Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) APPS or VP44??? Or??

[SHobbs]

November 30th I was gellin like felon. Was not a huge event but enough so the truck would not stay running. After it warmed up I changed the fuel filter and didn't give it another thought. Well I have a starting issue now, at times it starts like it always has and other times I have to crank it for nearly 5 seconds. The other day I was sitting at a stop sign and the darned thing started acting like it was starving for fuel, coughed, stumble then died. It started right back up so I went and for another filter and changed it. I also did the key on three times and got the code PO122 which has to do with APPS.



The starting issure has gotten better and the darned thing is still stumbling when going down the road or at any other time. Just flat acts like there is no fuel. It has stumbled about three times in the last week. Today it did it coming home form work and last night going to work, one time each way.



Looking to my TDR family for suggestions here as to what it could be, the VP44, APPS or something else.



Thanks, Scott

 

[NicholasMiller]

Scott

I had the same sort of situation for the past year. So much so that went in for a lp at 77000mi and then eventually(after symtoms returned) a VP at 102K. These changes seemed to fix the problem for a couple of months then would show up again, which would send me back to the VP shop (twice) for vp replacement under shop warranty.....

Just before the holidays, I installed new injectors and on came the long cranking issue. I went to a different shop to have a new clutch installed and get the valves adjusted, and took a test drive with the mechanic and his portable diagnostic machine attached. Turns out it was the APPS causing the "hesitation" problem. (hesitation did not happen with the cruise set, by the way). Replaced the APPS. No hesitation and the long cranking is gone also.

Now the truck runs like new..... knock on wood.



Nick

 

[Batphreak]

APPS code = APPS problem. I've not heard of a VP or anything else setting a false APPS code.

 

[SHobbs]

APPS code = APPS problem. I've not heard of a VP or anything else setting a false APPS code.

I understand that and the reason I am asking is that when the fuel gelled and the truck died it kicked the APPS code. When the truck died after it stumbled it kicked the code again. Basically I am trying to narrow this down to whether it's the APPS and hoping it ain't the VP44.

 

[65creedmoor]

SHobbs, I am having the same problem with my Dodge. Did you end up having to swap out the VP44? Like you I am hoping my problem isn't the VP44.