Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Got the Code Reader Tonight - Help me Figure this out guys...

[SLightfoot]

UPDATED: Got the Code Reader Tonight - Help me Figure this out guys...

OKie Dokie - finally was forced into buying a code reader from this thing popping codes like popcorn on a movie night... ...

More specifically it's because it died on the highway once a month ago, then did some wierd limp mode on me this afternoon.



I was at the dealer a couple weeks ago, and he reset all of the codes at that time, so we started with a clean slate.



So, tonight, pulled the codes, and here's the raw list:



#1 P0222 - (Idle Validation Sigs Both Low Problem detected w/ idle validation circuits within APPS. )

#2 P1689 - (No Communication Between ECM and Injection Pump Module)

#3 P0237 - (Map Sensor Voltage Too Low MAP sensor voltage input below the minimum acceptable voltage. )

#4 P0237 - PENDING

#5 P1689 - PENDING

#6 P0222 - PENDING



OK, so now let's start with some very important information in order to help you understand the situation.



After the Dodge tech reset me ECU codes a couple weeks back, I went and picked up a brand new APPS sensor and installed it a couple days later, since it had previously tripped several APPS codes, so we figured it was short for this world.



Ever since I installed the new APPS, there was not a single problem with the truck at all, no CEL (MIL) until... ...



I made a stupid mistake when installing my new shocks. I needed to get my arm down into the engine compartment and had to disconnect my EZ box MAP connection from the engine ECU. I later had to start the truck to turn the wheel to get better access, and of course... . big red CEL came on. DUMB*****!! - realized immediately that not hooking up the MAP sensor would trip a code. And it did!



After a few trips, that CEL light of course went out, and all was well... ... ...



UNTIL TODAY! Took a short trip to town, and about 300 yards from the driveway, the truck stumbled, had almost the "dead pedal" for about 40 seconds and the CEL came on right away. The truck came back to life then, and drove away as normal.



This is where it gets wierd... ...



Looking at the list above, I can explain what happened for most of them as such in the order they happened... .



#1 P0222 - Remaining code from my old APPS after Dodge tech reset codes, but before I installed the new APPS.

#2 P1689 - Happened sometime before new APPS. No drivability issues.

------------------

Installed new APPS about here in the timeline

-------------------

#3 P0237 - PENDING - Definately happened with my accidental MAP disconnection during shock install.

#4 P0237 - PENDING - Same as above.

#5 P1689 - PENDING -

#6 P0222 - PENDING -



Tonight after clearing the above codes, I intentionally recreated the MAP disconnection, and sure enough, as soon as you turn the key to "on" (not start), the CEL comes on, and after you start it, you get the second "pending" version stored in memory also.



I can somehow explain what MAY have happened with #5 and #6 ignoring the "pending" portion of it:



I started the truck up the other morning to rotate the tires and the engine had a massive lope to it, and immediately set the CEL. Perhaps this was #5 and subsequently perhaps #6 was the stumble and limp "dead pedal" that I had this afternoon... .



BUT..... My understanding is that PENDING codes do NOT set the CEL until they happen on the second consecutive trip, at which point it sets the CEL.



I can track back the timelines vs the codes, and perhaps it makes sense, but this PENDING thing throws a monkey wrench into the works for me.



So, anyone with any ideas?



Thanks,



Shawn

 

[DLane]

I had a similar lopey idle, dead pedel, and later on became long crank time. Start instantly when cold but when warmed up would have longer crank time. All the simptoms were VERY intermitant at first ,progressively getting worse. Turned out to be a failing crank sensor. It's right behind your starter, have to drop your starter and remove dipstick tube. About 50. 00 at cummins or 65. 00 at napa.

BUT, I believe the 1689 code is a comunication failure in your vp44.

 

[SLightfoot]

Update

Small update on this issue that I've been working on:



On a tip from a friend of mine (fellow TDR man), it was thought that a P1689 code can also be tripped not ONLY by a potentially bad VP44, but also a bad FUEL RELAY.



To confirm this, I went out this morning and made sure that it was clear of any existing codes. I then pulled out the fuel relay in the power dist box, and low and behold, as soon as I tried to start it, the CEL came on. Of course the engine won't start either now when you do that. Hooked up the code reader, and voila! P1689 is the only code that shows up.



Interesting to note too, that those relays get quite warm when in operation. Hopefully that's due to the winding power dissipation, and not contact resistance!



So, for anyone searching threads later in time, let it be known that a faulty fuel relay can definitely cause a P1689.



Obviously not the only cause for this code, but at least one confirmed.



For the time being, in the event my fuel relay is sticking sometimes causing my problems, and making poor contact, I've swapped the fuel relay with the horn relay.



I'm going to keep monitoring this situation and codes closely to nail this bugger down.



Cheers,



Shawn

 

[JFielding]

I did a similar thing. Removed the MAP sensor to get at a bolt for boost, then didn't like that spot and located the boost bolt up front. Anyway, I got codes and lots of intermittent hassle with the engine. I re-did the connection several times and finally got it right. Make sure you HEAR the sensor connector snap into place. For me that made the problem go away.

 

[SLightfoot]

Update:

OK - Update Time on my troubleshooting saga.....



Picked up a new Campaign lift pump from Cummins yesterday.



Installed it this evening. Install was pretty easy and straightforward.



Anyway, after the install was done, I took it for a quick test spin down the road. Not 5 minutes into the test drive, it started bucking and coughing, blowing blue smoke - exactly what it did before the new lift pump was in. (I did notice more power and throttle response with the new LP however).



So, it appears that the P1689 code that I keep getting is truly the VP44 since it's basically the only thing left now.

I've tried playing with the connections to the VP44 to no avail.



For the record, it's never thrown the ultimate "death code" P0216 even once yet. Only code that it throws is P1689, which appears to be as equally bad for the VP.



That's the update for now.



Shawn

 

[bmoeller]

#2 P1689 - (No Communication Between ECM and Injection Pump Module)

Sometimes the electronics in the VP take a dump, even when it may still be mechanically sound. IIRC, DTT was working on a heat sink for the top cover on the pump so that would hopefully let the electronics live longer.