Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Engine surging at highway speeds

[monkeyman]

Once you have the 216 Code, its to late, Sorry

Rick

 

[kevhype0825]

APPS is accelerator pedal position sensor (like a TPS on a gasser vehicle). more likely a failing or failed lift pump, but there is a mesh screen in the tank at the fuel pick-up point that can get plugged up with crap, especially if the truck sits a lot or you got some bad fuel. did you get a VP44 inlet fuel pressure yet?

Thanks for clarifying that. I never suspected that maybe an issue. Where is it located?



We have not tested the fuel pressure as yet. I am trying to find a suitable gauge.

 

[hendershot]

engine surges

engine surges.

replaced tps (blue chip performance). 2002 with auto transmittion.

.

 

[kevhype0825]

Update

Well... based on input from several of you and after our own investigations we have concluded the VP44 is on its last leg. The truck has progressively become less responsive and even exhibited "dead pedal" once or twice. A new VP44 pump has been ordered and once it arrives and has been installed I will give further updates.



Thanks to everyone who contributed to this thread.

 

[kevhype0825]

Oh well... . we have done the unthinkable... we accidentally dropped the VP44 key in the gear housing. #@$%! Needless to say it ruined what was suppose to be a fairly simple day wrenching on the truck! Does anyone out there know how to retrieve the key without having to pull the gear case off?

 

[monkeyman]

Hope it did not go into the oil pan, sometimes it does not fall all the way down, try a very thin magnet. I put super glue on the key when I put in and put hear at 1:00 due to angle, its easier. Good luck!
Rick

 

[kevhype0825]

Hope it did not go into the oil pan, sometimes it does not fall all the way down, try a very thin magnet. I put super glue on the key when I put in and put hear at 1:00 due to angle, its easier. Good luck!

Rick

Thanks Rick. We are hoping it did not go all the way to the pan. We have also used a small mechanics magnet to search around in there but haven't had any luck.

 

[hsmith]

It also is keyed to your engine. Make sure if you get a replacement you get the correct one.

 

[kevhype0825]

Finally... a break in our series of bad luck! WE FOUND AND RETRIEVED THE KEY!!! Oo.



It was stuck behind the power steering pump gear. I used a small piece of wire to maneuver it into position. Then with a flash light in my mouth, a small mirror in one hand and a mechanic magnet in the other I was able to slowly remove it from the gear case. It felt like I was a doctor in the middle of open heart surgery. It was literally no room where the key was lodged but thanks to patience and a somewhat steady hand I was able to remove it. Once it was removed I could here my dad give a big sigh of relief. Trust me guys, if you ever attempt this please do every thing possible to insure that key does not drop out. It was no fun removing everything to get to that gear case! We were actually lucky it did not go in the oil pan.



Well... back to work. We now have the pleasure of putting it all back together. :{ I guess life would be boring without the occasional challenge.

 

[kevhype0825]

Update

Well guys... . we just fired up the truck and it is running like a charm with the new Blue Chip Special X VP44. Oo. We have not had much time to test drive it but after the initial drive around the block we are very impressed with the responsiveness of the truck! I will post additional updates after we get a chance to drive it for longer distances.