2001 Excursion

I really don't know anything about diesels, later I am sure someone will jump in who does.
In the mean time, I would suggest that you check your fuses. I am guessing that the wait to start has something to do with the glow plugs, and if that light isn't coming on, I'll bet that the plugs aren't getting any power.

So checking your fuses is a good start before someone can give you more specific things to look for.

Here are tips for checking your fuses
http://www.fordforumsonline.com/forum/electrical-lighting/128-howto-check-your-fuses.html

The wait to start light is an indicator that the PCM is not powering the relay that turns on the glow plugs. There are a couple of reasons. Bad wire between the PCM and the glow plug relay. Shorted fuel heater or bad PCM. I think it is the purple wire at the relay. Test for continuity back to the same wire at the PCM connector. Before you do that though locate the fuel heater connection on the fuel filter assembly. Disconnect it and see if the wait to start light comes on and it starts. If it does your heater is shorted. If not then you need to check the wires and PCM. Last one I did ended up being a PCM but that is the more rare of the repairs. The heater is a common issue.

I'm having same issue. My wait to start comes on but no start. When she was running she stalled and three lights came on. (1) water in fuel) (2) wait to start (3) service engine. Any help would be great.

Canuck623 said:

The wait to start light is an indicator that the PCM is not powering the relay that turns on the glow plugs. The heater is a common issue.

Click to expand...

Canuck623,

There is a TSB04-25-4 for "Hard Start or No Start", I am attaching for reference, involving the GPCM, it is possible this is the issue c_rizzie has?