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TSB 18-21-99

5.9L - 24V Cummins Diesel Low Power Or Poor Performance Diagnostic

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Models: 1998 - 1999 (BR/BE) Ram Truck

Discussion:

This bulletin involves diagnostic procedure that may be used to assist the technician in the diagnosis of a low power or poor performance complaint.  

Symptoms:

The vehicle operator may complain of slow acceleration or a lack of power when towing or hauling moderate to heavy loads. The condition may be worse at higher altitude.  

Diagnosis:

NOTE. DO NOT PROCEED WITH THIS TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (TSB) UNTIL TSB 18-11 -99 HAS BEEN PERFORMED, ALL SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE OF THE AIR FILTER AND FUEL FILTER IS CURRENT, AND ANY ACTIVE OR INACTIVE DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTC) HAVE BEEN REPAIRED.

Interview the vehicle operator to understand under what driving conditions the above symptom occurs.

1).    While inside the vehicle cab and using the Diagnostic Readout Box (DRB III), verify that the throttle is opening fully.

2).    Refer to the 1999 Ram Truck Service Manual 81-370-9108 pages 14-78 to 14-80. Perform the complete FUEL TRANSFER PUMP PRESSURE TEST procedure.

3).    Inspect the fuel tank rollover valve for restrictions or that the shipping cap has not been left on the end of the valve.

4).    Inspect the Charge Air Cooler hoses and clamps for proper installation. Inspect all connections and clamps for looseness. Verify that no leaks are present when the engine is under boost conditions. Pay close attention to the exhaust connections.

5).    While performing the following road test, verify that the turbo boost pressure is 16 psi (33 in. of Hg.) during wide open throttle (WOT) acceleration. If boost pressure is found to be less than 16 psi (33 in. of Hg.), refer to TSB 11 -08-99.

6).    While road testing the vehicle in a safe area and manner, conduct an acceleration test. For vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission conduct a 0-60 mph acceleration test. For vehicles equipped with a manual transmission, conduct a 40-60 mph acceleration test in 4th gear. It may take the technician performing several acceleration tests to obtain consistent acceleration times.

 

5.9L - 24V DIESEL 0-60 MPH WIDE OPEN THROTTLE ACCELERATION TEST
MODEL (auto. trans. with 3.54 or 4.1 0 axle)	TIRE SIZE	CAB	NORMAL TEST WEIGHT (includes 400 lbs. for driver and passenger)	0-60 MPH Wide Open Maximum Acceleration Time
2500 HD 4x2	LT245/75/R 16	Regular	6100 lbs.	13.5 secs
		Quad or Club	6450 lbs.	14 secs.
2500 HD 4x4	LT245/75/Rl6	Regular	6500 lbs.	14 secs.
		Quad or Club	6800 lbs.	14.5 secs.
3500 HD 4x2	LT215/85/Rl6	Regular	6350 lbs.	14 secs.
		Quad or Club	6850 lbs.	14.5 secs.
3500 HD 4x4	LT215/85/Rl6	Regular	6800 lbs.	14.5 secs.
		Quad or Club	7200 lbs.	15 secs.

Correct accel. times for added vehicle weight. Add 0.15 secs. for each additional 100 lbs.
Add 0.4 secs. when testing at altitudes higher than 5,000 ft.

 

5.9L - 24V DIESEL 40-60 MPH WIDE OPEN THROTTLE ACCELERATION TEST IN 4th GEAR
MODEL (manual trans. with 3.54 or 4.1 0 axle)	TIRE SIZE	CAB	NORMAL TEST WEIGHT (includes 400 lbs. for driver and passenger)	0-60 MPH Wide Open Maximum Acceleration Time
2500 HD 4x2	LT245/75/R 16	Regular	6100 lbs.	7.5 secs
		Quad or Club	6500 lbs.	8.0 secs.
2500 HD 4x4	LT245/75/Rl6	Regular	6550 lbs.	8.0 secs.
		Quad or Club	6900 lbs.	8.5 secs.
3500 HD 4x2	LT215/85/Rl6	Regular	6400 lbs.	8.0 secs.
		Quad or Club	6950 lbs.	8.5 secs.
3500 HD 4x4	LT215/85/Rl6	Regular	6850 lbs.	8.5 secs.
		Quad or Club	7250 lbs.	9.0 secs.

40-60 acceleration test from a steady state speed of 40 mph.
Correct accel. times for added vehicle weight. Add 0.10secs.foreachadditional 100lbs.
Add 0.2 secs. when testing at altitudes higher than 5,000 ft.

7).    Refer the to the acceleration reference charts. If the acceleration times, of the vehicle in question, are equal to or less than the stated times listed in the following acceleration charts, then the vehicle performance is normal and the vehicle can be returned to the vehicle owner. If the acceleration times are greater than the stated times listed in the acceleration charts, then further diagnostic testing is required.

notes:

POLICY:    Information Only

This page was edited on: May 3, 2004