P1693 – Turbo Charge Control Circuit Malfunction (Cummins, Dodge)

By Reinier (Contact Me)
Last Updated 2019-04-17
Automobile Repair Shop Owner

Manufacturer Specific Definitions for P1693

Table of Contents

1. What Does Code P1693 Mean?
2. Where is the P1693 sensor located?
3. What are the common causes of code P1693?
4. What are the symptoms of code P1693?
5. Get Help with P1693

What Does Code P1693 Mean?

OBD II fault code P1693 is a manufacturer specific code that is defined by car maker Dodge as “Turbo Charge Control Circuit Malfunction”, and is set (somewhat counter intuitively) when either, or sometimes both the ECU (Engine Control Unit) and the PCU (Powertrain Control Unit) detect(s) that additional codes are stored in one or both control modules.

SPECIAL NOTES: Several other manufacturers, including Chrysler, Jeep, and Plymouth also use code P1693 to indicate the presence of trouble codes stored by one or more control modules, but on these applications, code P1693 is defined as “A companion DTC was set in both the ECM and PCM”, which is altogether a more accurate definition. 

Still other manufacturers that include Ford, Citroen/Peugeot, and Mercedes also use code P1693 with the definition “Turbo Charge Control Circuit Malfunction”, and as with Dodge Ram trucks, the presence of code P1693 on these applications merely serves to indicate the presence of other codes that are stored in one or more control modules. END OF SPECIAL NOTES.

As mentioned elsewhere, Dodge Ram trucks are controlled by two separate computers, one being the ECU (Engine Control Unit) that performs engine and fuel management functions, and the other being the PCU (Powertrain Control Unit) that controls, manages, and monitors the drive train.

Nonetheless, in terms of diagnostics, code P1693 does not indicate any fault, failure, malfunction, or defect on Dodge Ram trucks fitted with Cummins engines; the only purpose this code has is to indicate the fact that one or more codes are stored in either (or both) the ECU and/or the PCU. As such, it should be noted that code P1693 does NOT directly refer to turbochargers, and/or systems or components that are related to turbochargers or turbocharger boost control circuits/systems in any way, shape, or form.

Note that there is no information available on the reasons why this code appears to refer to turbocharger control circuits on Ram trucks when in fact it does not.

Where is the P1693 sensor located?

Since unlike most other codes that implicate relatively clearly defined systems and/or components, the presence of code P1693 is merely an indication that other codes are stored in one or more control modules and therefore, it is not possible to provide information on the location of every conceivable component on Ram trucks that can fail or malfunction.

Note also that since the location of components can vary greatly depending on the model and production year of a particular Dodge application, it is recommended that a reliable source of technical information is consulted to locate and identify parts, components, and systems correctly to avoid misdiagnoses and the possible unnecessary replacement of parts

What are the common causes of code P1693?

Since code P1693 only serves to indicate the presence of other stored codes in either or both control modules, the stored codes must be extracted with a suitable scan tool or code reader. However, it should be noted that while it is relatively rare for no other codes to be present, it is not altogether impossible for code P1693 to be present in either or both computers without other codes being present as well. In cases where this does happen, it could be the result of (for instance) momentary poor connections almost anywhere in the electrical system, or if, for instance, blown fuses are replaced without clearing the codes(s) relating to the circuit fault.

In both of these example scenarios, one or both computers will set one or more codes but if the fault corrects itself, or when the relevant computer recognizes the fuse replacement, the relevant computer will eventually clear the code(s) automatically, but in some cases, it can happen that P1693 is not cleared along with the other codes. In these cases, code P1693 could persist until it is manually cleared with a suitable scan tool.

Be aware also that on some Dodge applications with Cummins engines, it is possible for code P1693 to set simply as the result of some wheel spin on a slick or loose road surface, or as the result of routine maintenance/repair procedures that required the disconnection of one or more electrical connectors anywhere on the engine and/or fuel management systems, charging system, or transmission control system.

What are the symptoms of code P1693?

Although the observable symptoms of whatever codes are stored along with P1693 are entirely dependent on which codes are stored, some symptoms are common on Ram trucks with Cummins engines, these symptoms being-

• Rough idling or rough running at some engine speeds as the result of injector issues
• No start conditions as the result of fuel pump failures
• Loss of engine power when towing or carrying loads as the result of fuel system issues.

Note though that all stored fault codes must be extracted from both the ECU and PCU before an attempt is made to trace the cause(s) of any symptoms. Failure to do this will almost certainly result in wasted time and one or more misdiagnoses. Moreover, all stored fault codes must be cleared from both the ECU and PCU after repairs are complete in order to prevent a recurrence of code P1693.

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