New to diesels so please bear with me.

I have driven automatic diesels from Ford and Dodge and when the turbo kicks in it is very obvious. I have a Dodge Ram 2002 diesel with a 5 speed. I get no discernable boost(some, just not even close to the automatics) when I step on it. Is the turbo working? How can I determine this? Thanks in advance.

 

If your Turbo is not working you would have a HUGE cloud of Black smoke billowing out the pipe and no power at all. I did not hear that wistle on my 02' 6spd till I yanked out the silencer ring in the turbo. With that gone and a scotty II with hole cut and a 4" exhuast, it sing'svery nicely!

If you would like the "ring gone" due a search here for silencer ring and you will get all the info you need.

 

There isn't much turbo lag on a newer Dodge. You're getting boost pretty much right off idle.