Banks-Check engine

[Dukenrock]

I have a 2004 1/2 dually with the new banks Kit. I was picking up my boat from the amrine to put away for the season. (12,000lb) and after traveling down the highway for about an hour noticed my check engine light on. I immediately checked my settings on the Banks switch and realized I had it set to 6. I remember them telling me not to tow with it set to 6 so I switched it down to 2. I pulled over and everything looked OK under the hood. (Guess I was expecting to see some melted parts) Finished my 2 hour drive. Engine Light stayed on for another day and finally shut off on it's own. Did I do any major damage? This was o couple of weeks ago and the truck is running fine. Also, I usually keep it on 6 when I'm not towing. Like the speed!

 

[driverno8]

Did you find out what the code was for? I can't imagine running it on 6 would throw a code. It would just make your temps go up. I was towing a 12,000 boat when my motor blew with Banks on it. Had it on 4 like they said. Sorry to say this, but If you did do damage your paying for it yourself. Warranty is shot. I don't care what Banks tell you. I paid for my motor out of my own pocket.

 

[DLeno]

cycle your ignition switch from "off" to "run" (without cranking) three times quickly. read the codes that are displayed in the odometer window. Sometimes, if you set an engine code, the light will turn off after a few starts but the code remains in the computer.



post the codes you see, if any, and someone will respond with an interpretation. then go to Autozone and have them clear the codes.



its doubtful that anything is wrong but you will want to know what codes you do have. Also, don't trust the auto-defueling. watch the pre-turbo EGT gauge yourself. level 6 is aggressive (but no more so than other pressure boxes) and I would especially beware of flying blind -- trusting the EGT-aware defueling without an independant, on-board pyrometer.

 

[Dukenrock]

P0088 is the code. Does that mean "Toasted Diesel"?

 

[Dukenrock]

I have an exhaust temp gauge, boost gauge and trans temp gauge and I'm always aware of them. A habbit from pulling the boat. All temps were i order while this happened.

 

[DLeno]

P0088 is the code. Does that mean "Toasted Diesel"?

fuel rail pressure too high. the newer CTDs have a pressure box detector in the ECM that the boxes have to work around. Maybe Banks needs to refine their box a bit more.



or you didn't calibrate the box correctly to tell it what engine you have. Or its the wrong box. I would contact Banks immediately. if it is installed correctly and its the right box for your truck, that code should never happen.



review your installation procedures to be certain of everything. if so, take the box off, and send it back to Banks. take the truck to Autozone and get those codes cleared.

 

[Dukenrock]

Thanks. Is AutoZone familar with my request?

 

[Dukenrock]

Banks Response

Just got off the phone with Banks Engineering technical department. They indicatyed that the high pressure was due to the towing in "6" mode and that eventually (If it didn't already happen) the Banks 6 Gun would have reverted back to stock power to prevent damage. Sounds like they have it covered. he also said I could clear the code for good by disconnecting the batteries for 10 minutes. Sound Kosher?

 

[DLeno]

mostly, yes. One thing Banks is good at -- reading and interpreting signals on the engine and reacting to them. they have all kinds of cool decisions in the box. for example, they won't fuel until coolant temp reaches 160 degrees. something like that. they get this information from the DataLink / CANbus.



But I would be concerned about level 6 throwing a code. not for a failure, but becasue you don't want no stinkin engine codes on your truck. it shouldn't do that in my opinion. it means that the box is dialing up a greater rail pressure than the ECM is programmed to allow. Did they say to expect that code all the time on level 6?



you may or may not be able to clear the code with the battery trick. they may have tested it succesfully but I wouldn't depend on it. Try the battery trick and then do the three-cycle ignition switch test. maybe it will work.



If you plan to live with a box that regularly sets codes you should either invest in an OBD scanner (clear codes yourself) or plan to visit Autozone. yes they are familiar with clearing codes -- they just come out and hook up their scanner box to your truck and show you the codes. they can't (legally) push the "clear" button but they let you do it



be aware that if the engine light goes out you still can have a code. If you go to the dealer and they see P0088, they may impose a limited warranty on your VIN. without going into the morality questions here, just note that when you go to the dealer, you don't need the additional confusion of an engine code.



ultimately the important thing is that you are comfortable with a plan to manage the codes (how often they occur and what if anything you do about it).

 

[mattymac]

If the code would come up towing, then it should have come up while driving empty as well. You should have asked the Banks tech why the pressure stayed within spec while driving empty but not towing? Pressure is controled by votlage, the reason for Banks not recommending towing on levels 5 and 6 is because of EGT issues, like driverno8 has found out even on the "safe towing settings" problems can occour.

 

[Dukenrock]

I remember one of the last things Banks told me before I installed the kit was if you are gonna tow, DO NOT tow on 6. I know this, when I run empty on 6, the truck is incredibly quick. I don't know if it may be due to the fact that the truck can't get the "rpms up quick enough while towing on 6 or what. It's the only tome I have had an eror in 8,000 miles and it did happen while towing in 6. I would like to purchase that box that clears the codes. Any suggestions on the best place? Also, are any of you familiar with the sloppy shifting the truck does? It's an automatic and with or without a load, while running through the gears at normal acceleration it will shift throuigh the gears to overdrive. Once it hits overdrive it gives a quick rev then acts like it locks into gear. Even my wife said "What was that"! It sounds like something that can be adjusted in a computer somewhere.

 

[mattymac]

Once it hits overdrive it gives a quick rev then acts like it locks into gear. Even my wife said "What was that"! It sounds like something that can be adjusted in a computer somewhere.

Sounds like the Torque Converter is slipping and the banks chip you have will cut back the fuel to prevent damage to the transmission, and the spike you are seeing in RPM's is the slipping in the lock up clutch in the TC. There is no adjusting to do because the banks chip does it automatically.

 

[Dukenrock]

The truck shifted like that from day 1 and even does it when I drive at normal speeds. It actually sgifts better when I get on it.

 

[jsimpson]

From day 1, Mine has made a "grunge" sound when shifting into lockup when loaded. It may be an improved 47RE, but it's still basically a modified 40 year old 727. Chevy and Ford have diesel trannies: it's time for DC to ante up.

 

[Dukenrock]

Are there any palces that specialize in transmission replacements for the new gen Dodges. It would be worth the $$ to me to spend a couple grand to have a decent trans in my truck. One that could ahndle the torque from the Banks and other aftermarket kits.

 

[smokejunkie]

Check with ATS. Plan on about 5k to do it right.

 

[Dukenrock]

5K? Maybe I can live with it for a bit. I'lll keep my options open! Thanks.

 

[Big MAK]

Dukenrock; give ATS (www.atsdiesel.com) a call and inquiry on upgrading your torque converter. Retail on their triple-lock torque converter is $1400; and with good tuning and professional install I'm reasonably certain you'd be one very happy camper for that $2000 ballpark you mentioned.



Perhaps $5000 to replace? No point in replacing it though; just upgrade what you have. Or perhaps there's more to this I don't know about (I drive manuals).



Here's a recent thread that covers the spectrum:

https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?t=116452