Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) What's happened to the epidemic of VP-44 issues?

[DFerverda]

I have been getting the dead peddle for a couple weeks now, usually when i take off in the a. m. and it only does it for about a mile or 2 then it clears up. I just figured this would be a good thread to ask,

1. Which pump did you guys go with.

2. What was the result, Run better, MPG go up? And if so how much.
(I know that will be a tuff one, with a new pump maybe more power, and that smile on your face)

3. How long do you think they will go after the dp shows up.
Dirk

 

[Rattler]

I went with a pump from Midwest (THe Diesel Store) . Milage seems to have improved, but can't tell how much yet. Randy

 

[Joe Mc]

My truck never got the dead pedal, or limp home mode, unless you count the day it died 5 miles from work. I experienced the following two conditions only:

1-after a hard run = dead stop, bring it up on the foot brake to 10# and letter rip through the gears, letting off the pedal quickly while it was wound up (light turned red) and it just stopped running, wouldn't restart, towed home to find no codes, it got air-bound = fuel in the lines got pushed back thru the pump. I was able to get prime and back on the road.

2-on the way to work one morning (probably a month or two after #1 above) I was going along fine and went to ease (really) on the go pedal to change lanes and it just died. No lights on the dash or anything, just as if the motor never stopped running, but the tach was 0 rpm, wouldn't restart, towed home and got a 1688 code. Per the 24 V code list post on the TDR as follows:

P1688 (M) Internal Fuel Injection Pump

Controller Failure

Internal problem within the fuel injection pump. Low

power, engine derated, or engine stops.



So it's hard to predict how long an "on the way out pump" can or can't last. I'll offer the info that someone here offered me when I posted about incident #1 above. Start shopping now, get the pump delivered so when it fails you have it on hand.



As for the other questions: I went with a stock pump (SO for my 99) and got it from Bosch VP44 Dodge Injection Pump :: VP 44 Diesel Fuel Injection Pump $1,025, no core charge unless you don't return it in 14 days, then they charge your card until they receive the core, then they credit your card back the $500 core charge, no tax for (I'm in PA), shipping to you and return for the core included unless you need it faster than UPS regular ground. Did I notice any more power, no, it just seemed to start a little easier than the old pump = after wait to start goes out turn key 2-3 seconds its running.



The smile on my face was put there by being back in the saddle and out from behind the wheel of my wife's Volvo XC-70:-laf.



Good luck to you.

 

[jesnic]

I am having an ho pump installed with new injectors as well. It should be ready by wed. I should see an increase in mileage, if I can keep my foot off the loud pedal. Next step, twin air suckers

 

[Rattlin_Ram]

I am having an ho pump installed with new injectors as well. It should be ready by wed. I should see an increase in mileage, if I can keep my foot off the loud pedal. Next step, twin air suckers

Why an HO pump???

 

[jesnic]

Its a -17 pump. It pumps more fuel. I picked it up on wed. and it runs awesome. When it hits fourth and overdrive, it pulls hard. I took it to Charleston, just got back. On the highway it pulls hard to about 3300 rpm @115 mph, then it has nothing. As if there is no fuel or air left. The loud pedal has no response after that. But getting there is a lot of fun and very quick. I did notice on wet roads, I have to be careful when it shifts. It likes to break loose.

 

[Rattler]

I installed the stealth cover yesterday and have a problem. On the way home after the install, the truck stumbled hard when i got on it. It also set a check engine light. It ran really well before the cover, now i wonder what is going on? I am going to check for codes today. Any ideas what is happening? Randy

 

[jesnic]

Sounds as if there isn't a good connection between the can-bus wiring or the tap isn't making good connection. A code will appear if the wrong voltage is signaled. Did you run the new vp44 without a tap for a while or make the tap immediately when installed? Check ground wires. If ground wires are not tight, codes will appear and bucking and stumbles will happen as the voltage is not consistant. Check grounds, checks codes, clear and unplug comp. Plug back in and turn it off and start truck. See if the codes come back without the box.

 

[Joe Mc]

I installed the stealth cover yesterday and have a problem. On the way home after the install, the truck stumbled hard when i got on it. It also set a check engine light. It ran really well before the cover, now i wonder what is going on? I am going to check for codes today. Any ideas what is happening? Randy

After the hard stumble / CEL went on. Did it still drive OK otherwise? I'd like to hear what the code was when you find out. Don't forget about the 24V code list here:

https://www.turbodieselregister.com...ine-transmission-faq/96634-24v-code-list.html



Try disconnecting the power box at the plug end on the wire from the stealth cover and turn the power to the box off, then see if you get the stumble when you get on it, or not?



