If Your Diesel Engine Won’t Start - GMC SIERRA 1995 Manual

How long should you keep the coolant heater plugged in? The answer
depends on the weather, the kind of oil you have, and some other things.
Follow this chart.
Viscosity/
Oil Grade
SAE
1 OW-30
SAE
15W-40
32°F to 0°F
(0°C to -18°C)
Not
Required
Not
Required
0°F to -10°F
(-18OC to
-23
O
C)
Two
Hours:!:
Two
Hours'%
Below -10°F
Below -23" C
Eight Hours'>
or Overnight
Eight Hours*
or Overnight
'%The times listed are minimum times. It will not harm either the coolant
heater or the vehicle to leave the coolant heater plugged in longer than the
times stated.
See "Diesel Fuel Requirements and Fuel System'' in the Index for
information on what fuel to use in cold weather.
If Your Diesel Engine Won't Start
If you've run out of fuel, look at "Running Out of Fuel" (see "Diesel Fuel
Requirements and Fuel System" in the Index).
If you're not out of fuel, and your engine won't start, do this:
Turn your ignition key to RUN. Make sure that the GLOW PLUGS light is
out. Then IMMEDIATELY turn the ignition key to START.
If the light doesn't go off, wait a few seconds, then try starting your engine
again. And, see your dealer as soon as you can for a starting system check.
If the light comes on and then goes off and you know your batteries are
charged, but your engine still won't start, your vehicle needs service.
If the light does not come on when
the engine is cold, your vehicle needs
service.
If your batteries don't have enough charge to start your engine, see
"Battery" in the Index.
Be sure you have the right oil for your engine, and that you've changed the
oil at the proper times. If you use the wrong oil, your engine may be harder
to start.
If the engine starts, runs a short time, then stops, your vehicle needs service.
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