2005 F350 "wrench" issue

[soccrman]

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

[ScottG]

I would start by reading the code.
BTW, why do you hammer it so hard up the hills?

[RoyF]

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.

[joegray]

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

[45Ricochet]

Just subscribing :W
Good luck with it!

[METZCOOL]

Dave,
Could be defueling from to high of engine oil temp, go to this site and search and ask on the forum there.
http://www.thedieselstop.com/

This is sign of plugged oil cooler.