Lack Of Power and CEL

[Bagmanners]

Driving to work today (unloaded) and I noticed a "stumble" and brief loss of power. I didn't think too much about it at first since it was icy and the traction control was on, but once I got on the interstate (dry pavement), it happened a few more times. On my way home, again on dry pavement - it was worse. during one occurrence; the CEL came on. I made it home fine, but did notice what sounded like detonation a few times along the way, most notably when accelerating. The truck is only a few months old; 2013 3500 with approx 8K Miles. I reckon it's back to the dealer tomorrow, but I was wondering if there were any similar experiences out there, and what the diagnoses were. Thanks!

 

[RikDavis]

Could this fuel gelling from the problem with the rear frame mounted filter heater not turning on covered in another thread?? I will be checking the voltage on mine in the next few days as we have some unseasonably cold weather for TN coming

 

[Bagmanners]

I just read the post you described after leaving mine. I reckon it could be. It's now unseasonably cold up here as well (3° F. on my way home), and until now - I haven't had any issues.

 

[Bagmanners]

As an update, and though I haven't checked the filter heater voltage yet... I tried to make it to the dealer this morning. The truck started, and though it idled rough for a couple of seconds settled out and all appeared normal. I let it warm up a bit, and then proceeded down the driveway. Upon turning the corner out of my driveway, the truck stumbled badly, and lost all power. Once you let off the accelarator, it would return to a "normal idle", but apply any power, and within a second or two, the same thing would happen. During the next attempt the truck stalled completely. I was barely able to get back in the driveway. I tried to position the truck in the sun, and leave it idle, on the off chance things would warm enough (though I know better) for me to make it to the dealer, but after a few minutes at idle, it stalls again. I'm no expert by any means, but it does behave like a fuel starvation issue; which I reckon supports the problem identified by the post identified by RikDavis above. So, I'm waiting for the tow truck to show up. If time allows, I may crawl under the truck with my meter.

 

[AH64ID]

You might be able to add a bottle of diesel rescue to the tank and idle it for 10-15 minutes and then drive it, that should clear the gelling.

Or if you have a 2nd rig and can go buy 5 gallons of #1 that will have the same effect.

 

[Bagmanners]

Good suggestion. I hadn't considered either; could save me the cost of the tow.

I have been using the Power Service Diesel Fuel Supplement - which I thought would prevent any gelling (advertised to -40°). Perhaps I should have upped the dosage.

Thanks again!

 

[RikDavis]

I may be wrong but I seem to remember something about road service in the back of the owners manual
Please keep us posted on what is determined

 

[retirednak]

Are the new trucks supposed to use any fuel additives? Bagmanners, not knowing anything about the new trucks, but if you are using PS I wouldn't think you jelled up unless it turned real cold. Don't know if I'd admit adding it to my fuel to the dealer as well.

 

[AH64ID]

They are not "supposed" to, but then again I don't know of any manufacturer ever stating they were necessary.

The trucks are supposed to be 100% compatible with pump diesel, IMHO a little lubricity and injector cleaner never hurts.

 

[Bagmanners]

After reading AH64ID's post I asked a friend to stop by NAPA and grab a gallon of Diesel 911, which I added (1/2 of) to the tank. I started the truck, and let it idle a good 15 minutes. I then took a "test drive" down the street. Though the CEL remained on (which I reckon it will unit cleared by the dealer), I did not experience the loss of power & stalling. So the Diesel 911 would appear to have helped. Additionally, the outside temp had risen to nearly 20° by that time. Anyway, I canceled the tow, and made my way to the dealer. They were not able to look at it today, which I hadn't expected anyway. They were happy to have me leave it, which was my intention - but would not provide a loaner, or a rental, or even a lift back to the house. I was a "little" put off - wasn't this why I paid for the extended warranty? At least I had canceled the tow - could have been a cold walk home, just as aggravated, with a lighter wallet. I use my truck for work, but if I have to do w/out, I at least need a way to get there. So, hopefully I can get back there on Monday morn. Temps are supposed to be in the 30's; perhaps that plus the Diesel 911 will improve my chances.

I did look up the use of Fuel Additives, but all I found was a statement saying that they were not required. I was struggling with gelling as an explanation as well, I know that there are areas of the country that experience far colder temps than we do here, but there's certainly anecdotal evidence to indicate this was the problem. Being a transplant from South Texas, I don't have a lot of experience with temps around 0°. Perhaps the relatively low volume of fuel in the filter housing makes it more susceptible to gelling. I reckon the manufacturer wouldn't have put a heater there unless it were required.

