Forum Discussion

soccrman's avatar
soccrman
Explorer
Jul 14, 2013

2005 F350 "wrench" issue

Hello all - hope you can steer me in the right direction here before I take it to a dealer to get hosed!!

First time towing with a new - to me - 2005 F350 diesel. Pulling up a steepish hill at 3400 rpm and about 30% turbo the orange "wrench" light on the dash came on and the truck wouldn't do over 2250 rpm. This happened 3 times but each time I stopped, 5 min break, started again and it disappeared and truck ran normally until the next big hill. It happened in both tow haul and normal. My trailer is not heavy - maybe 8000lbs tops.

I used to own a 2004 F350 so I know all the issues - but this is a new one. The 2004 was actually an excellent truck once I sorted it out and I would still have it if it wasn't STOLEN!!

This one has 212000kms and runs decent. I had it checked at local diesel shop.

Is this a sensor, transmission or engine issue!!

Thx for all your help.

Cheers,

Dave R
Tow Vehicles
  • joegray's avatar
    joegray
    Explorer II
    Jul 14, 2013
    I have a 06 F350 towing a 30ft 5er, around the same weight or a little heavier, and have towed up some steep hills towing through Flaming gorge. I have never had my turbo go much over half way let alone into the orange, nor have I ever needed to run the motor up to 3500 towing up a steep hill. Having said that, I never try to go up to 60 mph up really steep grades. I suscribe to the, Easy dose It driving pattern. JMHO
  • RoyF's avatar
    RoyF
    Explorer
    Jul 15, 2013
    My F350 Diesel is a 2008. When thermostat went bad, engine went into reduced power mode. Couldn't get rpms up, even with full throtle. It felt like engine was not getting any fuel, but engine was just protecting itself. This protection mode worked well, because temperature gauge never went into red. Anyway, your cooling system is one thing to check out.
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    Jul 15, 2013
    I would start by reading the code.
    BTW, why do you hammer it so hard up the hills?
  • 64thunderbolt's avatar
    64thunderbolt
    Explorer II
    Jul 15, 2013
    Hammer? I think the redline on a stock 6.0 is around 4200.

    The tunes in my 7.3 turn 3800

    They are V8's

    I would think the oil cooler is the culprit and the high oil temps are causing it to defuel (limp mode)
  • bighatnohorse's avatar
    bighatnohorse
    Explorer II
    Jul 15, 2013
    A number of things will cause the 6.0 diesel to power down.
    The oil cooler is THE MOST common problem causing that symptom.
    Forget the dash indicator needles - they're worthless.
    Get a ScanGuage II to monitor EOT (engine oil temperature) and ECT (engine coolant temperature).
    When the engine oil temperature reaches 250 degrees it will cause the engine to de-power like you describe.
  • transamz9's avatar
    transamz9
    Explorer
    Jul 15, 2013
    Get the codes pulled. It could be something as simple as a dirty turbo. I had mine go into limp mode from an overboost condition. Had to clean the turbo.
  • soccrman's avatar
    soccrman
    Explorer
    Jul 22, 2013
    Update - had the codes checked again this week. Local diesel shop told me the issue is injector #3 that needs replacing!! Oil cooler, turbo, EGT are all working fine.

    I did put the truck in for a check up with them before and they told me the same thing. I am just surprised that the engine shut down the way it did when towing. It runs fine, after warming up, when not towing.

    Will have to wait to do the repairs but need to do it before heading to W coast to see daughter!!

    Thx for all replies and tips!!

    Dave R
  • soccrman's avatar
    soccrman
    Explorer
    Aug 05, 2013
    Update 2 - had the injector fixed and this weekend did the trip up to Banff pulling the 5thW. Truck has run fine since it was fixed when not towing BUT the dreaded wrench came on again when I was on the way out of town!! Pulling fairly hard up a hill. Disappeared again when turned off and on again.
    On the way back driving the same roads/hills I decided to not let the turbo psi get over 30 - and NO WRENCH and power down!! Truck ran smoothly all the way. Not exactly sure what that means but will continue to monitor and get fluids changed as I can afford it.

    Cheers,

    DR

About Travel Trailer Group

44,029 PostsLatest Activity: Jan 13, 2025