Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) What Happened??

[JKuehl78]

I was driving down the highway last weekend towing about 5000 lbs at 75 mph with the cruise control on. I was halfway into a climb of a slight grade, one that I have towed many times before with no problem, the truck started to loose power gradually and slow down to around 60 mph. I thought he cruise had kicked off but when I put m foot on the pedal the cruise control had it pinned to the floor. I turned off the cruise and pumped the pedal a few times myself with no response. The truck grunted but didn’t go any faster.



Suddenly, with my foot near the floor, power returned and the turbo spooled back up and up the hill I went. Power didn’t snap back but very smoothly came back.



What gives??? Is it the APPS? I leave today for a 1500 mile round trip and don’t want to end up on the side of the road relying on my travel companion book that lives in my center console. (kind of sad that we need such a thing).



Thanks in advance for the suggestions



Jeff

 

[RJPotts]

Any codes? Ambient temps? Fuel pressure?

Loss of power like that I would think it was the VP, but power doesn't usually come back smoothly it usually hits like a ton of bricks. I'd say check for codes and post back, if nothing shows up reset the APPS and hope for the best.

Maybe someone else will have more ideas.

-R. J.

 

[DieselRam30]

Any codes? Ambient temps? Fuel pressure?

Loss of power like that I would think it was the VP, but power doesn't usually come back smoothly it usually hits like a ton of bricks. I'd say check for codes and post back, if nothing shows up reset the APPS and hope for the best.

Maybe someone else will have more ideas.

-R. J.

That's what I was thinking as well. It's probably not a boost leak as you had boost pressure before and after the incident (if i'm understanding this properly). This is just a thought, but could it possibly be a slipping transmission as well? If you don't have any transmission mods, pulling the grade under power might have made the transmission slip. Just an idea. Like RJPotts said, pull the codes and try to remember what the gauges were telling you during the incident.

 

[JKuehl78]

I haven't pulled any codes, on a 98 the dealer has to do that and he charges. Fuel press was @12, boost was 20 then down to about nothing then back up to 20. No temps were out out of proportion. Motor was 190, Trans was @170.



Is there any way to pull codes on my truck other than the dealer?

 

[DavidC]

I haven't pulled any codes, on a 98 the dealer has to do that and he charges. Fuel press was @12, boost was 20 then down to about nothing then back up to 20. No temps were out out of proportion. Motor was 190, Trans was @170.



Is there any way to pull codes on my truck other than the dealer?

If you have an Autozone close they will hook up a scanner and check for free. Maybe a TDR member close by with a scanner?. Usually if you have a code you will also get a check engine light. I say usually as the only sure way is a scanner.



Dave