Dodge 2001 Ram 1500 Owner's Manual page 1381

9 - 234 ENGINE 5.9L DIESEL
ENGINE 5.9L DIESEL (Continued)
CONDITION
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING—SMOKE
DIAGNOSIS CHARTS
The following charts include possible causes and
corrections for excess or abnormal exhaust smoke.
POSSIBLE CAUSE
Air filter dirty or plugged.
Air intake system restricted.
Air Leak in Intake System.
Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC's) active or multiple,
intermittent DTC's.
Engine Control Module (ECM) not calibrated or ECM
has incorrect calibration.
Exhaust system restriction is above specifications.
Fuel grade is not correct or fuel quality is poor.
Fuel injection pump malfunctioning.
Fuel injector malfunctioning.
Fuel return system restricted.
Intake manifold restricted.
Manifold Air Pressure (Boost) Sensor or sensor circuit
malfunctioning.
POSSIBLE CAUSES
4. Turbocharger noise.
5. Gear train noise.
6. Power function knock.
EXCESSIVE BLACK SMOKE
4. Check turbocharger impeller and turbine
wheel for housing contact. Repair/replace
as required.
5. Visually inspect and measure gear
backlash. Replace gears as required.
6. Check/replace rod and main bearings.
Small amounts of exhaust smoke (at certain times)
are to be considered normal for a diesel powered
engine.
CORRECTION
Check Filter Minder at air filter (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/
AIR INTAKE SYSTEM/AIR CLEANER ELEMENT -
REMOVAL).
Check entire air intake system including all hoses and
tubes for restrictions, collapsed parts or damage.
Repair/replace as necessary.
Check entire air intake system including all hoses and
tubes for cracks, loose clamps and/or holes in rubber
ducts. Also check intake manifold for loose mounting
hardware.
Refer to Powertrain Diagnostic Procedures Information.
Refer to Powertrain Diagnostic Procedures Information.
Check exhaust pipes for damage/restrictions. Repair as
necessary.
Temporarily change fuel brands and note condition.
Change brand if necessary.
A DTC should have been set. If so, refer to Powertrain
Diagnostic Procedures Information.
A DTC should have been set. Perform Cylinder
Balance Test using DRB scan tool to isolate individual
cylinders. Also refer to Powertrain Diagnostic
Procedures Information and, to (Refer to 14 - FUEL
SYSTEM/FUEL INJECTION/FUEL INJECTOR -
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING).
Check fuel return line by checking overflow valve
(Refer to 14 - FUEL SYSTEM/FUEL DELIVERY -
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING).
Remove restriction.
A DTC should have been set. Refer to Powertrain
Diagnostic Procedures Information.
BR/BE
CORRECTION