Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Dead pedal problem - unsure of real prob

[Ncostello]

We have a 99 3500 at work that is used as a small snow plow. A few weeks ago it sputtered and quit pretty much all at once. 135K miles... original lift pump... and the VP44 was toast. I warned them... but oh well.



Anyhow it wouldn't start... nothing. The check engine code was for the APPS (throttle position). But the diesel shop assured us it was caused by the injection pump. They installed a reman VP44 and a FASS DDRP direct replacement pump. All good.



Today it sputtered on me at 5mph and the check engine light came on. Then about 15 min later it had a dead pedal. Just idle. Then it came out of it and was fine. The shop said take it back to the diesel repair facility we used.



They said the code was again APPS related but their "computer" showed the APPS was working fine. The fuel pressure from the new lift pump was good too. They were really at a loss and recommended a new APPS anyway.



Can this be the only real cause now? I don't want to start throwing parts (expensive ones too) at this gremlin. I suppose the reman VP could be the issue too but I'm ruling that out right now.



They are a reputable shop many here are familiar with. I just don't want to throw names out there as if they are not good. Because they are. I'm just not satisfied with the answer I got too much... especially since I was also told the same bad part was good too.

 

[JLandry]

Definitely sounds like an intermittent problem with the APPS considering two trouble codes and the VP44 is probably ruled out.



You can buy a replacement sensor only for the APPS from Geno's Garage for MUCH less than the entire assembly.



Please let us know how things work out.



John L.

 

[blacksheepdiesel]

The Dodge APPS in 2nd gen trucks are only good for about 100k or so. If you have a truck with the same style transmission (meaning both have to be manual or both have to be auto) that has no driving issues you can swap the good APPS into your truck and test it. No need to unbolt it from the aluminum housing, just swap the whole thing.

Godspeed,
Trent

 

[HBarlow]

The APPS modules in my '01 HO six speed were repeatedly good for only about 45k miles. I assumed it had something to do with that particular truck or the way I used it but many of them failed around that mileage. I think I put six new APPS modules in that truck.

 

[Ncostello]

Will update as soon as I hear. I think its being replaced right now. I'm still going to check geno's part.

 

[BDahm]

I have a similar problem right now, New apps didnt fix it either. I have a post i just put up too. Good luck and hopefully we can help eachother

 

[Ncostello]

A new APPS was installed. No check engine lights or dead pedal after a few days of driving. We'll see. With the old APPS... it wasn't a constant problem however. So I suppose only some time will tell.