Turbo charger

[Dimler]

My 2013 Ram 3500 is showing code P003A. The code indicates an issue with the turbo charger actuator.
I discussed this with AGP Turbo in Phoneix, their recomendation is replacing both the turbo and actuator, because the truck has 117,000 miles. Their experience is the turbo and actuator begin having issues berweem 100,000 and 150,000 miles. Replacing the actuator only fixes the issue for a short period of time since the turbo will probably fail soon.
Anyone have similar experience and what was your solution?

 

[Signal73]

That seems early for the turbo itself. Hundreds of thousands of miles is more like it as long as you don’t tow max GVW and shut down hot. Also use exhaust brake or don’t drive like there’s a egg on the accelerator pedal so the vanes get some exercise.

 

[Cummins12V98]

Sounds like someone is trying to cut a FAT HOG.

 

[Topzide]

@Dimler, are you able and comfortable working on the turbo? If so, pull actuator and check vane gear for how hard to move. Plenty of info about how to check. City Diesel actuator would be best option as it self calibrates. I believe that City has a write up about how to check the vanes movement. As others have stated, these turbo have gone many years and miles in these trucks. Yes, the actuators have had some issues. Do you have AlfaOBD? If not, it's a great software for our trucks! Available in the Google play store, runs on Android phones/tablets. Along with the MX+ Bluetooth dongle, make working and changing settings on our trucks. Good luck with issues.

 

[Dimler]

@Dimler, are you able and comfortable working on the turbo? If so, pull actuator and check vane gear for how hard to move. Plenty of info about how to check. City Diesel actuator would be best option as it self calibrates. I believe that City has a write up about how to check the vanes movement. As others have stated, these turbo have gone many years and miles in these trucks. Yes, the actuators have had some issues. Do you have AlfaOBD? If not, it's a great software for our trucks! Available in the Google play store, runs on Android phones/tablets. Along with the MX+ Bluetooth dongle, make working and changing settings on our trucks. Good luck with issues.

Thanks for the info. I will do more investigation.

 

[Topzide]

Go to Geno's and click on actuator, you find install information. City Diesel has good support also.

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

I suggest that you review my articles in Issues 114 and 115 on the actuator.

 

[Dimler]

Go to Geno's and click on actuator, you find install information. City Diesel has good support also.

Thank you for your assistance with resolving the turbo actuator issue on my 2013 Ram. I purchased a new actuator directly from City Diesel. After waiting for the actuator for several weeks, completed the installation today. The truck is operating like new. Thanks again.

 

[Cummins12V98]

I was lucky to get mine replaced under warranty.

 

[Topzide]

@Dimler, I'm now in your boat! P003A is now showing on mine. Waiting on actuator to get back to normal! Only about 2 months from U010C to this one. Oh well, diesel truck ownership. Just glad that I've got the tools and time to do the change out.

 

[JLandry]

I'm now in your boat! P003A is now showing on mine.

Topzide,

How many miles on your truck?

John L.

 

[Topzide]

Just over 165K with around 4800hrs. So by what City Diesel has found out how the actuators are built, I was on overtime! Seems ashamed that they were built with 4000 hr components. When I go to change, new hoses will be going on with the nice aluminum Y's that I picked up to help dress up the engine bay. It is what it is.

 

[Topzide]

Update on my issue, just got finished with actuator replacement! Took about 3 weeks thru Genos to get a City Diesel actuator. While in there, replaced all radiator hoses and added aluminum Y's that I had gotten. When I fired it up, CEL disappeared! Did have the lower right left allen strip out! Got past that with a dremel tool. Then had the nub break off in turbo were the drive motor seats. That one left me guessing on how to remove. Couldn't get a pick behind it, ended up using a tap to grab and pull out. Great to have truck back!