Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) dead engine

[MDSlover]

replaced cam sensor 2 weeks ago ,driving down interstate no warning engine instantly dies engine light is on ,will restart but only 400 rpm real shaky throttle is dead it acts like its not hooked to engine no throttle at all what should i do first it has 189000 miles it is 2001 6 speed

 

[JLandry]

MD,



Sounds like it could be a failed VP44 fuel injection pump, but the very first thing to do is find out what DTC's (Diagnostic Trouble Codes) have been set to cause that MIL (the check engine light) to illuminate.



You can quickly do this to find out: Get a pencil and paper ready, then turn the ignition key ON-OFF-ON-OFF-ON (leave ON) without starting the engine. Watch the odometer window and copy down any codes you see, then report back here and we'll help you figure things out. Better yet, consider stopping by your favorite auto parts store or someplace like Wal-Mart and buy yourself an inexpensive code scanner (which you plug into the OBDII port under the dash). All you need is a model that will display and clear the trouble codes. Don't waste your money on one that displays trouble code descriptions as these are available for free on the web. This tool is handy to have and if you do your maintenance, sooner or later you'll need it to clear trouble codes.



Best regards,



John L.

 

[MDSlover]

ihad the snap on guy scan it and there was 0230 1688 0253 0594 0251 codes he said he thought must were fuel related but he wasnt sure

 

[JLandry]

ihad the snap on guy scan it and there was 0230 1688 0253 0594 0251 codes he said he thought must were fuel related but he wasnt sure

The P1688 (Internal Fuel Injection Pump Failure), P0253 (Fuel Injection Pump Fuel Valve Open), and the P0251 (Fuel Injection Pump Mechanical Failure) trouble codes point strongly to a failed VP44 fuel injection pump. Time to buy a rebuilt unit.



You should also verify the lift pump is working correctly before you attempt to start the truck after installing a new fuel injection pump. That P0230 (Transfer Pump Circuit Out of Range) trouble code suggests there may be a problem with the lift pump.



Do you have a fuel pressure gauge installed? If not, buy an inexpensive fuel pressure test gauge set, connected it to the Schraeder valve on the fuel line inlet of the VP44, then bump the starter (but do not start the engine) and leave the ignition key on. The lift pump should activate and run for approx. 25 seconds. Ideally, fuel pressure should be between 12 and 18 psi.



The P0594 trouble code (if you copied it down correctly) suggests there could be a problem with the speed control system. I wouldn't worry about that for now though. Just test and replace the lift pump (if necessary), replace the VP44, clear all the trouble codes and see which one's come back if any during a test drive. Also, install a fuel pressure gauge if you don't already have one.



Good luck,



John L.

 

[jkidd]

quite a laundry list of codes, 1688 is the code of death, the p0216 code can be recovered from sometimes if you clear it and get good fuel pressure.

 

[Joe Mc]

MD - There are plenty of places with VPs for sale, plenty of members here with businesses and plenty of opinions as to which one is the best. It's like a woman and very relative to your specific needs and or plans for the future.



These folks did very right by me and at the time had the pump, best price, shipping and customer service (counts very much in this day and age). At least take a look at their site - lots of information. Good luck.



Bosch VP44 Dodge Injection Pump :: VP 44 Diesel Fuel Injection Pump