(2014 RAM 2500) Turbo Actuator Comm Loss Code With City Diesel Actuator

[Tonybain42]

Hello everyone, I have a 2014 RAM 2500 with just 200k miles.

Around 140k, I changed the injectors, trans, and turbo actuator.

I replaced it with the City Diesel billet actuator.

It was working perfectly until the other day.

I leave my exhaust brake on auto, so it gets used every time I drive it.

I got the U code that says communication loss with turbo actuator.

I checked the plug, and I had 12v on the correct pin.

I'm wondering if anyone else has had this issue. Everything I have found related to my problem is with failed stock actuators, and the solution is to upgrade to the one I have.

I got the DDP turbo actuator code guide, and it says to check the can pins for 115-125 ohms on the actuator side and truck side of the harness.

I need to recheck that. When I checked it the other day, the actuator had 120 at first but didn't when I checked it again.

I can't find any example of a City Diesel actuator failing.

So now I'm trying to determine whether the truck wiring going to the actuator is damaged or if the actuator itself failed.

If the turbo goes bad where the vanes wouldn't move, I should be getting different codes, so I don't think that is the issue.

Has anyone ever had a similar issue?

Thanks!

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[AK Bob]

See the troubleshooting information attached.

Shorted or grounded CAN wires on the actuator harness side can also cause this code.

Usually, it’s the upstream NOx module causing the issue on the J1939 circuit.

I will try to find the post about this and add a link.

See the link below, post #11 in this thread.

https://www.igotacummins.com/threads...th-Turbo/page2

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[DDP]

There are a lot of cases in which people will replace the actuator when, in fact, it's the turbocharger that is sooted up.

The City Diesel, or a new actuator, for that matter, is strong enough to power through it for a little bit.

After a period of time, it can and will start to get sooted up again, which causes excess wear on any new actuator.

It's just a thought since your truck has decent mileage.

If you happen to take the actuator off and take it apart, I can help diagnose whether it's getting worn.

I keep a city diesel actuator on my desk that shows broken teeth from a turbocharger being sooted up.

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[Tonybain42]

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[AK Bob]

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Looks like you found the problem.

Apparently the motor overheated and burnt up components.

@DDP

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[Tonybain42]

After checking everything, I had 12v, ground, and can have 120 ohms on the actuator and truck side.

I unplugged the exhaust sensor on the downpipe, which made no difference.

I pulled the actuator and found a component had gotten hot enough to desolder itself and slide down, then the backing solder cooled and stuck it in place. The two main pins were no longer connected.

I resoldered them, but that made no difference.

With the actuator reconnected and the key on the motor didn't move or cycle, it still had a commloss code.

Upon more inspection of the actuator board, I pulled it to discover the motor windings were cooked on the lower side.

I could not find other examples of City Diesel actuators failing, which surprised me.

After talking to City Diesel, they have changed the design from 3 years ago when I got this one.

He said it now limits the current at a lower level and modifies the gears in the gear section.

So now I'm waiting for City Diesel to call me when a unit becomes available.

I was told about two weeks.

So, a few days of troubleshooting and now it's another 1k for a new actuator.

At least the turbo is still good!

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[Tonybain42]

Thanks for the help, AK Bob.

Hoping it was a simple solution like you described, but not my case.

Great to know, though! I could see the problem that you found driving me crazy, LOL!

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[AK Bob]

Thanks for the update and information, exciting.

I installed my City Diesel actuator on 12/21/2020, so evidently, I also have the older version.

So far, there have been no issues with mine; fingers crossed.

As you mentioned, this is also the first failure I have heard about.

I'm glad you found the problem, and City Diesel has made some design changes.

Sorry to hear you were out of luck with any warranty or compensation towards the replacement.

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[Corkey]

I have never seen this issue before.

Too bad there are no recalls to be had or lean on a warranty.

But hey, you found the issue on your own, with no dealership or shop rates.

This is one thing of millions that help identify possible problems on this forum; you've got to love it.

A dealer would have charged a diagnosis fee, a whole new VGT setup "$3000."

The LPM saved you, give or take, $3,000 of unnecessary wasted money.

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[Tonybain42]

Mine would have been installed, I think, in March 2020, so just under four years.

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