vehicle wont climb in steep climbs at elevation above 1900m

rananjaya · Aug 8, 2013

Hi, I'm new to the forum, but has gone through your great blog many times and has helped me lot. my NAVARA D40 is euro 4 2007 model. Im the 2nd owner and it was throwing quite a lot of black smoke for last six months. but running quite well and tried ecu reset and maf cleaning. but didn't make a difference. just received the egr blank plate today and will update you with the any progress.

my problem is, even though it is running OK, recently I went on a trip to Nuwara Eliya at 1868 meters the elevation. sorry forgot to tell you that I'm from Sri Lanka. from there I took a journey to Horton plains at elevation of 2300 meters. road is not a high way but still its a tarred road and for a pick up no complains can be made. when I reach the last part with steep climbing could not climb the up anymore at the elevation around 2100m plus and out side temperature was around 12 Celsius. reversed the vehicle to flat area and started again with more power but when I reach the steep climbing vehicle won't move any more and wont rev above 1000rpm. tried several times and gave it up and came back. Engine is not under and oil level stays the same during 4000km service intervals.

seeking your expertise. please reply.

Guest · Aug 8, 2013

Re: vehicle wont climb in steep climbs at elevation above 19

Sounds like its gasping for air....

Rich. · Aug 8, 2013

Re: vehicle wont climb in steep climbs at elevation above 19

It does sound like thin air, but then the turbo should be able to compress enough to let your engine run.

The beauty of a TD at altitude is that the thinner air gives the turbo less resistance, meaning it can spool up faster and give you similar pressure as sea level.

You will loose some boost, but not enough to start messing with the engine. The accepted rule after a search seems to be 0.5% hp loss per 1000ft, so you're looking at -6 hp at that altitude. So either the altitudes not to blame, or its something electric screwing with the ECU because of the thinner air, and not a mechanical issue.

Rich

rananjaya · Aug 8, 2013

Re: vehicle wont climb in steep climbs at elevation above 19

if the issue is with ecu how can i get it fix.

is there a chance of finding the fault with a scanning.

lookskyward1 · Aug 8, 2013

Re: vehicle wont climb in steep climbs at elevation above 19

rananjaya said:
if the issue is with ecu how can i get it fix.

is there a chance of finding the fault with a scanning.

Yes it is worth a try, this is a method you can use without an OBD2 reader,
viewtopic.php?f=47&t=10647

Good luck and keep us posted with your progress.

miran · Aug 8, 2013

Re: vehicle wont climb in steep climbs at elevation above 19

First check (replace it or just take it out for testing) the air filter and air intake hoses (maybe some uninvited guest has blocked them). Air (a lots of it) must come unobstructed in the engine.
2000 meters above sea level should not change the engine's performance.
Good luck!
Miran

D40-Outlaw · Aug 8, 2013

Re: vehicle wont climb in steep climbs at elevation above 19

I'm nearly sure one of the measurements the ecu makes is atmospheric air pressure, so the sensor might be duffed. you will know if you use a scanner to read the ecu.

rananjaya · Aug 10, 2013

Re: vehicle wont climb in steep climbs at elevation above 19

What is obd2 reader?

Just came back from 700km drive to beautifull beach of Trincomalee. other than few miner climbs road is flat through out. ran at speed upto 160kmph. besides black smoke it ran smooth. wondering why it failed in high attitudes.

first thing today getting the egr blank fixed. Will keep you updated the progress

bobsabuilder · Aug 10, 2013

Re: vehicle wont climb in steep climbs at elevation above 19

Had my truck way over 2000 metres in the Alps no problem, so there has to be a problem with your truck.

rananjaya · Aug 11, 2013

Re: vehicle wont climb in steep climbs at elevation above 19

Egr blank is done. Pulling power has increased. Less smoke but still have some. Technician said that its the blocked carbon inside and to run above 100kmph in highway for about hour so that it will clear the system.

Will get back after a run.

lookskyward1 · Aug 11, 2013

Re: vehicle wont climb in steep climbs at elevation above 19

rananjaya said:
What is obd2 reader?

It is a diagnostic machine that plugs in tho the OBD port under the dashboard. Something like this, http://item.mobileweb.ebay.co.uk/viewit ... 1031017007

rananjaya · Aug 19, 2013

Re: vehicle wont climb in steep climbs at elevation above 19

when I disconnect the MAF and run the cab, check engine light is not coming. is it a problem. Is it possible to delete the MAF sensor in ecu system.

I doubt whether previous owner has done it before selling it to me. so that he wont have to replace the faulty MAF.

vehicle wont climb in steep climbs at elevation above 1900m

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