I'm hoping it's just the piercing stud needs a bit more of a turn in, like a half turn?



Looking forward to hearing what the code was and what you found out?

 

[Rattler]

Well i checked for codes and got 0122, 1688, and1693. I then cleared these and rechecked for power at the tap screw on the cover. There was no juice at the cover screw, so i slowly backed it out and got power. Rechecked for codes before i started truck and again i got 1693. I cleared this again and went for a ride. This time the truck pulled hard with no stumble at all. It does not seem to smoke as much as it used to, but seems to pull harder? I was watching in the mirror, and when boost came on in 3rd gear, the black marks started and lasted as long as i was in the fun pedal. Maybe i had a bad connection on the screw, it seemed to have to go too deep to get power. Randy

 

[jesnic]

Randy,

Glad it worked. I would be a little concerned with the 1693 code. That is directly related to injection pump. Did the code come back? Did you replace the lift pump when you installed the new VP44? Now tell me, when you shifted from second to third and let off the clutch and then gave it gas, the boost climbed to ? and then the back tires started to spin? Was the road wet?

How much power you think you are running?

 

[DFerverda]

Yesterday my cel came on, truck stumbled a bit then ran ok. When i got to town and shut off truck, it started fine and the cel was off. Today i pulled the codes and got a 1693. That was the only one.
jesnic, you stated above this is directly related to the vp, is that correct. The list tool man listed says this.

P1693 (M) DTC Detected in Companion Module A fault has been generated in the companion engine
control module.

P1693 (M) DTC Detected in PCM/ECM or DTC
Detected in ECM
A 9Companion DTC9 was set in both the ECM and PCM.

I just want to know for sure before i order a pump, we are planning some trips this summer and i would rather change it before it quits out on the road.
Dirk

 

[SnoKing]

P1693 is a pretty comment code and should be be worried about. SNOKING

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

Well i checked for codes and got 0122, 1688, and1693. I then cleared these and rechecked for power at the tap screw on the cover. There was no juice at the cover screw, so i slowly backed it out and got power. Rechecked for codes before i started truck and again i got 1693. I cleared this again and went for a ride. This time the truck pulled hard with no stumble at all. It does not seem to smoke as much as it used to, but seems to pull harder? I was watching in the mirror, and when boost came on in 3rd gear, the black marks started and lasted as long as i was in the fun pedal. Maybe i had a bad connection on the screw, it seemed to have to go too deep to get power. Randy

Dunno if it's possible or not, but I'd be more concerned about the set screw actually passing THRU the lead, and shorting it to the case of the VP-44 - can't be very good for the power section of the ECM...

 

[DFerverda]

P1693 is a pretty comment code and should be be worried about. SNOKING

Saaay What????????

 

[Rattler]

Gary, that was a concern of mine too. I followed thier directions with turning in the screw and checking it with a test light. It seemed to have to go too deep. I did not change lift pumps as i run the glacier setup and always run 17 lbs. pressure. The truck makes about 32 lbs. boost when i am in it hard. As far as power goes, i would guess about 330 horse at the wheels. So far everything seems fine again, hope it stays that way. Randy And no the roads weren't wet.

 

[jesnic]

I believe I would keep an eye on my fuel pressure. Did you take the stealth cover back off and investigate where it pierced? The glacier should provide enough fuel to the VP44, but the electronics on the VP44 are very finicky.

 

[rivercat]

<----- has virgin oem ho vp 44 80+k, TAPPED FOR 50K woo hoo!

 

[Joe Mc]

After the hard stumble / CEL went on. Did it still drive OK otherwise?

Randy, sounds like everything is OK? Still wondering about the above question after the initial stumble?



When I put my stealth cover on the pump was on the bench, as I turned in the piercing stud I held the ohm meter on the stud and the male pin (top row, 2nd in from the right - I think) where the stock harness attaches to the pump. Once I got continuity a gave it another 1/2 turn.



Anyway, glad to hear all is well.

 

[Rattler]

After i rechecked the cover yesterday , everything was great. Today on my way home, i stopped at a drive-thru and the truck would not shut off. I noticed the speedo was dead, the power windows, radio, and hvac would not work. Truck was down on power too. I started checking things with a test light when i got home and everything had power where it should have. I ended up pulling the power wire for the Juice and everything worked again. I checked the tap screw and no voltage again. I unplugged the tap wire and truck seems fine again. I left the pump untapped tonight. I am really wondering about this pump cover now. I am afraid if i turn the tap screw too deep it will ruin the pump, too shallow and i get problems. Both times i have set the cover i have done it to instruction ( turn in until test light lights, then half turn more). Any thing i should do different? Randy