← Hard start / no-start on all engines
Symptoms · 6.7 Cummins 2007-2018
6.7 Cummins 2007-2018: hard start, long crank or no-start
2 documented failures on this engine list this among their signs. They are ordered from the most widespread down. Each one shows the signs in its record's own words, how to tell it from the others, the usual fix and any recall or bulletin.
Not sure which engine you have, or want the recalls for your exact truck? Check your VIN: it names the engine and lists the campaigns for that model year. Whether a recall is still open on your VIN: nhtsa.gov/recalls.
verified
How widespread: Common
32 NHTSA owner complaints match it, out of 1,355 checked
How it shows up
- long cranks, hesitation, power loss when the tank is low
Its other signs
- P0087 / low-rail-pressure DTCs, worse under load or with tuning
- FCA (fuel control actuator) ticking / rough idle when failing
- water-in-fuel warnings if filtration is neglected
How to tell it apart
- measure supply/return fuel pressure under load (the decisive test) - spec per service data
- scan rail-pressure actual vs desired under a load test; P0087 points delivery-side first
- isolate FCA vs lift pump: FCA symptoms (ticking/rough idle) vs delivery starvation under load
Usual fix
replace the worn lift pump with a stock-type in-tank unit (stock trucks)
Recalls and bulletins
TSB 08-036
Root cause, parts and sources →
verified
How widespread: Common
17 NHTSA owner complaints match it, out of 1,355 checked
How it shows up
- hard cold starts / no grid-heater cycling when the heater itself has failed separately
Its other signs
- P2609 (intake air heater circuit) or a check-engine light can come first: owners report the code when the hardware has started to burn or break
- sudden loss of power, knocking or clicking, then catastrophic engine damage once a broken nut or bolt reaches a cylinder (owners most often name cylinder #6)
- the grid-heater terminal nut or bolt visibly burned, loose or broken on inspection (found before it lets go)
How to tell it apart
- treat a P2609 / intake heater code as a reason to inspect the grid heater hardware before driving further
- remove the intake horn and inspect the grid heater terminal nut and bolt for burning, looseness or breakage (shop check at any service visit)
- after a failure: borescope the cylinders (owners most often report #6) and inspect the intake manifold for missing hardware before restarting
Usual fix
prophylactic: replace the factory grid heater with a retention/upgrade kit or an intake design without the internal fastener - cheap insurance against engine damage
Recalls and bulletins
TSB 9003585TSB 18-005-13
Root cause, parts and sources →
Other symptoms on the 6.7 Cummins 2007-2018
Loss of power, limp mode or derateWhite smoke from the exhaustLosing coolantOverheating or temperature creeping upOil leak, oil consumption or rising oil levelTicking, knocking, rattle or whineMisfire, rough idle, hesitation or surgingDEF, DPF and regeneration warnings
Everything on the 6.7 Cummins 2007-2018Its recalls and bulletins