If your vehicle is powered by a Cummins engine, it’s quite essential that you have a fundamental knowledge of the fault codes. The P1693 Dodge Cummins code is a unique fault code that signifies a more severe fault in your vehicle.
The P1693 code indicates that your engine has a problem, and it points to whatever the cause is. This way, you can quickly diagnose your engine and get to the root of the problem with little risk of misdiagnosing.
Let’s take an in-depth look into the meaning, the symptoms, the causes, and how you can fix the P1693 code.
Table of Contents
What Does P1693 Code Mean On Dodge Cummins Engine?
Diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P1693 stands for “Turbo Charge Control Circuit Malfunction”. It is generally referred to as the companion code because it lets you know that there are other codes stored in the computer.
The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) that monitors the engine’s ignition system triggers the P1693 when it detects a seemingly strange code it’s not used to. This case lets you know that there is a problem code present in the Engine Control Unit (ECU). Engine problems that could cause the code include a VP44 fuel injection failure and a bad accelerator pedal position sensor.
On the other hand, if there’s a P1693 present in the ECU, it probably implies a code is being thrown in the PCM. Very rarely, you might see the code on both computers, indicating that additional codes such as P0121, P0122, and P0222 are stored in both control modules.
To get to the root of the problem, you need to extract the stored codes with a code reader or any suitable scan tool.
Read more: Dodge Charger Cranks But Won’t Start: Why? How To Fix It?
Symptoms That May Accompany P1693 Code
The tricky thing about the P1693 code on a Cummins engine is that it could be related to several technical problems. The actual code stored in disguise determines what symptoms you might experience. However, it has been commonly associated with VP44 fuel injection pump issues. Some of the signs you might notice include:
- Difficulty starting the engine due to failing or damaged fuel pump.
- Rough engine running or cut-offs at certain speed levels, likely due to injector issues.
- Noticeably reduced engine power when carrying heavy loads due to fuel system problems.
Different factors could be responsible for these symptoms. As such, it’s essential to extract the stored codes from the PCM and ECU to establish the real problems. It is not enough to treat the symptoms but also necessary to fix the causes.
Cummins P1693 Code: Causes And How To Fix
The P1693 Dodge Cummins code does not point to any problem but rather that there’s a separate code present. Anything could cause the hidden code, and this could make it quite hard to diagnose the exact problem.
Nevertheless, a VP44 fuel injection pump problem is the most typical reason the code is thrown. A bad accelerator pedal position is another likely cause of the P1693.
VP44 Fuel Injection Pump Failure
A fuel injection pump, also commonly referred to as a diesel injector, is the part of the engine that pumps fuel into the section where it is burnt to produce the energy that powers the vehicle.
The injection system consists of three main components. The fuel pump pushes fuel to the injection pump, which in turn sends it to the injectors. Like any other engine component, the VP44 system can fail at any time.
When the lift pump fails, the injection pump draws fuel all the way from the tank. This causes increased stress to the whole system and makes it more likely to give out.
If you receive a P0216 code after scanning the vehicle with an OBDII scanner, a failed VP44 fuel injection pump is likely the cause of the P1693 trouble code.
Symptoms
- Difficulty starting the engine
- The engine is not running smoothly
- Misfiring engine
- Smoky exhaust
- Weak engine performance
Solution: Replace VP44 Pump
Step-by-step guide
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Bad Accelerator Pedal Position Sensor (APPS)
The Accelerator Pedal Position Sensor indicates the position of the accelerator pedal and communicates it to the engine control unit. This is one of the modern auto features that improve the driving experience and fuel economy.
To understand how it works, you should know the principle of vehicle acceleration. The throttle allows more air and fuel mixture when the driver pushes down on the accelerator pedal. As a result, the crankshaft rotates faster, causing an increase in speed.
In modern systems, the engagement of the accelerator pedal also signals the throttle to allow more air and fuel. However, the APPS signals the position of the throttle body to the ECU that automatically determines the needed air and fuel mixture ratio.
When the sensor fails, the ECM receives no signal, and you’ll start to experience the erratic driving performance of the vehicle. You’ll need to connect an OBDII scanner to the car to read the actual code. PO121, PO122, PO222, and PO223 engine codes are potential signs of a bad APPS.
Symptoms
- Check engine light is on
- Your car hesitates to move
- Poor Acceleration
- Your car goes into limp mode
Solution: Replace Accelerator Pedal Position Sensor
Step-by-step guide
Read more: Dodge Challenger ABS & Traction Control Light On: Causes & How To Reset
How To Clear P1693 Dodge Cummins Code
While you can always clear an engine code, it’s not recommended. Instead, it would be best to fix whatever issue the hidden code signifies. You’ll need to connect a suitable code reading device to the ECM to clear error Dodge Cummins codes.
- Turn the key on after connecting the scan tool.
- Wait for a couple of minutes for it to scan and find the codes.
- Enter the “Diagnostic Menu” and navigate to “Erase Codes”.
- Select “Erase Codes”.
Conclusion
We recommend that your P1693 Dodge Cummins Code be checked out by a professional. You should not just try to clear the code but also fix whatever problem might be. That requires extracting the stored fault code from the ECU/PCM to avoid misdiagnosing your engine issues.
