Out of superstition, I've tried holding down the throttle, but due to the APPS, I don't think that has any effect on the starting. I'm starting to suspect an injector issue. I've read some other forums and it sounds like other guys that have had this same issue ended up having a fuel system problem. I'm going to start looking at the fuel system. I don't think there is air getting into the system, otherwise it wouldn't start so easiy when plugged in. HASN'T ANYBODY HAD THIS SAME PROBLEM THAT CAN HELP ME OUT?

 

Just in case any one views this post in the future, I have resolved my cold starting issue. As I had said, I was starting to suspect the injectors. The truck had two bad injectors. I replaced the injectors and the truck starts and runs great now. Hope this helps somebody in the future.

 

I am having the exact same issue, 2003 ram 3500. If it is plugged in it will start without any issues, but if it is under 50 degrees and not plugged in, it will not start at all. One thing i do notice is when it is above 50 degrees out and i turn the key and wait for the grid light to go out you can hear i believe the vaccume pump on the top left of the firewall (looking at the engine from the front of the vehicle) run the whole time. However when it is below 50 degrees and not plugged in, when i turn the key that pump will kick on for a split second and then it is much quieter than normal, and i will know from that sound that it will not start. I'm glad I am not alone on this issue but I have yet to find anyone who has an answer to this issue. I was told that pump is only for cruise control. Somebody help me please winter is coming, I live in new jersey I should not HAVE to plug my truck in

 

Any luck vr4awdtt? I am having the same issue with my '03. I think I have a bad battery, I checked the relays and couldn't get any voltage through them, but I think they were shutting off too quickly after trying to start a couple times. I tested the batteries and got 10.9v on one and 12.9 on the other. I plugged the truck in and went to town for a battery, got back, the truck started, I pulled it in the shop, and checked batteries again, this time both tested 12.9v. I did disconnect one battery each time. The relays both do work with the key, and both parts of the grid also work individually. I will check the batteries again in the morning just to see if the minute of running was enough to give me a tricky reading, and then I'll know to change a battery or return a battery. I have heard of a buzz test for injectors...what does that entail?

 

And now its my turn, gengine! ;did you solve your problem? I have the excactly same problem. I tried start my '05 2500 at -15*C(-5*F) but nothing. I had to start my dieselpowered engine-heater(my english is not the best, so correct me if I write something wrong) and wait for almost one hour. When the engine was alittle hot, it started with NO problem at all.
I think the injectors was expencive, so I will ask here before order them.
And where can I order parts online?