Engine died; probably fuel. What's the checklist to follow for troubleshooting?

[Crunch]

Last night I was driving the 20 miles from where I was working to my house. Everything working fine. I stopped at a grocery store, then pulled out of the parking lot. Within a half mile of the store my engine just quit. I rolled off the main road and stopped on a side street. Tried the engine again and it ran for about 10 seconds. Several minutes later it did the same thing. While running the engine ran smoothly. Slightly more than a quarter tank of fuel left. This has fuel problem written all over it, but I've never had a fuel injected vehicle before. I doubt it's the lift pump because it's an `03, I've religiously added a fuel additive since they changed the sulfur content and I've never noticed so much as a twitch from the engine since I bought it (135K on the clock. ) I'm going to change out the fuel filter as the first common sense procedure. Since the engine started briefly twice I'm thinking that the filter my have reduced flow but passes through fuel over time. What is the proper checklist I should follow for trouble shooting this problem? No codes lit up and everything else is working fine.



Thanks.

 

[SWithrow]

Check your lift pump, i had the same exact problem and replaced the pump.

 

[Slow Six]

That is the way my truck acted when the lift pump quit. The lift pump was a very common problem on the 03s. You are lucky it lasted this long.

 

[Crunch]

Check your lift pump, i had the same exact problem and replaced the pump.

I might have to agree, though lift pump was in the running for worst nightmare I was trying to avoid. I changed out the fuel filter today and when I opened the fuel filter canister it was only about 25% filled with fuel. Cranked the engine and got nothing, and the pump that usually refills the canister after a fuel filter change/failed start didn't kick in. I thought that was a separate filter from the lift pump. First diesel I've ever owned and the fact that it's been so problem free has actually been a detriment to my learning the engine and other systems. What's a lift pump run for these trucks? I've heard that it's cheaper to replace the lift pump with a FASS fuel pump system, and that the dealer will warranty the FASS.

 

[JJPage]

The easiest and least expensive is to buy a replacement pump from Geno's. They are simple to replace, about 1/2 hr job, $179. 00, 800-755-1715.



Part #FP943



Jess

 

[SWithrow]

I would go with Geno's, they have the stock replacement (The dealer can't get they opt for the in tank lift pump$$$).

I might have to agree, though lift pump was in the running for worst nightmare I was trying to avoid. I changed out the fuel filter today and when I opened the fuel filter canister it was only about 25% filled with fuel. Cranked the engine and got nothing, and the pump that usually refills the canister after a fuel filter change/failed start didn't kick in. I thought that was a separate filter from the lift pump. First diesel I've ever owned and the fact that it's been so problem free has actually been a detriment to my learning the engine and other systems. What's a lift pump run for these trucks? I've heard that it's cheaper to replace the lift pump with a FASS fuel pump system, and that the dealer will warranty the FASS.

The easiest and least expensive is to buy a replacement pump from Geno's. They are simple to replace, about 1/2 hr job, $179. 00, 800-755-1715.

Part #FP943

Jess

 

[Crunch]

The easiest and least expensive is to buy a replacement pump from Geno's. They are simple to replace, about 1/2 hr job, $179. 00, 800-755-1715.



Part #FP943

Thanks. Just checking around on FASS systems run between $500 and $800, and the Geno's part is $179. Looked it up at Geno's web site and it looks good. But now I am confused as to the number and type of pumps in the fuel system. How many pumps are used in the fuel system? Is a transfer pump different than a lift pump? If so, where will I mount the Geno's pump, and what becomes of the lift pump now in the tank? From the part description at Geno's it looks like an easy plug and play install and you said it's simple. Where is this pump located, and what's involved? I guess God's really looking out for me here. Last year I had the APPS go out shortly before I was did some long hauls. I've got some long hauls coming up again, so it's far better to have this jam me up now instead of on the road in the middle of the night with nothing but dead raccoons and grazing deer to laugh at me.



Thanks.

 

[JJPage]

If your truck is stock, you only have the lift pump mounted on the rear of the fuel filter canister, no in tank lift pump. The lift pump feeds your injection pump(CP3).

 

[Missouri Mule]

Crunch, FASS warranties their pumps.

The lift pump and transfer pump are the same.

 

[CDonaldson]

Another good aftermarket pump is the Air Dog, has a lifetime warranty. They are $500. I have the AD-150. You might want to take a look at them also.



My neighbor has an 03,he had the same problems as you describe, he bought the pump that Genos offers, problem solved.



CD

 

[Crunch]

Thanks everyone. I went ahead and bought the Geno's pump because I need to get the truck back up and money is too tight for the replacement systems. I printed out the instructions for removal/installation of the transfer pump (gotta love the always essential 03drm.pdf file) and it looks like a simple replace. The hardest part seems like it will be positioning and reach to get to the part. I'd always heard about lift pump problems, but this is the first one I have ever had. Does anyone know why the dealer repair involves installing an in-tank pump rather than replacing the pump on the fuel filter canister?

 

[JJPage]

Crunch, the easiest way to install, is to remove the driver's side inner plastic fender. There are about 8 screws and it pops right out, unbelievably easy, then you can lean over your tire to reach the lift pump.



Why do the dealers do anything... $$? :-laf

 

[SWithrow]

The dealers can not get the replacement(Factor pump that mounts to the filter housing), so they decided to sell the most expensive fix which is the in tank pump. I purchased frame mounted pump and works great.

Thanks everyone. I went ahead and bought the Geno's pump because I need to get the truck back up and money is too tight for the replacement systems. I printed out the instructions for removal/installation of the transfer pump (gotta love the always essential 03drm.pdf file) and it looks like a simple replace. The hardest part seems like it will be positioning and reach to get to the part. I'd always heard about lift pump problems, but this is the first one I have ever had. Does anyone know why the dealer repair involves installing an in-tank pump rather than replacing the pump on the fuel filter canister?

 

[TCDiesel]

Check this out Never worry of being stranded Again,I am sure TDR won't minded we get all are 03/04 lift pumps from Geno's. Dual Factory Pumps 03/07

 

[mwilson]

Oh, that's nice!!!! What an idea. Oo.



Wonder if they could do that with ball joints?? :-laf

 

[SierraRam]

The in tank pumps are more reliable as they have a positive pressure at their inlet instead of pulling the fuel from the tank they push it out of the tank. The engine mounted lift pumps have been a issue since the beginning. The tank mounted pumps are much more reliable but if the do fail it a pain to replace.

 

[TCDiesel]

In tank Pumps have just as many issues. What a bad rap the canister mounted Pump got to to people cheer-leading. We have seen that pump go 200k and some are seven Years old Now. The In tank Pump life is relate more to life than miles,6/8 years and now we are removing the in tank and replacing with the dual pumps. Who wants to be left on the side of the road?

 

[ChrisOlson]

I do not have an 03 and I am unsure of the Design of the lift pump... ... ...
and as you can see from my sig. i have had some experience with lift pumps

Well I hate to point out the obvious here

OP said 1/4 tank of fuel. my first thing would to get fuel into the tank. i do not trust those gauges or sending units. I never let my tank go below 1/2
second I would install the westach fuel pressure gauge from geneos

third if the 03 so totally different and I do not know what I am talking about than please disreguard my suggestions I am a 99 guy

have a great day.

Chris

 

[SWithrow]

The main issue is cost, if Chrysler would pay for the labor i would have bought the pump. But Chrysler has hardly taken responsiblity for design flaws therefore I purchased the frame mount and did it myself. If it goes again its a 10 minute fix.

 

[jakprince]

You can get lift pumps at napa,might come in handy for someone broke down on the road.