While in Ruidoso NM I experienced an extreme lag in being able to build power from a stop. Once the truck got going (all stock 2001, stock size tires etc) she would produce plenty of power, went up the mountains and steep roads great. But from a stop it was just slightly above the power you get just letting off the brake. I tried all sorts of different throttle inputs, no change. After a tiny bit of speed was achieved it could build power and take off again. In one instance, up a steep drive, I was not able to build any speed and it just idled up the hill. This was a little alarming.
I am aware of how altitude affects power, this is not that, though I did expect added lag and loss of power, it should eventually be able to spool
up, and didn't. No Codes being thrown. Any help or ideas would be greatly appreciated. I'm an experienced mechanic, and though this is my 3rd Dodge Cummins, I dont have much troubleshooting experience with them except for the complete shop manual. Back down in TX now and it runs great...

 

The lower O2 in the air higher up in elevation makes it harder for the turbo to spool up and make power.

 

Ruldoso NM must be pretty high, my truck responds well til over 6500' ASL and then gets a little smoky and sluggish. Thinner air way up there....

Next time your in Ruldoso park your truck about a half mile away and then sprint to it....you'll know what it's going thru....if towing a trailer, eat a large meal first.

Kurt

 

When I was out in Colorado picking up a 1980 Dodge truck last spring, my truck ran pretty hot during the 11,000 FT high + mountain passes.
If I lived out there and planned to tow a trailer regularly, I would have to adjust my "tune" on my '98 12V I was towing with.

 

please dont respond unless you have read the entire post. I drive a 2ton VW 4cylinder Vanagon in Leadville. I AM AWARE OF HOW ALTITUDE EFFECTS POWER AND WHY! This was not normal lag or loss of power.

 

I'd better shut up then because I sure don't want to get spanked by an angry thread starter...I'll just stay out of this one...

Oops! Dang it all to heck!...I responded anyway didn't I?......Ben

 

Ironically the best and most helpful reply yet 😁👍

 

Where did you mention a 2 ton vw??

bye now.

 

Huh?

 

Look, some real replies about real things to check would be helpful. Troll all you want, if that's what makes you
happy. I try to help out in the VW community because I've spent so much time working on them, and it feels good when I am able to help. If I had the funds I'd just take it to a shop, but I also like to learn and fix what I can. Kinda figured there would be some friendly and helpful folks with more wisdom on the 5.9 than me (wouldn't take much) on here. But this is now how we treat our neighbors?
Yall have a blessed day. Open the door for someone, let that Prius merge (lol), do something besides poke at someone trying to solve a problem...

Awe nevermind! Poke away! Lol!