DD15 Low Power Troubleshooting Chart

There are three basic checks that should be performed:‪

  • Check for active/historic codes. All causes need to be checked once the fault is identified. Record faults on the Application For Adjustment (AFA) claim, if there is to be a claim.
  • Check the DDEC parameters, progressive shift settings, torque limiting values, and injector codes. Are they correct? Is proper rating applied? If vehicle is new, is it spec’d correctly?
  • Check that the dyno-measured power is within Detroit Diesel specifications as Listed in Table “Minimum Acceptable Wheel HP” for minimum acceptable wheel HP data. Record data on AFA claim.

Note: Service information letter instructions published following the date of this document take precedence.

Possible causes of low power and symptoms are listed in Table “Low Power Troubleshooting Chart” .‪

Possible Causes‪ Symptoms‪
Loss of Power‪ Misfires‪ Poor‪

Acceleration‪

Erratic Idle‪ Engine Dies‪ Black Smoke‪ Excessive Oil‪

Consumption‪

Fuel Filter Restriction‪ X‪ X‪ X‪ X‪ X‪ —‪ —‪
Fuel Shut-Off Valve not Open‪ X‪ X‪ X‪ X‪ X‪ —‪ —‪
Air in the Fuel‪ X‪ X‪ X‪ X‪ X‪ —‪ —‪
Faulty Injector(s)‪ X‪ X‪ X‪ X‪ X‪ X‪ —‪
Faulty Turbocharger‪ X‪ —‪ X‪ —‪ —‪ X‪ X‪
EGR Valve*‪ X‪ —‪ X‪ X‪ —‪ X‪ —‪
Delta P Sensor or Plugged Lines*‪ X‪ —‪ X‪ X‪ —‪ X‪ —‪
Charge Air Cooler Leak‪ X‪ —‪ X‪ —‪ —‪ X‪ —‪
Intake or Exhaust Manifold Leak‪ X‪ —‪ X‪ —‪ —‪ X‪ —‪
Quality/Grade of Fuel‪ X‪ X‪ X‪ X‪ —‪ X‪ —‪
High Fuel Temperature – Above 130°F‪ X‪ —‪ X‪ —‪ —‪ —‪ —‪
Restricted Air Intake‪ X‪ —‪ X‪ —‪ —‪ X‪ —‪
Crankcase Overfilled‪ X‪ —‪ X‪ —‪ —‪ —‪ X‪
Faulty Fan Operation, Always On‪ X‪ —‪ X‪ —‪ —‪ —‪ —‪
Debris in Fuel Tank – Air Vent Plugged‪ X‪ X‪ X‪ X‪ X‪ —‪ —‪
Table 1. Low Power Troubleshooting Chart

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