How to Start a 2003 Chevrolet Diesel in the Cold

Glow plugs need to be hot before your diesel engine will start.

If you have a 2003 diesel Chevy, you may notice that it is harder to start in the winter time than it is in the summer. Diesel engines are infamous for being hard to start in the winter. The main reason for this is the glow plugs. While a gasoline engine uses spark plugs, a diesel engine is equipped with glow plugs. Diesel engines need to heat up before they can start, which naturally takes longer in cold weather. Surprisingly, many people forget or simply do not know that you need to let the glow plugs charge before attempting to start a diesel engine.

Instructions

1. Insert your key into the ignition.

2. Rotate the ignition key clockwise until you see the glow plug lights come on in the dashboard. The glow plug lights look like a squiggly line.

3. Allow the key to remain in the charging position until the glow plug lights disappear. This means that the glow plugs are charged, and you will be able to start the engine.

4. Turn your key all the way to the right to crank the engine.

5. Repeat the process two more times if the engine still does not start.

Tips & Warnings

• If your engine still does not start, there may be a mechanical problem with the engine. Check your battery and all the internal connections for any signs of breaks or disconnects.

References

• Diesel Power Magazine: Duramax Diesel Electronics -- Digital Diesel
• The University of Tennessee: Cold Weather Diesel Engine Starting Tips