96 chevy silverado diesel randomly dies and usually restart immediatly, 2 days ago replaced ignition solenoid and now glow plug light on dash wont come on. checked fuses, they are all good. Truck runs very well other than this ongoing problem. I have had many people look at this and charge me an arm and a leg, just to have the same results. tired of spending tons of money just to have same problem...but i have a feeling its something simple and it's a great truck any ideas?

You should never use starter fluid when the glow plugs are hooked up. It can cause severe engine damage. You probably need to replace all the glow plugs and the glow plug controller.

Hi Beverly, I believe you may have a problem with the fuel filter or fuel pump. Regards John

Check and make sure your glow plug controller is putting out voltage to your glow plugs, make sure voltage to your glow plugs is cycling. if it is not, at the front of the engine there is a temperature switch, if this switch is not working your glow plug controller will not work. also make sure you are getting diesel to your injector pump, if you are not, there is a high pressure switch at the back of the engine right behind the glow plug controller, if this switch is not working, your injector pump will not get fuel. also make sure both batteries are fulley charged, if one is low, your diesel will never start. you can jump out these switches, if your truck starts after bypassing, just make sure to replace them. i have a 1993 silverado C3500HD 2WD. good luck!

i own three gmc trucks years 2004 2003 and all three trucks have dash problems get ready to spend 400.00-800.00 on the problem or take to a mechanic and have him wipe all codes clean will solve problem for a short while

if thats a diesel inspec fuel injection pump for issues and also glow plugs--underhood chec for bad wiring--if gas engine then a tuneup cud be in order-new plug wires or coil/ign module--fuel pump may be failin

Your diesel requires the glow-plugs to heat up to start when cold. This is why the truck smoked excessively when you pull it to start the motor. Siince you are not having the glow-plugs warm up via the "Timer" for them and you are getting intermittent Solenoid response from the tickler wires on the Solenoid, there is one common point.

The Ignition switch is the common point. You should also observe if your "Start" light is getting the feedback from the glow plug "Timer". Replace the Ignition switch and see if you hear the "Timer" clicking before a cold start. You can also take a 12 volt test-light or gauge and check the wires to the glow-plugs when cold. The glowplugs should be getting power from the until the glow-plugs heat up.

Remove and check the glow-plugs. A good way is to remove all of them, and take some jumper cables to each briefly. BE careful as they can melt and you can ruin the threads with the jumpers. Comparison is the best way to describe testing them. They should heat up the same for all. The glow-plugs that stay dark the longest are bad.

Ask the auto parts place if they show an Ignition relay for your Diesel. This would cover the poor starts when warm. Also tell them it is a Diesel when getting the Ignition switch.

glow plug controller.it is located on the right rear of the engine and looks like an old ford starter solenoid.It has a big power wire going to it and a couple of little wires. They are your signal from the ignition switch and the other is for your glow plug light. Replace the controller--not too complicated-just mark which wires go to what and its pretty simple.

1994 Chevy Truck K 2500 Suburban 4WD V8-393 6.5L DSL

Fuel Cut Solenoid: Testing and Inspection
An inoperative shutdown solenoid can cause a no-start condition. Disconnect solenoid harness connector and with ignition switch in the "ON"
position momentarily touch solenoid harness connector to solenoid connector. If a "click" sound is heard, the solenoid circuit is operating
properly. If "click" is not heard, the system should be diagnosed as follows:
1. With test lamp connected to ground and the ignition switch in the "ON" position, backprobe the shutdown harness connector. If the test lamp
does not light check for open circuit form the ignition switch to the solenoid.
2. If the test lamp lights, check the ground circuit between solenoid stud and injection pump cover to see if connectors are clean and tight. If the
connections are not clean and tight repair and retest.
3. If the ground circuit is "OK", remove the injection pump cover. Connect a jumper wire between solenoid ground connector and ground. With
the ignition switch in the "ON" position, momentarily touch shutdown solenoid harness connector to shutdown solenoid terminal. If solenoid
operates, check for internal injection pump problem.
4. If the solenoid will not operate, replace the shutdown solenoid.
_____________________________________
Fuel Cut Solenoid: Service and Repair
REMOVE OR DISCONNECT:
1. Remove pump cover.
2. Terminal contact nuts.
3. Solenoid.
INSTALL OR CONNECT:
1. Solenoid in the pump cover.
- On the shutdown solenoid, make sure that the linkage is free.
- On the cold advance solenoid, make sure that the plunger is centered so that it will contact the check ball in the fitting.
2. Insulating washers on the terminal studs.
3. Terminal nuts and tighten to 1 Nm (9 in lbs).
4. Pump cover.
5. Inspect solenoid operation prior to installing the pump cover. Use a 12 volt DC power source.

A diesel needs only a fuel, did you check and drain the water, and replace the fuel filter?

Glow plug relay or the glow plugs are not working the way they should. Also check the cold start solenoid.