Why do our 3rd gens SURGE when cold?
Your truck runs at idle in 3-cylinder mode when it's that cold! 
01-30-2008, 09:27 PM
#17
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You may have got a bad batch of fuel. I just drove back up north, from picking up my new truck. All of sudden on the highway it started to shake like a tire blew. pulled over checked tires they were fine. Opened the hood motor was shaking like it was missing. If I gave it a little more gas would go away. Added some conditioner and new fuel and filter, Seems to be fixed. My parents filled up the next day, same place exact same thing happened to them. it was cold that day about -37C Fuel must have been gelling up. Sorry for the long post 
01-30-2008, 11:14 PM
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What causes our 3rd gens to SURGE when cold? Is it cold air intake? Is it running on 3 cylinders? Is it because we have modules or programmers that effect stock timing/fueling? My truck is a 2004.5 . i live in canada and right now its -49 celcius where I live. Why does it surge? People with fords and duramaxes laugh because it sounds like **** when idling? Sometimes truck actually shakes? Sounds like it has HP cam in engine.
ITS -49 CELCUIS WHERE YOU LIVE!!!!! ! ! !
J/K Hay
01-30-2008, 11:31 PM
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My 03 does the same thing when its below 0 also. The temp was -35c here the other day. Did it before any mods to the truck. Grid heater is off, have change fuel filter, fuel pressure is 10psi at idle. Once truck is driven and its really warm doesnt do it. Just the first start up. And why would anybody want 3cylinder cut out, its only to save fuel. When the cylinders arnt getting fuel it makes no heat in them. Detroit Diesel had this option on there hiway trucks for this reason when idle lots. I have no interest in idle it, 0 miles to the gallon.
01-31-2008, 10:28 AM
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01-31-2008, 11:01 AM
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Interesting, I did'nt know our third gen's would do that. I wonder just how cold it has to be to make the 3 cylinder idle come on? I've started in the mid 20's below zero and hav'nt seen it yet. However, I'm usually plugged in for at least a few hours beforehand.
01-31-2008, 11:40 AM
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What causes our 3rd gens to SURGE when cold? Is it cold air intake? Is it running on 3 cylinders? Is it because we have modules or programmers that effect stock timing/fueling? My truck is a 2004.5 . i live in canada and right now its -49 celcius where I live. Why does it surge? People with fords and duramaxes laugh because it sounds like **** when idling? Sometimes truck actually shakes? Sounds like it has HP cam in engine.
01-31-2008, 01:29 PM
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Only VP trucks have 3 cylinder idle, not CRs...and its not a matter of saving fuel, its to warm it up. In theory, youve got 3 cylinders receiving fuel, and those three are moving six pistons. Thus putting more load on them and creating heat...its not for extended idling, just when its cold enough.
01-31-2008, 01:36 PM
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Only VP trucks have 3 cylinder idle, not CRs...and its not a matter of saving fuel, its to warm it up. In theory, youve got 3 cylinders receiving fuel, and those three are moving six pistons. Thus putting more load on them and creating heat...its not for extended idling, just when its cold enough.
01-31-2008, 01:44 PM
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My truck is a stock 2005 and it surges (when at high idle) when weather is about 40F or below. It is not the fuel filter (or fuel) and air filter. These were replaced recently and it still surges (sounds lopey). I was informed by a Chrysler employee who is an instructor on Cummins diesel (been doing this for years) that it is likely (in my case) injectors or possible CP3 pump. He mentioned the heater grid is not the culprit (in my case).
I think it is something we have to live with until it breaks (hopefully while under warranty). Who cares what the Ford and Chevy folks think.
I think it is something we have to live with until it breaks (hopefully while under warranty). Who cares what the Ford and Chevy folks think.
01-31-2008, 05:23 PM
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01-31-2008, 05:40 PM
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What causes our 3rd gens to SURGE when cold? Is it cold air intake? Is it running on 3 cylinders? Is it because we have modules or programmers that effect stock timing/fueling? My truck is a 2004.5 . i live in canada and right now its -49 celcius where I live. Why does it surge? People with fords and duramaxes laugh because it sounds like **** when idling? Sometimes truck actually shakes? Sounds like it has HP cam in engine.
It could be the fuel heater cant keep up, or isn't working... My truck is smooth as can be when cold, but haven't had it below 5*F...
What oil are you running?
Do you have an exhaust brake? That would help the warmup process.
no it doesnt, thats a VP44 feature (98-02 24V), not a CR (03+) feature....
01-31-2008, 06:27 PM
#29
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Ditto on that! My neighbor was hunting in Utah at a high elevation in cold weather and reported that the Ford's had a heck of a time starting! The newer Dodge's fired right up!
01-31-2008, 08:12 PM
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My truck does the samething and it bugs the crap outa me. I can't find the problem I took it to the dealer and all they said it is my cold air intake.. But I don't think that that is the problem because there are a lot of guys on here that have the same problem?