Dealing With a P2579 Code upon a 6. seven Cummins
If you're staring at a p2579 code 6. 7 cummins on the code reader, you probably noticed your vehicle isn't acting such as its usual self. Maybe you had been pulling a heavy load up a grade, or maybe you were just idling at a stoplight whenever that dreaded check out engine light sprang on. Either method, this specific code points directly to the turbocharger rate sensor circuit range/performance. In plain British, your truck's human brain (the ECU) will be getting a signal from the turbo acceleration sensor that just doesn't make feeling, and it's made the decision to play it safe by tossing a flag.
Dealing with the particular 6. 7L Cummins engine is usually a great expertise because they're overall workhorses, but they have their quirks. The turbocharger system, particularly the Variable Geometry Turbo (VGT), is one of those areas where things may get a little bit finicky. When the particular P2579 code displays up, it's basically the sensor saying, "Hey, I'm seeing turbo charged spin at the speed that shouldn't be possible provided how much fuel and air we're moving. "
Exactly what exactly is the turbo speed sensor carrying out?
Before a person go ripping components off, it will help in order to know what this little sensor really does. Its whole job is in order to monitor how fast the turbocharger turbine is spinning. Given that the 6. seven Cummins uses a VGT, the ECU requires to know the particular turbo speed in order to adjust the moving nozzle (the vanes) inside the turbocharged. This ensures you might have boost when a person need it which you aren't over-speeding the turbo, which usually would result in the very expensive metal-shrapnel-in-the-intake situation.
Once the signal from this particular sensor goes "out of range, " the truck gets confused. It doesn't know if the turbo is rotating at 10, 500 RPM or hundred, 000 RPM. Usually, when the ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT gets scared such as this, it'll put the particular truck into a sagging mode . You'll feel an enormous reduction of power, and your exhaust brake may stop working completely. It's frustrating, yet it's the engine's method of protecting by itself from a catastrophic failure.
Common signs and symptoms you'll notice
The check motor light is the particular obvious one, yet the truck will usually "tell" you something is wrong before you even plug within a scanner. A single of the almost all common things men report is really a jerky or even inconsistent exhaust brake pedal . Since the VGT controls the exhaust system braking, an undesirable speed signal messes with the vane setting. You might experience the exhaust brake pedal kick in plus out or simply feel incredibly poor.
Then there's the power loss. If the ECU can't verify how quick the turbo is usually spinning, it's not going to let you press full boost. You'll feel like you're pulling an anchor. A person might also listen to some strange whistling sounds—not the good "turbo spool" kind, but more associated with an inconsistent, rising and falling hiss because the vanes hunt for the best position.
How come the P2579 code happen?
It's rarely just a "random" glitch. Generally there are usually three or four normal suspects when this comes to this code on the 6. 7 Cummins.
- Soot and Carbon Buildup: This is the huge one. These motors, particularly if they spend a lot of your time idling or placing around town, produce a lot of soot. That soot gets into everything. In the event that the sensor tip gets coated within a thick layer associated with carbon, it can't "see" the generator blades spinning previous it.
- Wiring Harness Problems: Cummins trucks are recognized for vibrating—a lot. Over time, the wiring harness that leads to the turbo speed sensor can rub against the engine block or even other components. If the insulation wears via and the cable shorts out or breaks, you'll get a P2579 immediately.
- Sensor Failure: Sometimes, the sensor just dies. It's an electronic element living in a high-heat, high-vibration atmosphere. Eventually, the inner circuitry can just give up the particular ghost.
- Connector Corrosion: If a person live in the salt belt or even do a great deal of mudding, dampness can get into the electrical connector. A little bit of green crusty rust is all it takes to ruin a signal.
Troubleshooting the problem
If you're a DIY type, it can save you yourself a lot of money by doing some basic checks before going to a diesel shop. Turbo charged acceleration sensor on the 6. 7 Cummins is usually located on the particular turbocharger housing by itself, usually on the compressor side (the cold side).
Checking the wires first
Purchase a new sensor, inspect the pigtail and the wiring . Follow the cables back as much as you are able to. Appear for any places where the plastic material loom has melted or where the particular wires look pinched. If you discover bare copper, there's your problem. Give the connector the good wiggle while the truck is idling (stay clear associated with moving parts, obviously) if ever the code clears or if the engine tone changes. Sometimes just washing the connector with some electrical get in touch with cleaner does the key.
Pulling the particular sensor
When the wiring looks strong, it's time in order to pull the messfühler. It's usually kept in by the single small bolt (often an 8mm or an Allen head). Be careful here—you don't want to drop that bolt into the abyss from the engine bay. Once the bolt is out there, the sensor ought to slide out. In the event that it's stuck, give it a mild twist.
Once it's away, look at the tip. If it looks like it's been dipped within charcoal, you've discovered a likely reason. Some guys try to clean them along with brake cleaner or even a soft fabric. While this can work because a temporary fix, the particular sensors are fairly sensitive. If the particular carbon buildup has been heavy enough in order to throw a P2579, the sensor may already be jeopardized.
The "Dirty Turbo" Truth
Sometimes the p2579 code six. 7 cummins is definitely actually a harbinger of a bigger concern: a dirty turbo. When the vanes inside your VGT are sticking because of soot, it can cause the turbo to over-speed or under-speed in ways that the particular sensor detects as a "performance" concern.
If you replace the messfühler and the code returns five moments later, you might need to look at cleanup turbo charged itself. Right now there are kits out there for cleaning the VGT with no removing it from your truck, often concerning a cleaning option sprayed into the housing. It's a bit of the chore, but it's significantly cheaper than a $3, 000 turbo replacement.
Does the brand of sensor matter?
In the world of Cummins parts, you'll discover plenty of cheap sensors on the internet for $30. Don't do it. The 6. 7 Cummins is usually very picky about its sensors. Purchasing an OEM Cummins or Holset sensor might cost three times as very much, but it'll really work. The "no-name" sensors often have the wrong opposition or poor protecting, which will simply lead you best back to the same P2579 code inside a week. It's one of those "buy once, be sad once" situations.
Wrapping things up
At the end of the day, a P2579 isn't usually a "death sentence" for your engine, but it's something you need to tackle sooner rather than later. Driving about in limp setting or with a sporadic turbo signal places unnecessary stress upon the VGT actuator and the turbocharged itself.
Start with the easiest stuff: inspect attaches, look for frayed wires, and probably try cleaning the sensor tip. In case you're lucky, a bit of get in touch with cleaner and a new pigtail can have you back again on the road. Otherwise, a refreshing Holset sensor usually does the trick. Simply remember to clear the codes after the repair therefore the ECU may relearn the turbo's behavior. These trucks are tough, but they like their consumer electronics to be just right. Keep that sensor happy, and your Cummins will keep pulling for another couple hundred thousands of miles.