Help! Engine light

[mdlowry]

I went out this evening and a couple of miles from home, I noticed my engine light was on. I didn't notice anything else abnormal about the truck. I don't have any gages (other than standard factory), so I don't have much information right now. Is there anything I can do to find out more? I had hoped that the Service manual would have something, but after a quick look, I didn't see much that would help. I just hope that this isn't going to be some big problem, but right now I'm going to assume it may be something to do with the lift pump (due to many problems with this part). I suppose I'll need to take a trip up to the local Cummins place (about a block away ) and have them read the ECM. Any other suggestions?



Michael

 

[swamp rat]

I don't know if the newer Rams will let you access trouble codes the same way the older ones will, but you could try turning the ignition switch On-Off-On-Off-On within a few seconds and the engine light will blink a few times, pause and blink some more. Count the blinks either side of the pause and use the first count as the first digit, and the second count as the second digit.

On some vehicles I've herad you have to press the odometer trip reset or something like that. I think the codes can be had from the manual. If not there is a place online that has all the codes listed. EDIT:



Look here for codes:

http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/9636/obd2.html





I had to do this two nights ago for my Wifes Dakota. Turns out the code I got was 55, End of Fault codes . <LOL> DUH! I do think I am about to replace an Oil Press. sending unit or gauge though. The needle doesn't seem to swing like it used to, especially to the negative side, almost like the operating range has turned half a gauge counterclockwise in relation to the gauge markings.

 

[mdlowry]

Thanks! I gave that I try and I got a code of: P 1693 in the odometer spot. Now to go look it up. . .



The code just indicates that there is a code set in the ECM. Looks like I need the ECM read. . .



michael

 

[swamp rat]

Good luck Michael. I wish I could help more, but I am just learning the ropes around here myself. Give me a little more time, and maybe I can get up to speed to be of more assistance.



Satellite systems and various AV gear are my stronger points. If you ever need any help there, just fire away!

 

[KatDiesel]

Is your truck completely stock?



P1693 means there was a code set in the PCM as well as the ECM I believe, if I recall correctly. Sometimes its associated with Overboost? But yes to find out truely what it means you need a scanner to read it.

 

[mdlowry]

Is your truck completely stock?

Pretty much stock (see sig). The only thing added was the Transfer Flow tank. The fuel system and engine have not been changed.



Michael

 

[work2muchplay2little]

mdlowry, if you check out the following website under ODBII P codes (http://www.batauto.com/Pcodes.html ) you get the following explanation: P1693 Turbo Charge Control Circuit Malfunction I'm not sure what sets the code; possibly overboost as Kat Diesel has suggested?

 

[mdlowry]

Originally posted by work2muchplay2little

mdlowry, if you check out the following website under ODBII P codes (http://www.batauto.com/Pcodes.html ) you get the following explanation: P1693 Turbo Charge Control Circuit Malfunction I'm not sure what sets the code; possibly overboost as Kat Diesel has suggested?

Glad to here that's it's probably not my lift pump! I'm not sure what would have set a boost code though. I'm pretty much stock. Nothing has been done with the engine, or the wastegate. Could this be a wastegate sticking? I would think this wouldn't happen.



From the service manual on code P1693: DTC detected in pcm/ecm or dtc detected in ecm. Meaning: a "companion DTC" was set in both the ecm and pcm. After this code the odometer read (something like) P end. I would think that this would happen if ANY code was set on the ECM.



Michael

 

[Shooter]

I would reccomend haveng Cummins clear the code, DC will probably kill your engine warranty unless you can prove the waste gate stuck.



Hope you have an understanding Dodge Dealer. Cummins has no vested inerest in the Dodge engine warranty.

 

[mdlowry]

update

Well, on my way to work Monday afternoon I had the engine light come on again. This time I noticed that the engine didn't sound right. It sounded like it wasn't getting enough fuel (or something like that). It happened soon after I started up and lasted for several minutes. This second time was more severe that the first. Monday night after work I had changed out my fuel filter. (I'll attach a pic below. ) It's be a day since I changed the fuel filter (with only a trip to work) and I haven't noticed a problem yet. Previously it wasn't a problem every time I started up though.



Does anyone know if a clogged fuel filter will set a code in the ecm and cause the engine light to come on like this? Just wondering if this was only the fuel filter or should I still be worried about a lift pump?



Is this dark of a color unusual for a fuel filter with 12,500 miles?



Michael

 

[rogerblind]

I've changed fuel filters 3 times so far, and never seen one that dark, or even close.

 

[Steve St.Laurent]

I've seen one that dark - mine when I got my bad load of fuel - and another one even darker (BIGKAVR's). I don't know if it would set a fault code though. A 1693 code is pretty generic, I've had that code set before on my truck when I had an electric connection problem.

 

[mdlowry]

Well, I took the truck in to have it looked at. The code in the ECM was a crank sensor trouble code. I'm still having problems with this on occations. Today, I noticed it was running really rough when I started up. The Tachometer even dropped to 0rpm for a couple of seconds with the engine running.



I had the fuel pressure checked too. Pressure prefilter under load dropped to about 5psi and post filter to 2-3psi. At idle, both were above 10psi (don't recall exact number though). I've also added a biocide to the fuel just in case there's something in the tank. I think it might be a good idea to check that filter again though.



I hope this is all that's wrong with it. I think I've hit my quota for problems here.



Michael