P0299 code turbo vane solenoid?

[dk2429]

I've had this code since I got the truck. Finally got around to taking it to a local diesel shop for a check up and he said my P0299 and P003A code are because of the turbo vane solenoid (NOT THE POSITION SENSOR.) I specifically asked him to check the turbo for anything wrong, and he said the turbo is in 100% condition, it's just that solenoid is sticking sometimes not allowing the vanes to fully open. The truck runs like it should, has the power it should, but when that solenoid sticks, it doesn't give the full potential power and throws the codes (what he told me.) He said no turbo leaks, nothing wrong with the turbo at all.

Has anyone had these codes and this solenoid ended up being the problem? What he's saying makes sense, but I looked up a lot of solutions for these codes and I haven't seen one that says to replace the vane solenoid. I just want some second opinions on this before I order the part and replace it.... Truck is completely stock but it has a S&B intake.

 

[dk2429]

Anyone?

 

[juddski88]

It's more likely that the exciter ring in the turbine is sticking. Either that or there is oil pressure leak by across the solenoid orings.

 

[dk2429]

No leaks. I specifically told him look for leaks. He found no leaks at all, and he said the turbo is 100% working order, but that solenoid sticks which causes the vanes to not open fully when it sticks, which throws both a P0299 and P003A. Like I said, it sounds right to me and makes sense, I just wanted some second opinions before I spend $200 on the OEM solenoid...

 

[juddski88]

You won't see it leaking.... the seals are internal

 

[JoshH]

I don't think it is very likely that the solenoid is sticking unless the truck was severely neglected in regards to maintenance or low quality oil was used. It is more than likely what juddski88 said and the ring in the turbine housing is sticking. Did he actually disassemble the turbo to inspect it because there is no way to 100% verify the problem without doing that.

 

[dk2429]

No, he ran a boost leak test on it. Again, he said the turbo is fine. When it doesn't stick, it has full power and shits and gets. He's been working on them for years and has seen the problem before, and the solenoid replacement always solved it

 

[JoshH]

Ok

 

[SickLL7Crenshaw]

Cool, if your so confident in him why did you post here in the first place? Josh and Juddski88 was just trying to help. Good luck.

 

[dk2429]

It's more likely that the exciter ring in the turbine is sticking. Either that or there is oil pressure leak by across the solenoid orings.

I didn't even see this post for some reason until just now..

So would replacing the whole solenoid be necessary, or can you get the orings for it somewhere?

 

[dk2429]

Update-

I decided to take the truck to another shop for a second opinion.. The man was generous enough to run a full diagnostics on the truck and take it for a test drive free of charge.. He told me that the solenoid is fine, and that the turbo is fine as well, it just needs a little cleaning, very minimal though. I'm not sure what he's talking about exactly, but he's going to charge me $150 to do what he called "an old school" trick to clean the turbo up without having to tear it apart. I was real happy to know that it's simple.. He told me the truck runs like it should, and that underboost the computer is throwing is very very small. At the same time, I'm not too happy for paying the other shop $100 to do what this guy did today, but give me false information on the problem.

To top that off, he was generous enough to take me for a spin in his tuned up 600hp LLY. That was a crazy experience! Never been in tuned up diesel like that.

Either way, I'm happy to know again that it's nothing serious.

 

[JoshH]

Where in Texas are you located?

 

[dk2429]

Where in Texas are you located?

Pearland, about 20 miles outside of Houston.. Shop I took it today was is in Alvin.

Thanks for your help Josh, I wasn't trying to being a dickhead or anything. I was just getting pissed off because I've gotten a million different solutions from people on why these codes are being thrown. Was really looking for a consistent answer/solution.

Thanks again to everyone, again, wasn't trying to rude or anything. I'll be taking the truck to this shop Monday to have the "old school method" done , and crossing my fingers it clears it.

 

[stroke250]

Like already stated, JoshH is very good when it comes to these truck as is juddski88.

I don’t know of any “old school” method to “clean” a turbo either....

 

[dk2429]

Like already stated, JoshH is very good when it comes to these truck as is juddski88.

I don’t know of any “old school” method to “clean” a turbo either....

I don't know either, but I could tell this guy knew what he was talking about. I learned a few things about the truck I didn't know within in 5 mins of him looking at.

 

[juddski88]

I can think of a couple things I would try on my own truck, but nothing I would charge $150 to a customer:thumb:

 

[juddski88]

If you want to learn something about it, you could have just asked. Essentially what we're trying to explain happens is the Exciter ring builds up enough carbon that it no longer has the clearance necessary to move freely. Or if it sits for long periods of time and then doesn't get driven very hard condensation can occur inside the turbine housing and form rust and pitting in the housing itself. The Exciter ring rotates on the housing surface, so any obstruction, such as that scale, can lock it up.

 

[dk2429]

If you want to learn something about it, you could have just asked. Essentially what we're trying to explain happens is the Exciter ring builds up enough carbon that it no longer has the clearance necessary to move freely. Or if it sits for long periods of time and then doesn't get driven very hard condensation can occur inside the turbine housing and form rust and pitting in the housing itself. The Exciter ring rotates on the housing surface, so any obstruction, such as that scale, can lock it up.

Thanks for the explanation juddski88. Again, I wasn't trying to be an asshole or anything, I'm trying to figure out what these codes are or and have been told a bunch of different solutions

The new guy I took it to is supposed to call back today on the real news for the truck (he got the data off of it after a test drive.) He said with the way it drives and the fact that the turbo is doing what it's supposed to, it's a very minimal problem. But he told most likely, it just needs a little cleaning aside. And like I said, he apparently has some "old school method" to clear it out without ripping into it.. I don't know, we shall see!

 

[DefiantArms]

Walnut shells cleans them out real good

 

[dk2429]

Asked the guy today exactly what they do. He said basically, they'll run the truck and get the turbo hot, remove/clean the vane solenoid, and then they use the turbo to run some kind of a chemical through it that will clean it all out.