The high compression of a diesel engine causes the air temperature in the cylinder to become very hot. The compressed air temperature is usually hot enough – typically above 1,000°F (538°C) – to spontaneously ignite the fuel. This is called compression ignition or self-ignition. Compression ignition may NOT occur when the combustion chambers (cylinders) are cold; such is the case when starting a cold engine. The TITAN XD diesel engine incorporates a glow plug system to help start the engine by supplying additional heat to ignite the fuel when needed.

SYSTEM OVERVIEW

DO NOT use starting aids (ether or other types of starting fluids or starting sprays) to help start the TITAN XD diesel engine. High glow plug temperatures can ignite ether or other starting aids and cause engine damage and/or personal injury.

GLOW PLUG SERVICE INFORMATION

NOTE: DO NOT use anti-seize compound on the threads.

GLOW PLUG OPERATION

NOTE: The starter for diesel models is designed to NOT engage until the glow plugs have had sufficient time to warm up. During cold temperatures this could take up to 4 seconds.

Note: Always allow the Engine Warming – Keep Foot on Brake message to turn OFF before pushing the ignition switch the second time, or long engine cranking before start could occur.