
The fuel injectors are located in the center of the combustion chambers
in the cylinder head between the rocker arm assemblies. The glow plug
system and fuel injection system are controlled through the Powertrain
Control Module (PCM) and Fuel Injection Control Module (FICM).
Fuel is drawn from the fuel tank by a frame-mounted electric fuel pump.
The fuel pump provides pressurized fuel to the engine and is
electronically controlled by the fuel pump PCM relay. The fuel pump
contains a pressure relief valve for overpressure protection in the event
of restricted flow.
Lubrication system
It is important to change the engine oil at the recommended service
intervals, because oil viscosity is important in maintaining the oil
pressure required to actuate the fuel injectors. Extended oil change
intervals can negatively affect engine performance, fuel economy and
engine life. Refer to the engine oil specification chart located under
Engine oil specificationsin theMaintenance and specifcations
chapter.
Fast start glow plug system
The glow plug system consists of:
•eight glow plugs
•the glow plug control module (GPCM)
•engine oil temperature (EOT) sensor
•barometric pressure (BARO) sensor
The glow plug system is
electronically controlled by the
PCM. The GPCM energizes the glow
plugs immediately after the ignition
is placed in the ON position, then determines how long the glow plugs
will be on according to the EOT and BARO sensors. The required time
for the glow plugs to be energized decreases as the engine oil
temperature and barometric pressure increase.
Engine cooling system
The cooling system contains an engine oil cooler which is mounted in the
center valley of the engine. The cooler’s function is to regulate engine oil
temperature.
Introduction
4

EXCURSION & F-SUPER DUTY (EXCEPT HARLEY-DAVIDSON)
F-SUPER DUTY HARLEY-DAVIDSON
Glow plug pre-heat indicator
With the key in the ON position,
the
light will illuminate if glow
plug heat is necessary as a starting
aid. Wait until the light goes off
before starting. The light should always illuminate briefly, when the
ignition key is in the ON position. If the light does not illuminate, there
may be a problem. Refer toCold weather startingin theDriving
section of this supplement. After the engine starts, the light should
remain off. The light should always illuminate at least momentarily when
the engine is cold and the ignition is turned to ON. If it does not
illuminate, the glow plug system should be checked and repaired
promptly to avoid difficulty in cold starting.
Instrumentation
6

Water in fuel
During refueling, it is possible for
water-contaminated diesel fuel to be
pumped into your tank. Your vehicle
fuel system is equipped with a fuel
filter/water separator to remove water from the fuel. The WATER IN
FUEL light will illuminate when the ignition is turned to START (as part
of the light function check) and when the HFCM has a significant
quantity of water in it.
If the light illuminates when the engine is running, stop the vehicle as
soon as safely possible, shut off the engine, then drain the HFCM. Refer
toDraining the HFCM and changing the fuel filtersin the
Maintenance and specificationssection of this supplement for the
drain procedure. Allowing water to stay in the system could result in
extensive damage to, or failure of, the fuel injection system.
Do not drain the water separator while the engine is running.
Fuel may ignite if the separator is drained while the engine is
running or the vehicle is moving.
Engine air filter
The engine air filter warning light
illuminates when the air filter
restriction gauge reaches the
CHANGE FILTER mark.
The condition should be verified by inspecting the underhood air filter
restriction gauge; the warning light is only a secondary indicator. Always
use the underhood air filter restriction gauge to determine when the air
filter element needs to be changed.
The vehicle may be driven with the engine air filter warning light
illuminated/or when the underhood air filter restriction gauge has moved
to the CHANGE FILTER mark for up to 400 km (250 miles) without
damaging the engine or related components. However, the air filter
element must be replaced at the earliest opportunity. Refer toAir filter
restriction gauge (if equipped)in this section of the supplement for
more information.
Instrumentation
7

