Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) code P 1693 ?????

[machinemover]

Where do I find out what this code is and what to do ?

 

[emjay]

There's a list on-line somewhere -- but 1693 is:

"DTC detected in companion module"



... which means that the PCM is reporting that a trouble code has been set in the ECM.



Is that the only code set?

 

[illflem]

Here's a "list" http://www.obdii.com/codes.asp

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

P 1693 is proving to be a "catch-all" code that can mean a lot of things - or nothing at all!



I got a P 1693 simply from allowing my truck to roll into my garage with the ignition key on, but the engine not started...



Unless something serious is noted along with that code, just wait until you have started and driven the truck normally several times and see if the check engine light goes out on its own - it's probably nothing at all...

 

[jtisdale]

Crazy electronics...

My truck always displays 0500 and 1693. I have had them cleared several times, but they always come back. I worried for a while, but thats been well over 10k ago.

 

[emjay]

FYI - 0500 is No Vehicle Speed Sensor Signal -- The sensor on the rear diff may be starting to flake out on you.

 

[pcarlson]

With the PS High Idler I get 1693 (DTC in Companion ECM/PCM) and 0500 ( No vehicle speed sensor signal). I do not notice any difference in the truck with these codes set. The High Idler puts the engine at 1250 rpm and the PCM is looking for a speed signal at engine load (anything above idle speed) and when there is none it sets a 0500 code and the ECM sets the 1693 code. Disconnecting the batteries for 5 minutes erases both codes.

 

[1 ALC]

Mine has had the 1693 code for about a year now. I borrowed a scan tool and cleared it out once, but it came back in a bout a month.

 

[JyRO]

Funny you guys should ask...

For those of you in the know (seems like Gary may have a handle on this). I was just out running errands in my truck. Got out on the interstate, just got up to speed, hit the cruise control and drove for maybe 10 seconds. The speed started drifting off. I noticed immediately; I canceled the cruise and looked at the gages - all good. It was acting like it was running out of fuel (actually had 1/2 tank left). So I was immediately freaking out a bit because I changed the oil/oil filter/fuel filter yesterday. Afraid it might've leaked all the oil out . But I drove it about 80 miles yesterday after the change, and re-checked the oil level before & after that.



Anyway, the pedal only occasionally caused some black smoke to come out and it limped down to about 25 mph (sounded like junk). My 1st thought was LP, 2nd thought was TPS, 3rd thought was bad fuel - yet the fuel was evidently OK because I'd drove about 200 miles on that same tank before changing the fuel filter. I put on my flashers, drove in the emergency lane and got off at the 1st exit and went to a gas station. I checked the codes: P1693. I rechecked the oil level, it was good.



When I restarted it, it drove fine all the way to my destination. Upon leaving there, it acted up again on the interstate just after accelerating up to speed. Drove... limped... off the interstate (it cleared up after limping awhile) & to my next destination. Upon leaving there, it acted up in the parking lot and died at the exit to the parking lot. Held up some traffic. Turning the starter sounded just like I was trying to start the thing with an empty tank. This left me thinking it must be the dreaded lift pump, of course I'm not sure. I skipped my next errand and drove on home. I tried to use the absolute minimum amount of fuel to get me home, because I figured that if it was the LP, the less fuel I used, the more the LP should be able to "keep up. " It ran fine all the way home (35 miles) - Very light acceleration; shifting at 1,750, and top speed of 55 m. p. h.



For you guys in the know (like Gary - who is prolly the resident fuel delivery expert), if the LP was failing / had failed is the P1693 the code I would get?



I'm prolly taking it to the stealer first thing in the morning.



This place is GREAT for info on our trucks!



- JyRO

 

[JyRO]

I forgot...

The P1693 code is the only code I get when checking. The check engine light never came on while the truck ran crappy or when it shut off. Of course when it shut off, it may have came on but since I was at the exit of a parking lot my only consideration was to get it out of the way for the people who were honking at me (even though I'd turned on the flasher's).



I checked my codes just a day or so ago and had no codes.



Seems like my P1693 code wasn't just fooling around in my case. TIA.



- JyRO

 

[jtisdale]

Jyro,

I would readily agree it is a fuel problem. (you're thinking "no$hit")

Do you have a fuel pressure gauge?

5 things come to mind. .

1 How cold is it where you are? Is it possible your fuel is gelling?

2 Is it possible air is being introduced via the fuel filter lid/line since it was just changed?

3 Possible lift pump failure

4 Possible vp44 failure

5 Something is either in the tank or fuel filter floating around and being sucked up against the pick-up and partially blocking the fuel flow. When the truck is shut off, the pressure is dropped, and the obstruction floats down away from the pick up, until it starts all over again.

Good luck, and keep us informed.



I just find it hard to believe the 1693 code has anything to do with what you are experiencing. I only say this since the code has been set in my truck for well over 10k. No fuel delivery issues or lack of power, or poor mileage as a result.

