Truck broken? Check engine light on? Needing help? Read first...

[patracy]

I know from time to time we all have issues with our trucks. It's a fact of life. Anything can break down. And most of the time, it happens at the most inopportune moment. It can cause someone great distress when it does. So before you post up "Help my truck is broken, the check engine light is on, what part do I replace", give us a chance to help.

First of all, we can only be as helpful as the information we're given here. I'm personally not able to read my wife's mind (but according to her I should ), let alone know what your issue is on a truck hundreds of miles away. These trucks are electronic diesel marvels. There's not much mechanically that can be adjusted on them. We rely heavily on the OBDII system the truck comes with to diagnose issues. What is OBDII? OBD stands for On Board Diagnostics, just what we need to sort out our issues. Our trucks have computers that constantly stands watch over the engine and power train. These two computers talk to each other. The ECM (Engine control module) is mounted on the side of the engine block and oversees engine related monitoring and control. The PCM is the powertrain control module. It's mounted on the passenger side of the firewall. It controls other aspects of the truck such as the transmission on automatics, your dash information, and various other functions.

Once a sensor value has gone outside normal parameters, the ECM or PCM stores a code. Dependent on the code, it will or will not light the check engine light. The codes are crucial for us to help you out with your issue.

Got a later model 2nd gen? You're in luck, the models above the 99 can scan themselves for codes. Get in the truck turn the key from off to on (not to start) three times quickly in a row. You'll notice the mileage screen will flash up a different screen. They'll be two groups that come up. If you've got no codes you'll get a P-Done and E-Done. These relate to the different control modules, powertrain and engine. You'll want to have a pen and paper ready to write down the codes. You'll need to have a scanner to clear the codes. (Or disconnect the batteries and leave the headlight switch on for a minute or two)

On the 99 and 98's you'll need a scan tool to check for codes.

Now that you have your codes, feel free to post up asking for help. We'll be able to much better assist you with your issues with this knowledge.

Now for a few other things to help us to help you. Please make sure you fill out your sig with your truck (what type IE: 4x4 5spd quad cab) and any mods you have. This can be done by clicking on the "User CP" link at the top of the page and selecting the Edit Signature link on the page that displays. You may also use this link. http://www.cumminsforum.com/forum/pr...=editsignature

Also let us know if you've recently changed anything on your truck. We can't possibly keep tabs of everyone here, so just because you've got it in your sig, doesn't mean we know you've not had that new fuel pump on for long.

There is also some other data that would prove very useful, but you'll have to have gauges to tell us. The first and foremost is fuel pressure to the IP. A constant flow and adequate fuel pressure is CRITICAL for the health of a VP44'ed truck. Also if you have a "chip" or tuner, we might need to know what your boost pressure or EGT's are. This sometimes can be used to diagnose a boost pressure leak or turbo issue.

Mopar1973Man has a great thread here that delves more into the codes. P1693 codes (SOLO)

Broke Down also has a great thread here with links to all sorts of valuable information for our trucks.
trouble shooting thread

So help us to help you with your issues. Those codes are crucial for us to help.

Edit:

Originally Posted by Mopar1973Man

Patracy... You read my mind... We needed a intro thread to point the newbies into the proper proceedure of getting infomation together...

Get kind of old of copy patsing the standard 2 links...

Lift Pump Diagnostics

OBD II Error Codes

__________________
1999 2500 4x4 Club Cab Sport. sorta functional ADRENALINE/pulse , BHAF, FBD 150 sticks, 3rd Gen HE351 retrofit, Hamilton 110lb valve springs, A1 head studs, 5" FBD exhaust, Isspro Boost and Drive pressure gauges, fuel pressure gauge, FP light, Mallory Comp 250 pump, 1/2" big line kit, Draw straw, TC lockup switch, Stealth VP plate, BD TC, BD VB, Billet input, Derale pan. 462hp and 920ft-lbs 11/14/09, I know I can get 500hp...

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Last edited by Broke Down : 09-03-2009 at 01:13 PM.

[rbmchief]

Very nicely done sir!

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02 2500 slt 4x4,auto,icebox cai,silencer ring mia, Quad xzt+,jhook, Pinnacle 4" turbo back exhaust,westach elec fuel guage, isspro transtemp,boost,egt guages in pillar, line x in bed, runnin stanadyne. [url]

http://www.cumminsforum.com/forum/wyoming/

[SmokinTheHippies]

that thread should be a mandatory read for every 98.5-02 owner that registers for a name on here!!!

