Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) 2001 Seems to have a dead spot in the throttle when crusing on highway HELP!!

[SGrasmick]

I had a 1997 ford which had a bad throttle pedal (It was an electric pedal with no cable) Under cruising speeds on the highway it would seem to hit a dead spot and stop accelerating, I got a code for throttle pedal position sensor, replaced the pedal and the problem went away. Now I am having the same problem on my 2001 dodge, With having a standard Cable throttle pedal, my ideas of what the problem may be have been transferred to the throttle assembly under the hood. Could this be developing the same problem my ford had??



It started a few weeks ago once or twice, went away for a week and just started today and did it nearly 6 times today all while cruising at higher speeds, It lasts about 5 seconds then operates normally.



After telling a buddy of mine about it, he told me he couldnt describe his same problem any better, so aparentally I am not the only one with the problem





If anyone has experienced the problem, please PM me with the solution, Hopefully my guess of the only logical idea which would be a replacement of the throttle assembly above the injection pump is the solution.







Please only respond if you have an educated understanding of what the problem may be

 

[GCULP]

throttle position sensor, or APPS is your problem, yeah we have a cable, but it is connected to a similar throttle position sensor as your Ford was. You probably have a slight stumble during easy acceleration through a particular RPM range, say between 1700 and 1900. If you accelerate hard through that range you probably don't notice it and when you use the cruise at that RPM range it doesn't do it either. Let me know if I'm on the right track.

 

[SGrasmick]

Dead spot

You are right on about the problem, Is the entire assembly the replacement part or is the sensor internal??

 

[SGrasmick]

Code P0216

Injection timing circuit code found today if this helps diagnose the problem, unfortunately no TPS codes ever found

 

[SnoKing]

If the truck just does not go, like it has returned to idle, and you have the Po216 code. Then most likely the VP44 injection pump is failing. If the truck is stock, then read the thread regarding when the Cummins engine warranty begins, and take it to a dealer to see if they will warranty it.



https://www.turbodieselregister.com...83078-has-daimlerchrysler-taken-you-ride.html



SNOKING

 

[GCULP]

oops, looks like you may have other issues, or both. the APPS is an external item connected to the end of the throttle cable, theyre about $350 and really easy to change. As for the 216 code and the injection pump, ouch, try SourceAutomotive. biz.

 

[mstephenson]

APPS Replacement

I have a simple question about replacing the APPS. The bolts are easy enough, but I wanted to make sure I didn't break the two plastic pieces getting them off the old and putting them on the new. Do I pinch or twist the plastic piece connected to the outside ball thingy? If I break something it's a long walk and probably a lot of money to replace that too.



Sorry, I just don't know how better to explain it.



Thank you,

 

[GCULP]

you can actually pry the plastic end off of the ball joint. you can use anything with a V shape like a claw hammer or wonder bar or even dikes and apply pressure evenly. they are similar to the gas shocks on any hatchback or canopy tailgate.

 

[rkressg]

Just as an FYI,
Unless you had an P0121 or a P0122 (APPS Under/Over Voltage), than most likely your APPS is fine.
I would check your Fuel Pressure. Seeing that you had an P0216 code, you could be throwing away money at replacing a part that is not broken yet (although it will eventually break).

If you have a fuel restriction, you could damage the VP44 and this could cause your poor performance.
-Rich

 

[Michael Hughes]

Does this happen more when you have less then 1/4 tank of fuel?

 

[SGrasmick]

I cannot pinpoint when it happens because ill get 3-4 days of the probelm then 3-4 days problem free, but it seems as though it happens more frequently when I am lower on fuel than when I just filled up, but more so when its hot as hell out side

 

[ddunk]

Can you say VP-44!!!!

 

[Mactruck]

I Just got back from a 1000 mile road trip to West Virginia and back for work.



I had never experienced Dead Pedal but before I got out of the state, I had it bad.



I have a Smarty and before I left I changed it to #5 setting (mild with timing)

I experienced an issue where I would accelerate and then it would stop accelerating. EGT's would drop to about 800 and no matter what I did it would not accelerate.



I Then Changed the setting to #7 (Medium w/ timing) and it was the same.

Then I changed it to 6 (Mild with no timing) And 90% of the problems went away. I did happen intermitently but all I had to do was back off the throttle then roll back into it.



I have not checked codes yet. I am on my original vp44. I have a FASS and before that another upgraded fuel pump.



This feels like it's an electronic problem, not the vp starving for fuel.

 

[WTBurke]

I had the exact same syndrome... dead peddle and Po216 code... Dude your VP44 is gone!

If you don't monitor your fuel delivery system it will kill your VP44, bottom line.



Sorry

William

 

[Mactruck]

I just checked the codes: PO216



Time for a new Injection Pump! (My first)



Well it was a good run while it lasted.