I am not saying impossible, just improbable. However, I don't have any other hypothesis to offer either. I haven't seen any two of these trucks act the same yet. But I am only still learning

 

[JyRO]

1 How cold is it where you are? Is it possible your fuel is gelling?

It was about 26°F overnight and about 42°F today. Also, my truck stays in the garage overnight. Gelling? Maybe, but I don't think so. I think I would've had this problem yesterday while driving it just after changing oil & filter & fuel filter.

2 Is it possible air is being introduced via the fuel filter lid/line since it was just changed?

I guess that's possible, but when I put the lid back on, it went on real smooth (the threads were properly aligned and I lubed the o-ring). I'm doubting that's it also, but I'll check the tightness. I put it on about as tight as I could possibly turn it with my fingers.



As for 3 and 4, that's my guess as for now. And a 3 leading to a 4.



As for 5? That too is possible. But I don't think likely only due to the circumstances. If it were junk in the tank or filter, it would've happened yesterday. Plus due to there being a brand new code, I'm guessing this problem must have something to do with some electrical component. LP?



Thanks, keep thinking guys and I'll keep you up to date to what the stealer says.



- JyRO

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

Fact is, JyRO is on my "ignore" list - 'nuff said about that - but reading the response, and the circumstances leading to it, the BASIC cause of a 1693 code seemingly relates to AIRFLOW, either pressure via the turbo, or other related circumstances - the FIRST thing *I* would suspect would be a bad connection to the MAF sensor or perhaps a failing one - next, (not neccessarily related) if the '00's have one would be the CPS... The main puzzle is apparent lack of a "check engine" light with an engine running that poorly...



OH, by the way, I don't consider myself an "expert" on ANYTHING - I just have OPINIONS on lotsa stuff - not always the CORRECT ones...

 

[JyRO]

Interesting points from Gary...

the BASIC cause of a 1693 code seemingly relates to AIRFLOW, either pressure via the turbo, or other related circumstances

Gary - That said, that reminds me that my filter minder (stock airbox & filter) is down to about 50%. I'm not saying that a filter down to 50% would cause the truck to run *this* poorly, but could this increase in pressure differential between sides of the filter set the P1693 code?



Where would I find the MAF sensor if I have one? And what is a CPS?



Also, I agree whole heartedly that it is strange that the "check engine" light did not ever come on. The whole thing is strange. I could contribute the code to something unrelated (sort of), and the poor running to some restriction in fuel flow. The poor running totally seemed like lack of fuel flow. The code at the same time is baffling.



To clarify the "sort of. " If I did have some fuel restriction that dragged the performance of the engine down like I've stated, could the mismatch of what the engine expects for airflow, and what its actually getting (due to a manual transmission flywheeling the engine, keeping the engine speed up although there's not much or any combustion and reduced airflow) set the P1693 code? I hope you've been able to follow that. I didn't push the clutch in when the truck started running bad. I was afraid that it wouldn't idle and it would shut the truck completely down while on the interstate. I didn't want that.



Lastly, too bad I'm on your ignore list Gary. Your last PM to me got kick out due to too many PM's in my inbox, I never saw it. However, I've sent a couple PM's to you (that you evidently didn't get) stating that I admit I'm a smarta$$ at times but that I feel you've made excellent points in many of your posts. Its just fun (for me) to pick on those who don't take a little critisizm well, and that's wrong of me. I haven't "ignored" you, and if you want to smart-a$$ me or critisize me, well, I have it coming. And I'll take it the best I can. Cause if I can dish it out, I orta be able to take it too.



Thanks guys for your help on this. Please continue to help me out, if you care to, if you have more insight on what may be going on with my truck.



- JyRO

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

AWRIGHT - I'll consider that an apology of sorts, and remove the ignore bit - I do this internet stuff for fun and entertainment - I sure don't need any elevated blood-pressure because of it...



"Gary - That said, that reminds me that my filter minder (stock airbox & filter) is down to about 50%. I'm not saying that a filter down to 50% would cause the truck to run *this* poorly, but could this increase in pressure differential between sides of the filter set the P1693 code?"



The MAF - Mass Air Flow sensor or its equivalent, on MY year truck is in next to the fuel filter on the driver's side back near the firewall - on pre-2002 trucks (not sure which ones) there was also a CPS - Crankshaft Position Sensor that was used by the computer for various fuel delvery and timing operations - they have been pretty well noted as causing poor engine operation, missing, etc. , as well as outright dead engines... They can also be contaminated if the engine is washed, or other operations occur that manage to get foreign material between them and the area of the crankshaft they operate off of - leaking water pumps were a big culprit...



I'm now wondering if you might have *2*, unrelated problems - a 1693 because of a plugged intake - and a second, fuel delivery problem - if so, it might be that a new air filter and LP might be in store for you... Hopefully, not a VP-44, unless yer still under warranty... But when THEY fail, they're not usually that subtle...



