Diagnosis And Testing - Turbocharger: Notes

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2014 RAM 1500. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The turbocharger, charge air cooler and exhaust gas recirculation systems operate with one another and must be tested as a complete system. It is important that all components of the air intake system be thoroughly tested any time a symptom is present for one of these components.

It is typical to notice a small amount of engine oil in the air intake system. This comes from the crankcase ventilation and may weep out of hose connections that are not clamped properly. This does not mean that the turbocharger requires replacement.

If DTC's or the performance of the vehicle lead to the determination that the boost pressure and/or mass air flow values are out of range, the systems listed below should be inspected. If a DTC for the inlet or intake air temperature has been stored. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic procedure in appropriate ELECTRICAL DIAGNOSTICS article.

NOTE:

Also a continuous air leak may result in an intermittent symptom. The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) monitors the sensor readings continuously but only sets a DTC or reduces the engine torque when these readings are outside of the tolerances, which may occur under certain driving conditions.

Inspect the following:

Air intake system plumbing: Loose or broken hoses or fittings may create an air leak resulting in a loss of pressure and mass air flow. (A smoke machine does not create enough pressure to find a leak in the air intake system).
Turbo Resonator: Inspect the resonator (muffler, connected to the turbocharger) for air leaks at the seam between the two shells.
Charge Air Cooler: A charge air cooler damaged by tools or external debris may leak air.
Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) valve: A sticking EGR valve influences the mass air flow causing implausibility with MAF, which displays one or more DTC's. Don't replace the EGR valve if no DTC's are present. Use the actuator test in the scan tool to move the EGR valve at idle speed. The MAF value should alternate between 500 to 600 mg/strk at 5% ratio (almost closed) and 200 to 300 mg/strk at 95% ratio (almost opened) when the "EGR Positioner" is being actuated by the scan tool.
Mass Air Flow Sensor (MAF): The mass air flow, measured and provided by the MAF is critical for calculations performed by the PCM and may result in several DTC's related to the air intake system if not accurate.
Boost Pressure Sensor: Make sure that the correct part number, or superseding part number, is installed. Refer to MOPAR® for the correct part number information.
Turbocharger: Consider that an operating turbocharger creates a flow sound, which is normal and does not require replacement. Other sounds like whistling are potentially caused by the resonator or improper line connections.