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General Question About Cold Weather Starts

Discussion in 'Freightliner Forum' started by Njnoob, Nov 15, 2014.

  1. Nov 15, 2014 #1
    Njnoob

    Njnoob Light Load Member

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    Oct 26, 2012
    Northcentral NJ
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    oHi! I have a Class A license, but driving a school bus. :yes2557:

    Its a 2005 Freightliner diesel, 54 passenger.

    When I turn the key, but before I turn the engine on, there is a buzzing/humming noise. Is this by any chance something that warms the starter?

    I do not have the ability to plug it in. Thanks!
     
    Njnoob, Nov 15, 2014
    Njnoob, Nov 15, 2014
    #1
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  3. Nov 15, 2014 #2
    brian991219

    brian991219 Road Train Member

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    Hydraulic or electric brakes? If it is a hydraulic brake bus that is you backup brake booster to ensure you have brakes if the engine stalls. You should get the same noise with the key off if you step on the brake pedal (hydraulic brakes only and they should have told you about this, it is part of the hydraulic brake check). If the bus has air brakes, I am not sure what that noise is, could be something chassis or body related.

    Usually the only thing that warms up a smaller diesel engine is an intake heater or glow plugs, you will see a wait to start indicator light on the dash, wait until that light goes out for your best chance of starting in the cold weather.
     
    brian991219, Nov 15, 2014
    brian991219, Nov 15, 2014
    #2
  4. Nov 15, 2014 #3
    Inland-Pilot

    Inland-Pilot Light Load Member

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    Jun 23, 2010
    Jackson, Ms
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    Maybe an electric fuel lift pump.
     
    Inland-Pilot, Nov 15, 2014
    Inland-Pilot, Nov 15, 2014
    #3
  5. Nov 15, 2014 #4
    haulhand

    haulhand Road Train Member

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    Never mind.
     
    haulhand, Nov 15, 2014
    haulhand, Nov 15, 2014
    #4
  7. Nov 15, 2014 #5
    Njnoob

    Njnoob Light Load Member

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    Oct 26, 2012
    Northcentral NJ
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    Thank you everyone. It might be the lift pump.
    This guy does not have air brakes.
    When I press down on the service brakes, it does not make the same noise.
    I think I recall seeing an engine start light too.

    By the way, I forgot to mention - there was a toggle switch on the dash that said "Auxiliary Heat" with an engine icon. What would that be for? It's probably in connection with being able to plug the engine heater in, isn't it.

    Hmmmm ... on second thought maybe I can find an owner's manual on line .... Well, didn't see one...
     
    Last edited: Nov 15, 2014
    Njnoob, Nov 15, 2014
    Njnoob, Nov 15, 2014
    #5
  8. Nov 15, 2014 #6
    ahab

    ahab Light Load Member

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    May 21, 2014
    essex ontario
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    Could be the vacuum pump for the brake booster,aux heat is likely the heat for passengers -some have a pump to boost coolant speed to heater cores(as many as 3 )
     
    ahab, Nov 15, 2014
    ahab, Nov 15, 2014
    #6
  9. Nov 15, 2014 #7
    Big Don

    Big Don "Old Fart"

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    Would it be out of line to suggest you ask your shop these questions, as well as on here?
     
    Big Don, Nov 15, 2014
    Big Don, Nov 15, 2014
    #7
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