Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Dodge will not replace VP44

[MBFARMS]

I took my truck in for repair the other day and was told basically what I thought was wrong. The LP is bad. The truck had acted up a few times in the last week. I also know that the Injector pump is very close to being bad. The tech working on it is very good and he said the pump needs to be replaced, but everything is in spec and dodge will not warranty it. I am not very pleased with this answer from Dodge because I travel with some pretty big loads and it just won't cut it to break down with a load of horses. Anyone else been though this and what did you have to do to get results.

 

[Jeff Clark]

I know they won't replace it until it quits altogether. Replace the lift pump and pray.

 

[24V-DSL]

How do you know the pump is "very close to being bad"?



Do you have any codes related to the pump?



Do you have any driveability issues you think are related to the pump?



For example, if you had a 0216 code (Fuel Injection Pump Timing Failure) and random dead throttle, stumbling, etc. , then, IMO, you have a case to make for a weak/failing pump.



What testing did the tech do to determine the pump is "within spec" ?



Just because you had a failed lift pump doesn't guarantee your injection pump was compromised, but there certaintly is a possibility of a correlation.

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

Yeah - I'd sure like to know exactly HOW a common DC tech would know a VP-44 is in "out of spec" - hell, most can't even diagnose a failed LP properly!



But for sure, DC isn't ABOUT to replace a VP-44 until it is absolutely KNOWN to be bad or failed...

 

[MBFARMS]

The reason I know it is about to fail is, I replaced the fuel filter after the stumble happen. Before that I was pulling my horse trailer up a step incline and all of the sudden it was like I took my foot off the go pedal real quick, but the truck soon came back to life. Then almost home the thing fell on it's face for about 30 seconds and then came back to life. After replacing the fuel filter I started truck( I left plenty of diesel in the bowl so it would start) and let it set and idle for minute. Then reved it to 2700 rpms and the whole truck shook and white smoke came out the tail pipe. I am lucky on the diesel tech part. He is one of my friends from college and is very good on these trucks. He checked something to do with the timing on the pump and the pressure(i think). Really have not had a lot of time to talk to him. Thanks for your replies. It was kinda what I figured. Still stinks though.

 

[Forrest Nearing]

just unhook the lift pump so that there's no juice running through it, go drive the truck around the neighborhood and put the VP out of it's misery... plug the LP back in and call the dealer and tell 'em to come pick it up!!!



Forrest

 

[Billy Diesel]

just unhook the lift pump so that there's no juice running through it, go drive the truck around the neighborhood and put the VP out of it's misery... plug the LP back in and call the dealer and tell 'em to come pick it up!!!

Make sure you already have an appointment. That way the tow is free.

 

[fj40charles]

I took my truck in for repair the other day and was told basically what I thought was wrong. The LP is bad. The truck had acted up a few times in the last week. I also know that the Injector pump is very close to being bad. The tech working on it is very good and he said the pump needs to be replaced, but everything is in spec and dodge will not warranty it. I am not very pleased with this answer from Dodge because I travel with some pretty big loads and it just won't cut it to break down with a load of horses. Anyone else been though this and what did you have to do to get results.

What would prompt you to trust the highly skilled mechanics and bean counting managers at DC to do what is right and best for the customer?

DC is known for the lousy customer service and has one if not the worst reputation for very poor warranty service.



I won't take my truck to DC anymore. My last experience was a failed lift pump at 38K miles when my truck was stock. The idiot service manager used profanity and told me I was reading too much BS on the internet when I told him what I thought the problem was. The truck was at the dealership for 3 days while the idiots tried to figure it out.



Not surprising that they're not doing anything about the VP44. Wait for it to fail and take it back to the dealer.



Disclaimer: not affliated with any dealer or any automotive company or Cummins or any other related companies.

 

[master1578]

I had a similar issue. Dealer said they could not replace both at the same time and only replaced LP. The next day I had same hesitation problem. When I called Dealer and told them I was still having a problem they ordered an Injector pump and scheduled me in for replacement. Ok for them I guess, they didn't have to set up transportation, and make arrangements for two trips to the service dept. I wouldn't want them to be inconvenienced.