2. When the glow plug pre-heat light
turns off, turn the key to 5
(START), then release the key as
soon as the engine starts. The glow
plugs will continue to be activated for two minutes after the glow plug
pre-heat light
has turned off. If the engine is not started before the
glow plug activation time ends, the glow plugs will need to be reset by
turning the key to 3 (OFF).
3. After the engine starts, allow it to idle for about 15 seconds. Do not
increase engine speed until the oil pressure gauge indicates normal
pressure.
Note:If the engine does not start within five seconds on the first try,
turn the key to 3 (OFF), wait 10 seconds and try again. If the engine still
fails to start, press the accelerator to the floor and try again; this will
allow the engine to crank with the fuel shut off in case the engine is
flooded with fuel.
STOPPING THE ENGINE
Turn the ignition to OFF. To prolong engine life (after extended high
speed or maximum GVW operation), it is recommended that a hot engine
be allowed to operate at low idle for about 7–10 minutes which would
allow sufficient time for the turbocharged engine to cool down.
COLD WEATHER OPERATION
Changing to a lighter grade engine oil also makes starting easier under
these conditions. Refer toEngine oil specificationsin theMaintenance
and specificationschapter.
At temperatures below–7°C (20°F), Number 2–D Diesel fuel may
thicken enough to clog the fuel filter. Your vehicle is equipped with an
HFCM which acts as a fuel filter/heater/water separator to keep the wax
melted which will help prevent fuel filter clogging. However, if the engine
starts but stalls after a short time and will not restart, the fuel filter(s)
may be clogged. For best results in cold weather, use Number 1–D Diesel
fuel or“winterized”Number 2–D Diesel fuel which has an additive to
minimize wax formation.
Your vehicle is also equipped with a bypass relief valve, located on the
fuel control module, which provides fuel flow to the engine if the fuel
pickup should become plugged by ice or wax. To allow this bypass valve
to function and avoid engine fuel starvation, it is recommended that,
during cold weather operation 0°C (32°F) or below, the fuel level in your
Driving
12

If you experience difficult starting, rough idling, excessive exhaust
smoke, a decrease in engine performance or excess fuel consumption,
perform the following checks:
•a plugged air inlet system or engine air filter element.
•water in the fuel filter/water separator.
•a clogged fuel filter.
•contaminated fuel.
•air in the fuel system, due to loose connections.
•an open or pinched sensor hose.
•low engine oil level.
•wrong fuel or oil viscosity for climactic conditions.
If these checks do not help you correct the engine performance problem
you are experiencing, consult an authorized dealer.
FUELING
Do not use starting fluid such as ether or gasoline in the Diesel
air intake system. Such fluids can cause immediate explosive
damage to the engine and possible personal injury.
If you fuel your vehicle at a truck stop, you may notice that the fuel
nozzle may shut off every 5–10 seconds. This is due to the flow rates
being designed for larger heavy duty trucks. You may have to fuel at a
slower rate (don’t depress the nozzle trigger fully).
Do not run your Diesel vehicle out of fuel as this will allow air to enter
the fuel system which will make restarting difficult. Longer engine
cranking time may be required once air is in the fuel system. If air enters
the fuel system (either through running the fuel tank(s) empty or during
a fuel filter change), the engine will self-purge the trapped air once it
starts running. The engine may run roughly and produce white smoke
while air is in the fuel system; this is normal and should stop after a
short time.
MINOR TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
If the engine won’t crank
Turn on the headlights. If the lights are dim, do not go on at all or if
when the ignition is turned to START the lights become dim or go out,
the battery connections may be loose or corroded, or the battery may be
Maintenance and specifications
37

discharged. If there is a clicking or stuttering sound coming from the
engine compartment when you turn the key to START, this may also
indicate a loose or corroded battery connection.
Check the battery connections at the battery posts, cable connection to
the engine grounding point and at the starter connection.
If a discharged battery is suspected, have it checked and corrected.
•For vehicles with manual transmissions, the clutch pedalmustbe fully
depressed in order for the starter to operate.
•For vehicles with automatic transmissions, the gearshift lever must be
in Park or Neutral in order for the starter to operate.
•Try operating the starter switch several times. Should the switch be
corroded, this operation may clean the contacts or make the switch
temporarily operable until you can reach the dealer.
•If all electrical connections are tight and you need assistance to start,
seeJump Startingin theRoadside emergencieschapter of your
owner guide.
If engine cranks but won’t start
Prolonged starter cranking (in excess of 30 seconds) could cause
damage to the starter motor.
•Check the fuel gauge. You may be out of fuel. If the gauge shows that
there is fuel in the tank, the trouble may be in the electrical system or
the fuel system. If equipped with an auxiliary tank, be sure that the
tank control switch is set for the tank with fuel and not on an empty
tank.
•Leaving the ignition key ON for over two minutes without starting may
make starting difficult because the glow plugs will cease activation.
Reset the system by turning the ignition key to OFF and then back to
ON again.
If the engine runs hot
The following could cause the engine to overheat:
•Lack of coolant.
•Dirty cooling system.
•Plugged radiator fins, charge air cooler, A/C condenser and/or oil
cooler.
•Driving with frozen coolant.
•Sticking thermostat.
Maintenance and specifications
38