell you the problem

My truck won't start after it shutdown on me due to over heating on me. When I turn the key the ETC light comes on and the check engine light as well. Any clue?

When a catalytic converter is coming apart on the inside, it can restrict air flow and power, and it usually happens or gets worse when the vehicle has been running long enough to generate a lot of heat. Once it cools down, the symptoms can completely go away until you begin to drive it again. It's one possibility.

Follow your glowplug wires towards the Firewall. The glowplug wire goes into a Timer which is suppose to be internally regulated by outside Temperature and feedback from the glowplugs.

When you are in Cold weather, the Timer is suppose to keep the glowplugs on longer. When the engine is fully warm and you shut it off, you will notice it starts up like a gas engine. First you want to remove your glowplugs and check them by using Jumper cables and heating them up.

Be careful because they can melt or distort if on too long. I usually pull out 4 at a time because it is a comparison test and when you find the quickest, brightest glowplug you measure the others against it. When the glowplug stays dark or does not heat as quickly it is bad. Remember when it is in the engine the glowplug only has bumps of current coming from the Timer to warm up.

Once you are confident the glowplugs are okay, try starting the truck. Or for good measure, just change the Timer, but it will add to the cost.

As for the engine light, if you mean the "check engine" light, you can get that checked free at Autozone, Oreillys, or Advance. I believe Advance may be better equipped to test the PCM.

I hope my solutions are very helpful to you and thanks for using this service.

Hello! First of all you have an air "bubble" blocking your thermostat...If you have a garage and can get the vehicle inside let it cool so you can open the cap...Start the engine...Turn the heat on high...As the engine warms air will bubble out of the top of the reservoir ...When the thermostat opens...Slowly add 50/50 until all air has escaped...Don't be in a hurry, wait until all air has stopped and system is full...To be on the safe side you may want to replace the thermostat before you begin this procedure...

In the under-hood fuse box...Try pulling the ABS fuse (60A)...Test drive the vehicle to see if it will perform braking wise until you can fix ABS...Send a comment and let me know how you make out...

Guru....saailer

I’m happy to help further over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/david_6df67de3b14de867

why does the reduced power light come on , then the truck stalls. If you pull over and shut down the engine and wait a 30 secounds the truck will restart and run fine until the next time you start the truck. The truck has 48k miles

I would start looking for a vacuum leak. Check all the vacuum lines for cracks or breakage. Spray penetrating fluid on them until you hear the engine start to stumble then focus the spray on that area until you are able to pinpoint the location of the leak. Best of luck,my friend, Dana

try changing the ignition control module in the bottom of the distributor this controls the firing of the plugs and usually when they get hot is when they start acting up. not very expensive plus you can take yours off and have it tested at a parts store.

When was the last time the truck was tuned up? sounds like there is a hair line crack in the distributor cap witch in turn lets moisture get in there and it won't start until it dries back out, the heat from the hair dryer is most likely drying out the moisture in the cap seeing its so close to the throtel body. Do a tune up.

If your check engine light is on, you will need to have it tested to see what codes have been stored. The light will stay on until it has been tested and codes cleared. Disconneting the battery for five minutes will also reset the light, but if the truck is running rough, you don't want to run it like that. It could cause severe damage to the engine. Best bet is to get it tested and correct the underlying problem before it costs you big bucks. Good Luck