Could these frigid temps cause a stop engine light and shutdown?

Discussion in 'Heavy Duty Diesel Truck Mechanics Forum' started by Gix1k, Jan 15, 2025.

  1. Gix1k

    Gix1k Medium Load Member

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    Truck hasn’t been started since around Thanksgiving. I went over today, turned on the power, it started right up. I jumped out and into my pickup while it warmed up. Within about 4 mins I heard it shutdown. I got back in and saw both CELs and red stop light. I cycled the key, it started right back up again and I sat there to see what the dash did and with a min the red stop light came on, I shut it off. It’s been roughly 15 degrees for weeks or more. This wasn’t an issue when I parked it months ago.
     
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  3. DUNE-T

    DUNE-T Road Train Member

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    Well, what's the code for shutdown? It has to tell you why it's turning off
     
  4. Animosus

    Animosus Heavy Load Member

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    I bet it's low coolant level. Our trucks always find coolant leaks when it starts getting cold. Doesn't take much for it to trip the level sensor.
     
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  5. Arctic_fox

    Arctic_fox Experienced mx13 execrator

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    Could be gelled filters or fuel. If you used howes and just dumped it in then left or went too light on it that can cause issues. Same if you had bio diesel or the dudes delivering didnt treat the fuel correctly.

    Ive had an instance where my fuel partially gelled and the truck started, ran for 30 or 40 mins then died going down the road.
     
  6. austinmike

    austinmike Road Train Member

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  7. Gix1k

    Gix1k Medium Load Member

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    It’s not throwing a code. I have a system connected that tells me. Well, it’s throwing a code for DEF but it has been. That’s what prompted me to go start it today. I was taking it to Freightliner to get that fixed before the season starts.
     
    Last edited: Jan 15, 2025
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  8. Gix1k

    Gix1k Medium Load Member

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    I poured half a bottle of treatment in the tank back in Nov. I won’t try to start it again until it gets to 30s/40s
     
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  9. Big Road Skateboard

    Big Road Skateboard Road Train Member

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    I'm gonna echo the others and go with low coolant
     
  10. lester

    lester Midwest's #1 Feed Hauler

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    check all your fluid levels, mostly coolant.
    If the coolest it's been is 15 degrees I doubt you are gelled but for future reference id double the amount you put in and let the truck run for an hour or more after putting it in so it can get mixed in..
     
  11. Ridgeline

    Ridgeline Road Train Member

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    Fuel is gelled, happens a lot. The heat from the engine seems to help soak the fuel system and that’s why it will shut down.
     
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