Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) 2001-Ran fine when she went into store- (P0500-1693)

[Newf Limo]

Hey,

My other-half drove the truck to the store and the truck ran just fine. She came out 20 minutes later and it started but ran very rough, coughing and sputtering. Had it towed home and it doesn't even start. A couple 'near fire-ups' but doesn't actually start.

Lift pump does cycle on. Fuel always comes from the same (Gulf) branded gas station that I have used for 10 years. The codes on the dash are P0500 and 1693 (of course).

She isn't one to spin tires so that is out. What the heck is it with the speed sensor code anyways?

What is the cheapest code reader that will work to pull the P1693 codes from the ECM?

What (besides the fuel injection pump) could this be that I can actually do something about? Cam Sensor? Other?

The truck has 197,000 miles on it.

Thanks guys,
Dennis

 

[SnoKing]

"Mopar's Notes: P0500 Error Code - Explained
Since 4 wheel anti lock brakes rely on 2 front axle sensors and 1 rear wheel sensor. The CAB is watching the speed output from all 3 sensors at one time. So when on a slick surface like ice, gravel, wet pavement, etc. when you accelerate rapidly and cause the rear tires to spin the rear speed sensor jumps up in speed rapidly and the front 2 sensor could be at zero speed yet. So the CAB can't understand how the rear half of the truck is doing say 35 MPH and the front half is doing 0 MPH. POOF! P0500 code is thrown."

I get it often. Should not have caused your issue. What is your fuel pressure showing when you bump the starter?

SNOKING

 

[Newf Limo]

Thanks!

I don't have a fuel pressure gauge. I can just hear it pump up. The engine won't start though, not even for a moment. You would think that as long as you got fuel to the injector pump, it would start for a few seconds as the injector pump would create the necessary pressure for the injectors. Even then, many have claimed that their tucks run with completely failed lift pumps, though ultimately with the possibility of injector pump damage for extended use.

I'm thinking I am going to have to order an Innova 3130c and get the codes. My truck lives 35 miles from the city, and any competent Diesel mechanics.

 

[SnoKing]

Tish tish, no 2nd gen should be running without a fuel pressure gauge! The 1693 means a code in the companion module. The P0500 is a PCU code and the ECU P1693 just says that there were codes in the PCU.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xt3RQbAKvg4

Is that how yours read out PCU then ECU?

If so I scanner most likely will not find a lot more!

I think you have a fuel problem. Have you cracked an injector line while cranking to see if you are getting fuel to the injectors? And you do have fuel in the tank, right? When did you fuel it last?

Take the output line from the lift pump to a bucket and see if it pumps about a quart or so with a start bump.

Change the fuel filter and see what it looks like!

Prime the new filter and crack a couple injector lines, and maybe it will come back to life!

Chris

 

[Newf Limo]

Thanks Chris,

P0500 was first. It does not differentiate between PCU and ECU. It just flashes P0500.....P1693....done.

I will do that this weekend. I appreciate the help. That at least gives me a good starting point!

Dennis

 

[mwilson]

Dennis, Is that the original VP44 on that thing???

 

[Newf Limo]

Yup. Never a hiccup.

 

[mwilson]

I hate to say it but this would be a major fart. I seen two VP44's go out just as suddenly over the years.

I hope that it turns out to be something else, but I'm thinking that you will be shopping for a new one. If that does happen let me know, I know a place that will treat you fairly. You do not want to go with the Cummins unit in this case. The Cummins ReCon VP44 for a Ram is just crazy money now.

 

[Newf Limo]

Ok. Thanks. I hope it isn't either. We just dropped a brand new $7000 engine in the other-half's MINI S-Clubman. (08 with 68K miles). They did pay 75%, but it was still a chunk of change on this working stiffs paycheck! I'm really tired of throwing money at vehicles at the moment. Made easier by the fact that we no longer actually have money, so that's convenient!

 

[Bob Wagner]

Just replaced my original vp44 after 14 years. It never gave me any signs of failing. Parked the truck 5 days later crank and no start. 2 codes pump is gone. New pump back to like. P1688 my my code and 1694

 

[Newf Limo]

Just dug this up. Interesting... http://www.bluechipdiesel.com/vp44diagnostichelp.html

 

[mwilson]

That's a very good troubleshooting instruction. Well written.

Mike.

 

[Newf Limo]

Good deal. Looks like a project.

 

[Road Dog]

My '02 shows 2 sets of codes -- the first for the PCU and the second for ECU. Right now it says:
P PCU
P done
P ECU
P done

Just because the lift pump runs doesn't mean fuel is getting to the injector pump.

 

[BDaugherty]

I have found bluechip's VP44 troubleshooting instructions to be very accurate.
Follow them and you will not be mislead.