 

[rblomquist]

just unhook the lift pump so that there's no juice running through it, go drive the truck around the neighborhood and put the VP out of it's misery... plug the LP back in and call the dealer and tell 'em to come pick it up!!!



Forrest

Sounds good to me.

 

[csevers]

There is a problem with the idea of simply unpluging the Lift pump... . it will set a code for that also and if the dealer just put a L P on it, they will think something is fishy.



Good Luck

Craig

 

[Forrest Nearing]

then just run it low on fuel, put a gallon in it, crank it, and repeat as necessary...



Forrest

 

[JLittle]

I think I would just go to Walmart and buy a code reader and erase the codes after the lift pump unhook job was done and then no codes would appear! I know it would cost you $100 for the reader but if your going to drive a 24 v you need one anyway and you can use it on anything 96 up too! the dealer would find out the INJ pump was bad fairly quick anyway! especially since they already worked on it! its alot cheaper now than when you get out of mileage!

 

[MPatrick]

Vp 44

I took mine to Cummins SE. They diagnosed and told DC. DC picked it up and replaced at no charge. All within 24 hours.

 

[DieselTweaker]

I have NO Idea why they wouldnt replace both at the same time we have done that quite a few, 85% of the time a lift pump and Inj. pump go on where I work Im not defending DC just because I work in a dealership but, probally hand out atleast a pump a week, Also they changed the way you test the lift pump instead of psi the tech has to check the volume.

 

[RHARVEY]

Have you thought about going to another dealer???? I have 3 dealers close to where I live but have only done business with one. There is only one that I would truck my truck to if I cant do the repair myself. Check around. . you might find a good old boy that know a thing or two about the 44's and push the replacement thru for you!

Just a thought...



By the way. . I had a customers truck do the very same thing on him but it did it in the mornings when the truck was cool. He said he could hardly get across an intersection. . I had just added his guages a couple of months before and found his fuel pressure was at 11lbs idle 2lbs trying to get to highway speeds. I took the AFE filter off and the Edge Ez and sent him to the dealer for warranty lp replacement. LP was replaced under warranty and then a couple of months later. . he developed this "fall on the face" problem. We again took all the stuff off to make sure as not give them something to void his warranty... VP44 was replaced. . again under warranty.

1st dealer charged to disconnect and reconnect his fuel pressure line. . 2nd dealer did not. .

Go figure. .

***Note*** Dealer 2 offered to install a 'black' box on his truck to up the horsepower. . When ask about warranty issues . . he was told that if they installed it. . it would not void his warranty.



Rick

 

[bluestreak]

had my truck sound just you talked about. replaced LP but no good

Found out the throttle pos. sensor was bad. no way to tell till it goes bad.

No codes till it doesn't work.

 

[scourcy]

I am going through the same thing right now. Been to dodge 4 times, the first time they changed the lift pump. After that they say truck is running as advertised. Truck is spitting 1693 & 216 codes, intermittent loss of throttle response, rough idle with smoke. After 4th visit, I changed dealer ships, driving 120 miles north to Cutbank. They had trouble shot and ordered new pump with-in 2 hours. Will be back up their for install on monday.

 

[Sticks]

I won't take my truck to DC anymore. My last experience was a failed lift pump at 38K miles when my truck was stock. The idiot service manager used profanity and told me I was reading too much BS on the internet when I told him what I thought the problem was. The truck was at the dealership for 3 days while the idiots tried to figure it out.

You've been to Christophers Dodge World too? Oo.



#@$%!

 

[MBFARMS]

Just an update

I got the truck back and it ran OK. Was backing a trailer and all of the sudden shudder and white smoke. Checked the codes P0216. Back to the Dealer. They replaced the pump on problems. Truck runs great now. The tech that worked on my truck is very good and is a personal friend of mine and hopefully a future TDR member. I am working on him. Again the Dealer tried to get DC to replaced the first time. If you are in the Asheville area and needing help Asheville Dodge has a Diesel Mechanic named George that is great. George is the only reason I would go to Asheville Dodge and the only other tech that is going to work on my truck. So now starts the gauge fund. Then the Exhaust and Van AAken. Does anyone know how to get rid of these darn bug bits I keep getting. :-laf