Glow plugs

[kb9adw]

We are enjoying the 2001 Journey we purchased in June 2014. I have a question about glow plugs. When I start up, it takes about 15 seconds for the starter to engage. Before that, I can turn the key all I want and nothing will happen. Is this correct. Am I in too big of a hurry to start the engine?
Thanks in advance for your replies. Someday I won't be a newbie (I hope!)

[mel s]

Originally Posted by kb9adw

We are enjoying the 2001 Journey we purchased in June 2014. I have a question about glow plugs. When I start up, it takes about 15 seconds for the starter to engage. Before that, I can turn the key all I want and nothing will happen. Is this correct. Am I in too big of a hurry to start the engine?
Thanks in advance for your replies. Someday I won't be a newbie (I hope!)

I don't know if that is "normal" but I'm pretty sure a 2001 diesel does not have glow plugs.
Mel
'96 Safari

[twinboat]

2001 Journey we purchased in June 2014. Need to read a little slower

[96 Wideglide]

I would think you should have a 'Wait To Start' light on your instrument cluster.

[skigramp]

what engine do you have? Cat or Cummins.

I think you have a "pre-heater" for the fuel/air intake. I have a [Wait to Start] light on my dash that comes on while the pre-heater raises the temperature. In normal temperatures when the light goes off, I turn the ignition key to start.

In cold weather I turn the key to off when the light goes out, then back on ... when the light goes out the second time, I press the MOM switch and turn the ignition key. This was suggested by the experienced RVer that gave us the initial walk through at delivery.

[Selah]

Diesel is not like a gas engine. Whether it's an older diesel with glow plugs or newer ones without you still need to wait. Diesels without glow plugs usually have a heating element in the air intake so hot air is taken in to help the engine start.
As mentioned earlier there should be a light on the dash that will go out when it is ok to start.

[Skip426]

Cummins or Cat, both engines used an intake manifold heater grid; like an over sized toaster element; for pre start diesel warm up. To the best of my knowledge , they do not delay engine cranking , but only illuminate the wait to start light. The grid is only used when intake temps are below approx. 55f , if you're at warmer temps, than that, and have a cranking delay, ignition switch, starter relay or starter solenoid , are possible cause of the problem.
BUT: Always allow the dash system to complete it's bulb check before cranking, the control modules , really don't like that interrupted.

[Mr_D]

Originally Posted by mel s

I don't know if that is "normal" but I'm pretty sure a 2001 diesel does not have glow plugs.
Mel
'96 Safari

Correct!
They use a heater grid in the intake which is why you can't use starting fluid in them