I have a 2000 Ford F-350 with a powerstroke diesel that I can not get to start when cold, even at 68 degrees. I will leave the key on for a minute or two to make sure the glow plugs get good & hot but still doesn't help. At 68 degrees it tried to start, shook for a few seconds, then died. It never tried to start again. If I plug it in it starts fine. I have replaced all glow plugs, checked relay with a meter, (it is good), checked power at each glow plug connector, (one at a time while all others were plugged in), & they have proper voltage. I checked oil in hi-pressure resivoir & it is a half inch below top.
I would appreciate any help with this matter.
Thank you,
double trouble

Cold Weather Diesel Engine Starting Tips:

. Ensure both batteries are fully charged.
. Clean battery terminals and cables.
. Use synthetic Mobil 1 Delvac 5W-40 HDEO. If you install a by-pass filter, many diesel engines can go 60,000 miles+ between changes, provided you get regular Used Oil Analysis (UOA) done. Synthetics make a big difference in diesels starting in cold weather.
. Add diesel fuel additive. In cold weather, many diesel owners have had problems with the new ultra low sulfur diesel fuel (ULSD). The problem comes during the refining process used to attain the ultra low sulfur ratio. That affects the naturally occurring wax in diesel in such a way that it can cause the fuel to turn from liquid to gel more readily in cold temperatures. Gelled fuel clogs the fuel filters and starves the engine, causing it to stop. Diesel fuel additives, such as Amsoil's, and ultraclean kerosene added to the fuel help prevent this problem.

AMSOIL Cold Flow Improver

. Purge any water from fuel system and change fuel filter regularly (every 15,000 miles).
. Install block heater.

I had this problem also with my PSD, It turned out to be the glow plug relay. It is located to left and behind the fuel filter. There are two relays side by side (running parallel to the length of the truck) it is the one closest to the fire wall. You can buy these at most auto parts stores, it is a very common item. Next it would be the glow plugs which is a little more difficult. If the glow plugs are going out, it should still start, it would just start and idle rough at start up. So the fact that it will not start at all with out the plug indicates that it is likely the relay.

As indicated in the other response, the batteries have to be up to the task otherwise the motor will not crank fast enough to ignite the fuel.

I too have had plenty of problems as of late, but grease monkey can help you out.

Just because you have voltage doesn't mean that they are working. Ohm out the glowplugs through the harness.