Ok the weather here right now is slightly cold, cold enough to make me boost about 11-12 in 2nd and onward. First is where i have a issue or a question.
When i punch it in 1st i maybe reach 6 psi at the most all the way to redline, is this normal because it is slightly cold out and because 1st gear was boosted lower from the factory? Also when my tires start spinning out of control is it normal for the boost to fluctaute and not hold like it should if the tires were gripping....or should it hold not matter what because i have it floored?

thanks for the help.

Jordan

 

The SRT-4 is programmed not to boost in 1st if you are stock. That's just the way dodge made it.

If you want boost in 1st, you will need to get a stage 1,2,3 computer.

The other situation is that the BOV is letting your compressed air out causing your boost gauge to fluctuate. It is normal when you have it floored.

 

Sure it's supposed to boost in 1st -- just not as high as in other gears.

 

thankyou, makes me feel better

Jordan

 

I have some problems that may be related to this fluctuation, so I thought I'd post it here. Partly because my searches in this and other forums haven't been successful to find answers... maybe I'm just using the wrong search words, I dunno.

Anyway, I've had my '04 since Oct 2005. From day one I've had problems with the boost fluctuating. For now, under the hood is stock. On a 3rd gear pull (or any WOT for that matter), she'll sometimes boost to about 14ish and hold. Other times, it'll boost the same then drop to anywhere from 5-10 and hold. And even other times, the highest she'll reach is anywhere in the 5-10 range. It's hit and miss. In the cases where she stops early, I can let off the throttle and punch it again and she'll go to 14 fine... or maybe drop. Like I said, it's a pretty random hit and miss kinda thing. This is all done when she's sufficiently warmed up. I've taken her to the dealer more than once, with the same answers given every time. They say it's "normal". I've had other turbo cars- DSMs, 3KGT and FD3S, none of them had this sporatic attitude. Dealer mechanic said the SRT-4's ecm "plays it safe" by not building boost in a scenario where it would be "unsafe". That's all fine and dandy and I guess makes sense, but I wonder why it's sporatic. My assumption based on what I know of the Stage upgrades and new w/gs is that a new w/g (i.e. AGP) or maybe even S1 would fix this problem. But I'm mainly wondering if this is even normal, or just my car. The only other SRT I've driven was a test drive before buying this one, and as I recall it didn't have that issue on the freeway... but then I had the salesman with me so I wasn't playing around too much.

Any advice anyone can give would be greatly appreciated. Sorry the explanation is so long, it's a little hard to explain in fewer words. Jim04srt says above that fluctation is normal when it's floored so I'm wondering if that pertains to my situation.

 

If your new to the SRT-4 you may not know about the 5 clamps on your inner cooler hoses you need to check every 1500 miles or so. When they get loose you will see your boost gauge vibrate or go 'blury'. This will cause your boost to be all over the place. Kinda what you described. Try searching for a 'blury boost gauge' or 'vibrating needle' in past threads. That should point you in the right direction.

Here is the pic of the location of the 5 clamps. People have posted this pic many, many times before. Thanks again to the person who made up this pic in the first place.



[IMG]local://upfiles/25955/32FA4894451E4E9B8E928A5D12770821.jpg[/IMG]

 

That is entirely normal. Depends on weather, elevation, and a few other things. The car isnt the same every single time. However, do make sure to check those hose clamps. Do a boost leak test to prove to yourself that there isnt anything wrong. It never hurts to test things, it only helps.

Stock boost is anywhere from 11-15psi. Those are the spike ranges I've gotten. I never pay attention to boost in first gear since with stage 1 (and now my EBC), 1st and 2nd gear are gone in a flash.

 

Thanks so much to the both of you for the advice! I'll check those clamps tonight and check for a boost leak after.