Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Dead VP?

[FLynes]

I just picked up my new class this morning, and I have a student with a 2001 2500 2WD 5spd... keep in mind this kid is a PV2 (E-2) and makes next to nothing per month.



He told me that his truck is throwing P1693 (Turbo Charge Control Circuit Malfunction/Companion Code), P0216 (Injection Timing Control Circuit Malfunction) and P0234 (Engine Overboost Condition).



I'm pretty sure he needs a new VP44, and I told him to look at MWFI, since they have good package deals going.



The question I have is what could be causing the P0234 code? MAP sensor going bad at the same time as the VP44, or can the VP44 dying cause overboost to compensate for lack of fuel?



Thanks for the answers.

 

[JLandry]

Fred,



What are the symptoms... does the truck operate or is it dead?



He can ignore the P1693 trouble code for trouble shooting purposes.



If it starts and runs, then very first thing he should do is check the fuel pressure at the VP44 fuel inlet.



I say this because that P0216 code can be caused by low fuel pressure at the VP44 and doesn't always mean a failed VP44 (although it usually does).



Has he changed the fuel filter?



After verifying the fuel pressure is adequate, and if the truck will start and run normally (you didn't say if it would), then I would clear the trouble codes with a good code scanner, drive it around until warm, then check for trouble codes again to verify if and what problems may exist.



Regarding the P0234 trouble code, that normally would indicate a failed (or intermittent) MAP sensor or a stuck turbo wastegate. It goes to reason (to me anyway) that if the engine we're having fuel injection timing problems and badly backfiring, the MAP sensor could be tricked into reading an overboost condition and setting a P0234 trouble code.



I'd attack the P0216 trouble code first and then worry about what's causing the P0234 trouble code.



Best regards,



John L.

 

[FLynes]

John,



He says that the truck runs... . when he gets to around 40MPH, it stays there and if he floors it the truck spits out thin white smoke. He has to turn the truck off, then turn it back on and it will run normally again.



I also forgot to mention that he has a Superchips Flashpaq tuner.

 

[JLandry]

OK...



If it runs that well, it's probably not a VP44 failure yet.



Tell him to verify there's adequate the fuel pressure at the VP44 fuel inlet (he could have a lift pump problem after all) and replace the fuel filter (it could be clogged) and see if that helps. If not, try replacing the MAP sensor next. If that still doesn't fix the problem, I'd next replace the IAT (Intake Air Temp) sensor.



Best regards,



John L.

 

[FLynes]

John,



I've passed along the info, thank you much.

 

[Dieselnutz]

The P0216 is "The Death Code". Sooner or later the VP will leave him walking. Tell him to start saving and looking for a decent price on them. It is not that hard to change, so read up on the DIY.

 

[FLynes]

I did. I think that his best bang for the buck is going to be MWFI's package deal.



The thing that sucks is that I know how to change out the VP44, and I can install an Airdog, but because this guy is a student and I am cadre, Army Regulation 350-6 prevents me from going near him or his vehicle outside of school. All I can do is pass along all the good info I've gleaned from the TDR over the years.

 

[blacksheepdiesel]

Fred,

I have experienced that 0234 code and no boost condition before, and when it happened (multiple times) it preceded the 0216 and other symptoms of a dying VP. He can try resetting the APPS and disconnecting batteries overnight to see if that gives any temporary relief. Alas, you are correct, new VP in his future, probably sooner than later.

Godspeed,
Trent

 

[FLynes]

Trent,



When you say reset the APPS, are you talking about taking the cover off, hooking up the voltmeter to the APPS wire (23 pin?) on the ECU and adjusting, or turn the key to "ON" and depress the accelerator slowly three times?



I seriously need to get rid of this Ford... I'm starting to forget my Dodgeology 101.

 

[blacksheepdiesel]

Fred,

I'll lay my hands on BlackSheep and say a prayer that the Cummins gods will overlook your transgressions!