__________________
2002 2500 HO 6 spd 4x4 -433HP- Feb '09 ROTM. Gone to new home!
Thanks Holland Court Diesel!
In search of my next Pig.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=axAEF...=youtube_gdata
...."your half a maaaaannn!"

[Mopar1973Man]

Patracy... You read my mind... We needed a intro thread to point the newbies into the proper proceedure of getting infomation together...

Get kind of old of copy patsing the standard 2 links...

Lift Pump Diagnostics

Fuel Pressure

OBD II Error Codes

__________________

Michael Nelson - 2002 Dodge Cummins

For Technical Assistance With Your 24V 2nd Generation Cummins - Click Here! Or Search CF.Com for an Answer

Remember to smack the THANKS! button for those that helped you or you think that post is helpful to others!

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Last edited by Mopar1973Man : 10-01-2009 at 10:34 AM.

[dirtydeeds]

I have a shop quality scanner if anybody in SD area wants to scan their truck, it says instantly what the code is without having to look it up. I would do it free for anyone who needs the help.

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01 6spd.4X4Duallie, levelingkit, 22.5's Superchips, 4"straightpipe, K&Nfipk, Silencerringjustfellout Quadzillaboostfooler, Wastegate vacuumline cut and plugged, 30psiBoost, Customtracbar andfullheimsteeringintheworks!100hpinjectorsonbenc hneedtobeinstalled

[Mopar1973Man]

Like Dirty Deeds...

I'm will to aid anyone in the Central Idaho area with a broke down truck... I got enough tools and scanner to at least get you rolling again...

__________________

Michael Nelson - 2002 Dodge Cummins

For Technical Assistance With Your 24V 2nd Generation Cummins - Click Here! Or Search CF.Com for an Answer

Remember to smack the THANKS! button for those that helped you or you think that post is helpful to others!

[patracy]

And I have a scanner for central West Georgia/East Alabama (I-20). Just PM me.

__________________
1999 2500 4x4 Club Cab Sport. sorta functional ADRENALINE/pulse , BHAF, FBD 150 sticks, 3rd Gen HE351 retrofit, Hamilton 110lb valve springs, A1 head studs, 5" FBD exhaust, Isspro Boost and Drive pressure gauges, fuel pressure gauge, FP light, Mallory Comp 250 pump, 1/2" big line kit, Draw straw, TC lockup switch, Stealth VP plate, BD TC, BD VB, Billet input, Derale pan. 462hp and 920ft-lbs 11/14/09, I know I can get 500hp...

[01cmsqdcab]

i got scanner and plenty of tools to get the job done, north western ohio

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2001 quad cab long bed 4x4, haisley machine injectors, ATS exhaust manifold, built transmission, edge comp box, Raptor 100, straight piped with a stack

[jbennett]

Anyone in Central Texas that needs some help let me know. I got a shop, tools, and scanner. We will get you running and drink some cold beer!

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1998.5 2500 24v 5-Speed 4x4, Ranchhand frontend replacement, Magnaflow 4 inch Turbo back, New raptor LP, New custom treys fuel injection VP-44, Fixin' to chip it out and put a nice little set of 100 horse injectors If the wife dont take my check book away lol.

[jmcdonald26]

mine reads p ecu then p done

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2001 QCSB NV 4500 4x4 133k miles, S&B intake, 4 inch MBRP Turbo Backw/muffler, Airdog 150, 3rd Gen Wheels and 33 inch Xtreme All Terrains. PM me if you have an Edge Juice with Attitude for Sale and/or tow mirrors.

[patracy]

Originally Posted by jmcdonald26

mine reads p ecu then p done

If no numbers come up and you only end up with P done at the end, you've got no codes.

__________________
1999 2500 4x4 Club Cab Sport. sorta functional ADRENALINE/pulse , BHAF, FBD 150 sticks, 3rd Gen HE351 retrofit, Hamilton 110lb valve springs, A1 head studs, 5" FBD exhaust, Isspro Boost and Drive pressure gauges, fuel pressure gauge, FP light, Mallory Comp 250 pump, 1/2" big line kit, Draw straw, TC lockup switch, Stealth VP plate, BD TC, BD VB, Billet input, Derale pan. 462hp and 920ft-lbs 11/14/09, I know I can get 500hp...

[Galliganjr]

Would it be acceptable if I bought one of the cheaper scanners from Autozone or etc