Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Engine Light On

[Scott Lowe]

Maybe somebody can help diagnose my problem. The other day as I was driving home, my engine light came on. Before it came on I noticed the following as I was driving.



Approaching a stop sign from about 40 mph, with my foot off the accelerator and the truck slowing down, the engine seemed to be "surging. " It was more like the sound was normal, then quiet, then normal, then quiet, then at about 10 mph, normal to the stop. Then my tachometer went to zero and stayed there... engine still running, speedometer still running. Then the engine light came on and stayed on. Next stop sign the same sounds, but when I accelerated from that stop the guages started acting normally.



Now the guages all act normally but the engine light is still on.



I have about 78K on the truck, just moved to Arizona from PA and will be heading back to PA to move the family out here, so need to get it fixed.



I have an appointment with Avondale Dodge on Monday morning, but if this is something simple, then I am open to any suggestions.



Thanks a bunch!!



Scott

 

[Scott Lowe]

Just a quick update... I tried the code checking procedure that is in the FAQ section and it read P1693... if anybody knows what that means, please let me know.

 

[Mick2500]

Scott,

The P1693 just indicates that there is another code set in a companion module. Try getting more codes out.

The camshaft position sensor is what drives the tach. Maybe your's is on it's way out?

Just about any Auto Zone or Checker Auto Parts store will put their OBD-II scanner on it for free and read out the stored codes.



Mick

 

[DavidC]

Bad Sensor. I believe 99 was the last year for CPS, after that it went to the cam sensor. Cummins is pretty close to you and parts may still be open.



Dave

 

[DavidC]

Just checked, they appear open till 4:00PM

http://www.cummins.com/cmi/content.jsp?siteId=1&langId=1033&menuId=21&overviewId=126&menuIndex=0



101st ave. Avondale



Dave

 

[Scott Lowe]

Mick and Dave,



Thanks... didn't get back to the computer until just now so I missed the Cummins store in Avondale. I did change the fuel filter this afternoon, which helped but the light is still on and still only get the one code. Haven't lived here long enough to scope out where everything is and with only having one vehicle, that is worrying me about driving, makes it difficult to do any scoping of where to go for service. I guess I will see what the Dodge dealer says on Monday. Thanks again!!



Scott

 

[DavidC]

Scott,

It will take about 3 consecutive engine starts with the sensor reading ok (Tach working) before the light will go out. If it glitches again it will turn the light on again. Odd that you did not have a code though.



Dave

 

[Mick2500]

Scott,

How did you make out on the check engine light?



Mick

 

[Black Cloud]

I would say the crankshaft position sensor, mine did the same thing on my 2000. The engine lurged, the tach went to zero and the check engine light came on. The sensor cost me around $50 bucks and to replace its fairly simple, you just have to remove the starter and the bolt holding the bracket for the sensor. Hope I'm not too late, but let us know what you found out.