 

[AH64ID]

Glad it's up and running, you are correct on the CEL. The light might go out after 5 starts, might not.

If the fuel is properly winterized a heater should not be required, properly is the key.

I would have a printed copy of the TSB with you on Monday morning.

 

[Bob4x4]

After reading AH64ID's post I asked a friend to stop by NAPA and grab a gallon of Diesel 911, which I added (1/2 of) to the tank. I started the truck, and let it idle a good 15 minutes. I then took a "test drive" down the street. Though the CEL remained on (which I reckon it will unit cleared by the dealer), I did not experience the loss of power & stalling. So the Diesel 911 would appear to have helped. Additionally, the outside temp had risen to nearly 20° by that time. Anyway, I canceled the tow, and made my way to the dealer. They were not able to look at it today, which I hadn't expected anyway. They were happy to have me leave it, which was my intention - but would not provide a loaner, or a rental, or even a lift back to the house. I was a "little" put off - wasn't this why I paid for the extended warranty? At least I had canceled the tow - could have been a cold walk home, just as aggravated, with a lighter wallet. I use my truck for work, but if I have to do w/out, I at least need a way to get there. So, hopefully I can get back there on Monday morn. Temps are supposed to be in the 30's; perhaps that plus the Diesel 911 will improve my chances.

I did look up the use of Fuel Additives, but all I found was a statement saying that they were not required. I was struggling with gelling as an explanation as well, I know that there are areas of the country that experience far colder temps than we do here, but there's certainly anecdotal evidence to indicate this was the problem. Being a transplant from South Texas, I don't have a lot of experience with temps around 0°. Perhaps the relatively low volume of fuel in the filter housing makes it more susceptible to gelling. I reckon the manufacturer wouldn't have put a heater there unless it were required.

Did they run a function 14 to check for rental coverage?If you have a max care it should provide rental

 

[Bagmanners]

No, it was pretty much the "I can't help you with that" spiel. He never checked for anything. I had brought the contract with me, just in case. Rentals are included for any covered repair. I get that they had not yet diagnosed the problem, and so didn't know yet if this were a "covered repair", but I wouldn't expect them to pay if the problem turned out to be outside of their scope - say bad fuel. I don't want to make this about the dealer. I have some empathy for folks in his position, and the feller could have been having a bad day. We all have them. But these trucks are not inexpensive. When I've spend that kind of money, and purchase the extended warranty, my expectations for service are a little higher. I'm sure things will go more smoothly first thing Monday morning.

 

[AKorner]

The MIL being illuminated for any reason should warrant a rental car. MIL = Problem. On such a new truck the extended warranty doesn't even have to kick in for you to get one.

 

[Bob4x4]

The MIL being illuminated for any reason should warrant a rental car. MIL = Problem. On such a new truck the extended warranty doesn't even have to kick in for you to get one.

That is not the case,wishing something is correct does not make it so

 

[Bagmanners]

I agree w/ AKorner, but unfortunately, Bob4x4 is correct. In any case, I just picked up the truck from the dealer. The Lady who handled the transaction was (at least) much more hospitable. Reading the work order, The Diag Section states "Checked Vehicle found no codes or updates customer may want to add Standine or Diesel 911 Grayish Color Bottle". Which is odd because she told me that the truck had recorded "Low Fuel Rail Pressure".

The Labor Sections detail two Rapid Response Transmittals; 071, & 13-082. I looked each of these up. RRT 071 has to do with the Radio, and RRT 13-082 has to do with PCM / TCM fault diagnosis and can be found on this (the TDR) site. Neither mentions the filter heater issue (as reported in the STAR Case - also on this site), or correction thereof. I did bring a copy of the STAR Case, and was told this was included - and I'm all set. I reckon we'll see.

Additionally, it didn't occur to me to check until I was almost back at work, but the fuel filter minder has been reset. Probably part of the re-flash. I was down to "20% Life Remaining" when I took the truck in. I'm now at "99%". I'm sure these were not replaced since I don't see these on the work order.

 

[cerberusiam]

Your rear heater element is likely not activated and the fuel is gelling. A rash of these and even the 5.9's are throwing P0148 codes like crazy and having power issues in the cold weather. Dose it every tank with conditioner until spring, it won't hurt it and will sure make life easier than having to walk in the cold or wait for a tow. Bottom line is unless you can guarantee the quality of the fuel, treat it like it needs additives.