Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) High altitude problem — 9,000 ft.

[Gordon Maney]

A 2002 Ram: The truck doesn't want to start in any type of weather even if warm, at high altitude [9,000 ft. ]. When the engine is cold even after sitting for a couple of hours, it is always difficulty to start.

I wait for the Wait to Start light to go off, and when it starts, it acts like I haven't waited for the light, and tried to start it cold. Usually runs rough for a minute or two, won't start immediately, and has to crank a little first. After it does start, large amounts of black smoke come out the exhaust, especially if I hit the accelerator pedal. Usually clears the smoke if the engine revs a bit.

When I take off from a stop power is exceptionally low for the first minute or so with very little acceleration. Once the smoke clears, power is normal and runs fine off or on road. Altitude where this takes place is 9,000 feet.

Other Cummins owners nearby don't experience this problem.

When I drop down to 7,000 feet there is no problem starting, no power loss and no smoke. All of this has been demonstrated repeatedly.

I have been the dealer twice at the 7,000 foot altitude and they find no problem and starts with no problem.

Any thoughts on this?

 

[csutton7]

Gordon--first off your in Iowa and there's no place above 900' let alone 9000'--just a little poke there my mom and dad and a ton of my relatives are from Glenwood, IA---



anyway it's just a thought, but maybe change out the MAP sensor first and see what happens and then change out the IAT sensor--that's where I'd start--just doesn't make sense---my truck does the same in cold weather only, but the grid heaters were removed and then reinstalled and I'm not sure the relays are right, but I've been lazy and haven't got down to diagnose if they're working right---but I think the grid heater thing is a long shot in your case----chris

 

[Gordon Maney]

We have some really tall piles of corn cobs here... .

 

[csutton7]

good one--growing up in the great neighboring state of NEBRASKA I can attest to corncob piles----and large piles of other stuff... . ... chris

 

[jandtjil]

How is your fuel pressure (lift pump)? Consider checking codes.

JJ

 

[Gordon Maney]

How is your fuel pressure (lift pump)? Consider checking codes.

JJ

I don't know, but I would like to think that the dealer checked the pressure and checked for codes.

 

[johncameron]

Do the key trick and post the codes if any. If you can get your hands on a proper scanner (smarty) that will pull all the codes properly.



John

 

[NoSeeUm]

What the heck, you logging?



Jim