Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Surge while driving-No Start cold <25*F

[Newf Limo]

Hey folks,



I have an engine surge issue. I can feel it when I drive, just crusing along, no load, and it is minor. A passenger may not notice, but I definately do. I have replaced the fuel filter but still no change. I use Irving Arctic Diesel, not the cheap stuff. It has been going on for a couple months. I don't feel it on acceleration, though power may be a little less than normal. That, could be in my head.



The other day it was 18 degrees and would not start. It did this in the low 20's as well the previous week. When it has started, it has been reluctant to run the high idle program.



The only code is the typical 1693. I will have to go and get the ecm codes downloaded.



Other than the Fuel injection pump, which is always a suspect, do we have any ideas? I would have thought the cam position sensor (again) but there is no loss of tack and speedo readings, and no limp mode, though the surging may be a threat of that to come.



190K miles. That is pretty much all I have to go on. Ideas?

 

[mwilson]

Hey folks,



I have an engine surge issue. I can feel it when I drive, just crusing along, no load, and it is minor. A passenger may not notice, but I definately do. I have replaced the fuel filter but still no change. I use Irving Arctic Diesel, not the cheap stuff. It has been going on for a couple months. I don't feel it on acceleration, though power may be a little less than normal. That, could be in my head.



The other day it was 18 degrees and would not start. It did this in the low 20's as well the previous week. When it has started, it has been reluctant to run the high idle program.



The only code is the typical 1693. I will have to go and get the ecm codes downloaded.



Other than the Fuel injection pump, which is always a suspect, do we have any ideas? I would have thought the cam position sensor (again) but there is no loss of tack and speedo readings, and no limp mode, though the surging may be a threat of that to come.



190K miles. That is pretty much all I have to go on. Ideas?

You may not like this idea but a failing ECM in any electronic Cummins (B series right through to an N14) will show right up in cold weather. Surging, skipping, etc.

I hope that is not the case for you, but it should be added to your thought process.

It really concerns me that the auto high idle is affected as well.



Have you checked the lift pump????



Hope it is something simple like a semi-crazed squirrel chewing wires and packing his nuts away. But if your luck is like mine that will not be the case.



Mike.

 

[cerberusiam]

You may not like this idea but a failing ECM in any electronic Cummins (B series right through to an N14) will show right up in cold weather. Surging, skipping, etc.

Unfortunately, I have lived that scenario long distance. Stupid ran perfect for 9 months in WA. As soon as it got to South Dakota and the temps dropped consistently below 30 degrees it would not pull the hat off your head, would run consistently, and frequently not start.



After a constant barrage of 1693, 194, and APPS errors the ECM was replaced. For the most part it fixed the problem, but, still have intermittent problems with APPS codes and everything checks out.



Inherent problem with cold weather and older vehicles. Hopefully the codes the OP pulls will be a bit more descriptive and point to the cause.

 

[Newf Limo]

Thanks guys.



I went to Cummins in Portland and they said it would be $100 to pull the codes. It is 1 hour minimum just to hook up and download.



I thanked them for their candor, and went to VIP auto parts and they downloaded the code for free. 1291. So, the cold start issue is the air intake heater grid (again). Could be as simple as corrosion on the terminals, especially with the salt and chemicals they put down on the roads here. It did that before. I didn't think it was the same issue this time because of the engine surging. A red herring I guess.



So, I will work on the relay issue when I get a chance. Unfortunately, there was nothing for the surging issue. The code reader registered a mis-fire, but that is something that could have set when the engine was trying to cold start with out a funtional grid(s).



Oh well, like they used to say down at Dawson Tucking Co. , Run'er 'til She Blows! Heaven help you if she does.



Dennis