Key on, pedal down and up 3 times slowly. Then RUN it!

Godspeed,
Trent

 

[FLynes]

Trent, please do say that prayer for me... . I really don't know what I was thinking, but I'm damn glad I have a, get this, Daimler Chrysler warranty for that POS Powerjoke, LOL!!!!



I've already used it, and it would have run me $1309 without the warranty.



I have Blake Fulenwider Dodge looking for a truck for me. The salesman was way cool and understands that I don't want to take a hit on the credit report, before I buy the house we're living in (long story).



We'll see what happens in November... . what ends up being cheaper, a transplanted CTD in a F350 King Ranch or a nicely used 2003 (don't want the emissions crap)?



Can you believe that Ford put a damn EGR on their trucks in '04????? Couldn't meet emissions with their inefficient V8..... see what you got me started on now????



I need a beer..... :{

 

[blacksheepdiesel]

Hey Fred, how is your back (?) doing?

And what Airstream do you have?

Godspeed,
Trent

 

[FLynes]

I am still in great pain, but the Vicodin and Flexeril help take the edge off. Hopefully one of these days the Army will get its head out of its fourth point of contact and give me a referral to a neurosurgeon.



Brooke and I own a fully restored 1971 31' Airstream Sovereign with the rear bath and optional aluminum-framed overhead bunk beds.

 

[JMetzger]

Flynes: Just a thought about back surgery. Just had fusion of L2 through S1 & it aint no piece of cake. Had a very good neurosurgeon in Reno, NV do it. Just had it done 7/31. Everyone says expect pain for at least 6 months, believe it. I tried everything even Laser back surgery. The Laser back surgery was the biggest waste of time & money. Just remember it ain't no piece of cake. I hope in the long run I will feel better. Everyone says it will. Lots of luck with what ever you do

 

[FLynes]

Jack, thanks for the advice. The docs I've talked to tell me to save spinal fusion as a last resort, because you lose mobility. There is a neurosurgeon here in town who supposed to be phenominal, but getting the Army to let me see him is extremely difficult.

 

[blacksheepdiesel]

Fred,

Hate to hear you are still having issues with your back. My prayers are with you.

Wow, ultra cool! The legendary AS bunk beds!! Did they come with the trailer or did you find them and add them? I bought a '65 Overlander in June, needs lots of work including entire new flooring... Are you on AirForums?

Godspeed,
Trent

 

[FLynes]

No, they came with the trailer. I bought it on EBay three years ago, when Sherri was still alive. It had been sitting at an RV campground under tall oak trees and on jackstands for 28 years. The plasticote is still intact. The plan was to restore it and then travel the US, when I retired from the Army. The restoration was complete three months after Sherri passed. I decided to keep the interior period correct, but ditch the shag. I think I have a pic of it somewhere in my gallery.



I was a member of the Airstreamforums.com, under the screen name STINGRAYL82, however I was banned, after a very heated confrontation with Airstream scheister Andy Rogozinski, of Inland RV.



I never had an interest in going back under a new screen name; It burns me up to see a company with unethical business practices get away with posting whatever they want simply because they contribute money to the webpage.

 

[JMetzger]

Flynes, The spinal fusion was the final option. I had every kind of therepy. They even tried hot water pool therepy. This surgeon I had sat down with my wife & I & explained exactlly what was wrong with my back. I just didn't have any disc between the vertebrae left anymore so that was the only option. I even went to two surgeons & they both said that was the last resort. Just be prepared for a long recovery. I know that this isn't about Dead VP 44 Just thought I might give you some insight as to back surgery.

Jack

 

[FLynes]

I know that surgery will be eventual, I'm just trying to put it off as long as I can, at least until I retire from the Army, because I don't want to be medically retired before I hit 20 years... I'd hate to lose my pension.

 

[JMetzger]

Flynes, I know the feeling. If yuo can hang in there That will proably be the way to go. Mine got to where I just had to do something. Good luck in what ever you do.

Jack