Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) 0216 code heat related???

[Sticks]

A brief summary of my woes.



Three months ago I started having the 0216 code showing up regularly and not showing any symptoms of the injection pump taking a header (smoke, surging, etc. ). I thought it may have been the EZ, as I was also getting the over-boost code as well. Had the EZ replaced (Thanks Edge) and the over-boost code went away, but the 0216 stayed. Took it to the dealer and they decided the LP failed their new flow test, and the VP44 tested OK I have no gauges, and no money for gauges). Since the dealer the 0216 code came back 5 more times without the EZ, and twice with. I would clear the code as soon as I could each time.



The temps here in Denver have been 85* or lower for the last couple of weeks, and guess what, no code for the last two weeks!



After I got my truck back from the dealer, I started tracking the miles, time, and outside conditions (temps, driving/traffic) when I noticed the code. The only consistent thing when the code got set was the outside temps were 90*+. When I started thinking about it, the days that I thought for sure the code would be set, the temps were below 90*.



Is this a coincidence, or is the ambient temps a factor in VP44 life?



If it is a factor, could one put a small liquid cooler (like a small oil cooler) in-line between the fuel filter and the VP44?



Anybody? I am kind of stumped here, and I really want the VP to die completely before the first snow flies if it is damaged.

 

[Straight6Jeff]

When mine took a dump, the symptoms of dead pedal and surging would only occur if it was greater than 80 f and the truck was warmed up.

 

[IWeiny]

Temps and fuel

Well I don't think the temp will affect the pump itself. What I do know is that diesel will be a bit thicker at colder temperatures.



I have noticed 2 things since putting on my FP guage. I get better pressure with 2 things, tank is full, ie better head on the LP; and temperature is colder, ie thicker fuel.



A guess from a weekend mechanic is that your LP failed and caused your VP44 to be on the edge. Or it has always been on the edge? So in cold temps you get a good flow rate and in hot not?



A Diesel cooler would probably solve the symptom but I don't think it is a good final solution. Since putting on my EZ I am really thinking about all the LP alternative/helpers out there. I am probably destroying my VP44 but I try and keep my foot out of it until I can get my new LP on.

 

[24V-DSL]

All throughout my 0216 escapades I could never make connection to temperatures, cold or hot. I'm beginning to think that the 0216 code may manifest itself differently from truck to truck. All I know is that it never goes away until the pump is replaced.

 

[IWeiny]

while we are on the topic

Does this code set the check engine light?

 

[fj40charles]

I've noticed that after driving my truck on the highway for 3 straight hours, that it was harder to start. I had to wait longer than normal (wait until the fuel pressure goes to zero) before it would start right away.



I'm also getting check engine light and have gone into the limp mode. I don't see any companion codes and was told I had to visit Cummins to read it from the ECM.

 

[24V-DSL]

By the time I was done I had tripped the 0216 over a 100 times, and NEVER had a check engine light.

 

[15w40]

The P0216 code is a timing code as you stated. Inside the VP-44, there is a toothed wheel that sends a pulsed timing signal to the FPCM (fuel pump control module) mounted on top of the VP-44. Inside the VP-44 is a fuel pressure controlled timing solenoid that rotates the timing ring to advance the injection. If there is an error between the commanded timing and the fuel pump’s position sensor the P0216 DTC is set. This code will not light the MIL.



The high fuel temperature code, P0168, will light the MIL and may cause the VP-44 to go into limp mode.



My guess is the low pressure to the VP-44 from the bad lift pump has caused the internal pump plungers to be scored from lack of fuel lubrication. This damage may also cause the timing code error also.

 

[Sticks]

Thanks for the responses. We are probably out of 90* days here in Denver, so it will be hard to tell. It just makes me wonder that when the 0216 code was getting set almost on a daily basis, irregardless of mileage, and now I have gone for two weeks plus, and 400 miles and no code. The EZ is on, and I bounce between the three settings - on the fly (in cab rotary switch - only at idle). Days that I have driven HARD, both trying to set the code, and having a little fun, nothing.



The only connection that I cam make is the ambient temp is keeping the fuel above a certain temp and in turn keeping the VP warmer thus causing the timing failure.



The dealer will not do the VP replacement until it starts showing more definitive signs of going T. U. , and we all know that they will not take it apart to inspect for damage.



I have been postponing a trip to Moab because of this, because Murphy's law dictates that the pump will die a very sudden and horrible death in the middle of nowhere, and after hours.



I am half tempted to start the truck, unplug the LP power, and drive around the block until it dies.

 

[krs]

Didn't I read somewhere that it's a common practice of people who drag race with trucks using a VP44 to have a bottle of nitrogen or something to spray on the pump to cool it off if the truck dies?



I don't know if heat is a factor with these trucks but I do know that heat kills electronics and how much heat varies from device to device.