Death Valley and Check Engine Light

Desert185 · 01-20-2015, 06:25 AM

Was talking to one of our Duramax driving, BC neighbors at the park on Sunday and he mentioned having a check engine light when going through Death Valley.

The dealer checked the codes and told him it was a turbocharger issue...at least $400 to tear down and inspect...$1700 for a turbocharger.

He got second opinion from Autozone and the codes cleared. After he mentioned going through Death Valley, one of the counter guys said that has happened before. It was because the computer sensed going below sea level and got confused.

Anyone experience this? Maybe with earlier DMaxes? I'll be in Death Valley at the end of the month via Panamint, Furnace Creek and Beatty...with a code reader...just in case.

Ken / Claudia · 01-20-2015, 10:52 AM

Just a GUESS on my part. I bet the heat caused it not elevation. If so as long as no fluids are leaking, open hood and idle engine may bring back normal temps.

**chuckster57** · 01-20-2015, 01:22 PM

If boost is controlled by the PCM, then it will use a MAP sensor. I could see being at an elevation below sea level could possibly confuse the PCM.

After further thought: any idea what the code was? I'm thinking maybe an "over boost" code due to barometric pressure beyond normal threshold.

Desert185 · 01-20-2015, 02:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chuckster57

If boost is controlled by the PCM, then it will use a MAP sensor. I could see being at an elevation below sea level could possibly confuse the PCM.

After further thought: any idea what the code was? I'm thinking maybe an "over boost" code due to barometric pressure beyond normal threshold.

He said the code indicated a turbocharger problem. I didn't get the code itself, and it wasn't heat induced as it was fairly recent.

A Google showed a few codes or rough running in DV, but nothing specific to a DMax.

concours · 01-21-2015, 09:10 AM

check with your dealer either there has or is to be a warranty extension on some of the Turbo vane control components I was told that it is from 2011 to 2014 Duramax with a loss of power and ses light that resets after a key cycle
Worth checking into or call the 1 800 GM customer assistance #

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