Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Code 216 with a 1689

[Big P]

With these combonations of codes, is a new injection pump pretty much a given. These codes resulted in poor idle and defuel/dead pedal. I took the comp off to get tested at Edge to eliminate that but I haven't got it back yet. These problems started on a recient trip while the comp was installed, but turned off. I've not had problems since I removed the comp a week ago. If it needs a new pump, I'd just rather get it done than to have to pay for a tow too. So, what do you all think?

 

[RDLeader]

What are your FP readings?

 

[Big P]

They are strong, probably too strong, 21-22psi.

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

22 PSI is no problem, and not likely to cause injection pump problems - but a failed Comp might cause a loss of extra power - but usually doesn't cause the engine to run more POORLY than stock. Sure hope it's not the VP-44, but it sure sounds like it...

 

[TORQUE THIS]

If you pick up a new pump and need a hand putting it in, let me know!

 

[R-N-R]

From what I have read here, a couple have escaped and a few have eluded, but most have succumbed to a replacement VP sooner than later. A poll/thread would be interesting.



I've also read that there are two primary types of failures.

One is a mechanical problem typically resulting in an immediate failure.

The other is an electronic problem causing flaky "stuff" to happen until it finally dies.



I had the 0216 code and other symptoms such as intermittently stalling going into reverse and low power. When your VP goes, you are stuck wherever it dies, mine was replaced yesterday.



fwiw,

Bill

 

[RDBuck]

Is it my imagination or is the 02 model more prone to VP44 failure than the others? Did they (Chrysler) try to get rid of all the defective 44s on the last model to use them?

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

When your VP goes, you are stuck wherever it dies, mine was replaced yesterday.



fwiw,

Bill

Bill, was the one that failed the HR version, or is that what it was replaced with - and can you tell any operating difference between stock and HR?

 

[R-N-R]

It was the factory unit that failed. I went for a short ride, got pulled over, and returned home with my tail between my legs. It seems to have more pep with the comp off, but not much difference with the comp turned up. SOP comparison to an EZ on level 1 or 2 perhaps. I am also way overfueled lacking airflow, that might be masking some of the HR benefit. It should work good though, I don't ride around with the comp set on kill very often.

 

[GIT-R-DONE]

With these combonations of codes, is a new injection pump pretty much a given. These codes resulted in poor idle and defuel/dead pedal. I took the comp off to get tested at Edge to eliminate that but I haven't got it back yet. These problems started on a recient trip while the comp was installed, but turned off. I've not had problems since I removed the comp a week ago. If it needs a new pump, I'd just rather get it done than to have to pay for a tow too. So, what do you all think?

I just went through this. I had (over the last 4-5 months) 4 different times that I got the 0216 code. I kept taking it back to the dealer to reset the codes. Finally got the dead pedal issue all at once, over a 1000 mile trip, happened 9 times. Dealer replaced the pump. FP was constant 14 and I am now in belief that Bosch just makes crap. I dont think the fuel pressure has anything to do with the pump failing. JMO

 

[tolmsted]

RE: BigP

For what it's worth My VP44 is being replaced tomorrow by DC @ 80,000 miles.

Heres my story. I hope it gives you some insight.



Four months ago my truck tripped the codes PCU 1693 and ECU 0216 @ 71,000 miles. I was hauling ..... up a Wyoming mountain pass at the time.

I had Cummins check it out. They said the LP was @ 3psi (dead) and that the VP44 should be replaced due to lack of fuel flow to cool internal parts.

Cummins said take it back to DC it's under warrenty.



MY dealer " Valley Chryslre Dodge", Boulder, Co was great Oo. and replaced LP

and said Vp44 was ok :--)



Last Saturday I was coming back home throught the continential divide and going up a steep grade and felt a loss of power oh! oh! :--) I made it home and sure enought I had New codes again 1693 & 0216.



Today my dealer VCD said LP is Ok @ 17psi BUT the Vp44 is starting to go and they had already had called 5Star and got the OK to replace it and that it will be in the AM tomorrow. I asked the tech why they did't replace the VP44 last time and he said DC WILL NOT replace until simptoms and/or full failure occures.



I know the above has happended to many other members, just hope you can get yours fixed without digging into your pockets.



You can bet I'm on the roll to add another pump on the frame rail by the tank.



Good luck. Tom

 

[Big P]

Thanks tolmsted, BTW I was towing too, over a 1500mi trip when this happened too! But I WILL be paying out of pocket for this one!

 

[WShupe]

I got a 216 on the start of a 1400 mile trip while I was in the mountains. . not cool. Got it there even with the dead pedal. Sure sucks trying to accelerate thru the mountains. I will tell you this though, if you get a rebuilt pump put on your truck, make sure it wasn't rebuilt in checkoslavakia. If it was and is painted black, it is a POS all the way.

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

Purely as a precaution, *I* am seriously on the lookout for a NEW, not rebuilt HO VP-44 for my truck - I plan to keep it for the long haul, and a replacement pump seems a wise investment. Problem is, NEW VP-44's are getting hard to find - and paying big $$$ for one that is only MECHANICALLY rebuilt still leaves a buyer with potentially high-mileage electronics and solenoids that can leave you alongside the road just as fast as a catastrophic mechanical failure!



In FACT, most of the pump failures under discussion in THIS thread are random and intermittant ELECTRONIC failures - a mechanical failure only hits once - then you start walking...



Anyone with pointers to a NEW HO VP-44, please contact me...

 

[Big P]

I think PDR sells new pumps. Depending on the builder, some places do replace the electronics.

 

[GKinney]

better VP44??

I can't believe with all the aftermarket vendors and gear heads out here that no one has designed/built a "good" vp44. Why can't someone make a vp44 with solid/dependable electronics in it and back it up with reliable mechanical internal parts too. I know the pump isn't the best conditions for electronics, but there should be a better way. It would be worth paying more $$ if it worked since the price of 1... 2... . maybe 3 Vp44's now adds up fast!!! Just a thought... I shouldn't ask for so much I guess. haha. :-laf :-laf