I have a buddy with an 03 3500 automatic. It is a gutless wonder pulling his 20 ft cargo trailer. I went for a ride today and it sure dosn't pull the same trailer as my 01 2500 does. His turbo barely sounds like its working. We checked the wastegate rod under turbo, and shouldn't it move when brought to high idle? Even when shut off the rod seems solid.

 

is the power loss sudden? any tell tale smoke or other odd behavior?
Last winter i had a major power loss, accompanied by tons of white smoke.
fuel filter must have had water and gelled. swapped it out and good as new.

 

Can you hook up a real time monitor and see what MAP is reading?

 

Check the air filter. Even if the wastegate rod is stuck....it is stuck in the off position in a way that you will build more boost. At least that is where they typically stick. They don't spend a lot of time in the on position. Also check the fuel filter. If it can't get fuel, it can't build boost. Check for codes as well. Turn key from off to on 3 times ending in the on position ( not cranking ). Codes will read out in the odometer screen.

 

It does not smoke at all, we are leaning towards an air leak or stuck wastegate. New furl filter last week amd air filter looks clean.

 

So......no codes either? Yeah....look at all the boots and clamps, but typically you can hear it either happen ( when a hose blows off ) , or hiss when the turbo builds some boost.

 

codes came up are 500,,,,1639,,,

 

P0500 Vehicle Speed Sensor A
P1639 Vehicle ID Block Corrupted, Not Programmed

Interesting, I've never heard the 1639 on here.

Good luck.

 

A quick google and I found this, not sure if this is your problem but sounds logical.


P1639 5 Volt Reference 2 Circuit. This is referring to the 5 volts that the PCM (Powertrain Control Module), uses to verify the correct pressure in the Fuel Tank and A/C Refrigerant systems. 5 volts is sent to these sensors by the PCM, and if 5 volts is not present the check engine light will come on. I suggest you take this vehicle to a trusted professional. You may end up needing a new PCM. This is a very detailed diagnostic repair requiring knowledge and skill.

 

No, you shouldn't see the wastegate actuator move. It won't start moving until boost pressure starts approaching 20 psi, which will never happen without the truck moving. It needs load to make the heat necessary to spool the turbo. I'd first look for a fuel supply problem or a big boost leak, such as an intercooler boot blown off.

 

Check the wiring near the a/c compressor. Near the rear of the compressor there is a common problem with the wires chaffing. This also cuts the 5V reference signal to other sensors as well.

 

if you have a boost leak won't it smoke a lot while accelerating?

 

Well guess what, everything checked out on the boost side, but we all know what has to happen after the fuel is burned....It has to leave the engine,, well the resonator was plugged.. unhooked the exhaust pipe and took it for a ride and it went like a space shuttle. Easy fix, chop off pipe and put a straight pipe. Thanks for all the suggestions.

 

Glad it's working but what would have lead you to the resonator? I only ask because the computer codes say electrical, not cutting an exhaust pipe for the fix.

Again I'm glad it's working as I sometimes feel my 02 fall flat on it's face (but then it's normal) and have never thought about the stock exhaust being the problem.

 

It did not have much wind coming out the tail pipe.