Only thing similar as far as poor running is concerned, was when I got some bad fuel in my '91, and was tooling along up a slight grade pulling our fiver, when power suddenly went WAYYYYYyy down, crawled to the top of the grade, pulled over and shut down the engine, lifted the hood - checked everything over - didn't find anything wrong... Got back into the truck, fired right off, had GREAT power again - for a mile or so, then did it all over again... THEN it was crystal clear that I had a fuel filter FULL of crap, that was held up against the element by suction and starving fuel delivery - and that once the engine shut down, would settle to the bottom of the canisteruntil NEXT time. Replaced the filter at the next town, and have always carried a spare since...



Wonder if anyone has seen a P1693 error code set with a clogged air filter? Still seems that would light the CE light tho...

 

[JyRO]

Chores for tomorrow...

1st thing I'm going to do is drain some fuel from the filter first thing in the morning. Just in case that there's water in the fuel and the WIF light failed to come on (I looked for it to come on during the poor running times, but it did not).



2nd thing is, I'll go to a more frequented fuel station and load up on Stanadyne and fuel.



3rd - I'll make a run down to my Fleetwood fuel filter supplier and invest in a couple more fuel filters and an air filter if he's got those too. Like I said, I just put this fuel filter in on Sunday, then drove for about 80 miles with no problems. If it were crap in the tank, I would suspect I would've had this problem on the previous fuel filter because I haven't filled the tank since changing fuel filters.



4th - Install the new air filter and clear the codes. What's the easiest way? Disconnecting the connector behind/under the airbox? Drive it again see if the P1693 code comes back.



5th - Head for the interstate and try to replicate the problem. If no problem fine. If I still have the problem, then I'll change the fuel filter and try again.



Does this sound like some good checks? Let me know how you guys may do differently or what else to check for.



If I wind up taking the truck to the dealer (like on Wednesday), should I pull the 275's?



- JyRO

 

[Bob Cochran]

Reading this; all ideas are correct and great. I tend to be perhaps over simplistic and use the KISS principle. Since it started after the work you did and was not like that before leads me to believe something happened then. Of all those things I can only guess that the fuel fliter lid is not sealed. I always torque mine down and for the live of me cannot remember what the value isright this second. But dang it feels to be way to much and afraid everytime the plastic is going to break when I torque it. :--) Ya think it could be as simple as the filter lid just not tight enough and needs to be tighter or seal slip out of its slot? Sure hope it is as simple as that and all will be right with the world after tightening it more or fixing seal. Oo.



Oh on the 275's; I have heard that the dealer cannot physically tell if the 275's are in it or stock. If they have a machine can test them and know but very few dealers have the machine. I am sure someone will correct me if I am wrong on that statement!!!:-{}

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

IF your truck does have the MAF back by the fuel filter, I'd carefully unplug it, and then reinsert it after visually looking for poor connections - it costs nothing to try...



Then, I'd change the air and fuel filter - you might find something you missed - and you need not toss the fuel filter you take out - if it looks OK, simply let it drain thoroughly, and save to use as an emergency spare. All that costs is a few bucks early for a filter you can still use later if that wasn't the problem. The air filter you already know is needed.



I'd try simply disconnecting the battery for a half hour or so first, and see if that clears the code - if not, then you can unplug the stuff behind the airbox - you should disconnect the battery before you unplug those anyway, and that MIGHT do the job itself! That costs nothing...



I wouldn't load up on fuel UNTIL I had eliminated contaminated fuel as a cause of the problem - it will just provide MORE that will need to be drained and disposed of! Otherwise, that fuel additive is a good idea.



If all else fails, and you still need to take it in for service, I don't see any need to swap injectors - the techs aren't likely to be able to tell they've been changed - and that's not really likely to be the problem anyway. Of course - techs being what they are, they just MIGHT pull one or more outta desperation - and if they see they aren't stock. well...



I seriously suspect yer 1693 code has probably been there for some time, and the new problem is unrelated - but caused you to check for codes, and there it was...

 

[JyRO]

MAF sensor...

Gary,



Is the MAF one of the connectors that get switched around with a EZ? (EZ box?... What EZ box?) If not, where is it as compared to the connectors that get switched around with an EZ box? Also, should I refit the original boost elbow? Would the dealer be able to tell that its not the original?



- JyRO

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

I'm sure the EZ connects to the MAF connector the same as my Comp does - at least on the same year trucks - I didn't know you had an EZ installed - if so, I'd be even MORE certain to check for a loose plug, there and at the other EZ attachment points - shucks, it might even be a good idea to temporarily disconnect the whole thing to eliminate that as a possible source of problems or failure - but yes, then you would need to disable any boost elbow that increases boost above stock values - or guess what - you'll set a P-1693 code... (sorta makes ya wonder, don't it... )



Since the MAF connections are right next to the fuel filter ya just changed, THAT sorta makes ya wonder, too!



It's a good idea to disconnect the batteries when messing with those plugs by the way, or guess what - a P-1693 error code...