What to Do When Your Diesel Truck Won’t Start

Most drivers have experienced a no-start situation with their vehicle at one time or another. You sit down, get your mirrors adjusted, turn your key in the ignition and… nothing happens. Try as you might, you can’t get the engine to turn over and now you’re late for work, a little frustrated and probably wondering what you should do next. In most cases, the answer should be straightforward, so some simple troubleshooting may be able to help shed some light on the issue. Other times, you might not be able to properly identify the issue, and that’s when it’s best to contact a professional for diesel truck repair in Memphis, TN. They will be able to fully evaluate what’s going on with your engine and get you back on the road in no time.

Diagnosing a truck that won’t start

The first thing you should do when you are troubleshooting a non-start situation is consider any external circumstances that might be causing the problem. One thing that is true of most diesel trucks is that they don’t like the cold. Oil thickens and the battery becomes weaker in freezing temperatures, which makes it more difficult for your engine to turn over. If you are driving in cold weather or freezing conditions, your first step should be checking the dipstick to see if the oil looks thick and clumpy. If it does, it’s a sign that the cold weather is the cause of your starting problem.

If the temperature isn’t a concern, the next thing you need to check is your battery. If your battery has a low charge (or no charge at all), you will need to recharge it in order for your truck to start. In the case of consistent or recurring trouble starting your engine, it might be a good idea to have your battery replaced, especially if it is old or it shows signs of wear.

If your battery seems to be working fine, your next course of action should be to check your vehicle’s fuses and wiring. Wiring and fuses that are disconnected, corroded or in any state of disrepair can prevent you from being able to start your truck. After you confirm that your wiring is in good condition, check your fuel pressure. It is necessary for your vehicle to generate enough pressure to light the fire and get your engine started, so an imbalance in fuel pressure can prevent your truck from starting.

Find reliable diesel truck repair in Memphis, TN

If you aren’t able to determine what the issue with your vehicle is, it’s probably time to consult a professional diesel mechanic who can help diagnose and solve the problem. Someone who specializes in diesel truck repair in Memphis, TN can help establish a cause for your non-starting engine and get you back on the road in no time. At United Diesel Power, we have decades of experience working in the automotive repair industry. We are equipped to handle roadside assistance within 100 miles of our location so that you can get the help that you need, wherever you may be. If you want to find out more about what we can do for you, give us a call today.

Categorised in: Diesel Truck Repair

This post was written by Writer