Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Help Diagnosis! VP44, or cam/crank sensor

[MWilleford]

I've been searching all night, with no luck finding anyone with the exact same problems. I hope you guys can help. :{

Truck died, while under moderate-heavy acceleration going up a small hill outside Conifer on 285 (Edge Comp on 5X5, so smoke was present), but when it died. . it died dead

Tried to restart, acted like it had no fuel.

Bumped lift pump a few times, and it restarted, very roughly though



Once running, Truck will only idle, and when pedal depressed, it goes up no more than 1000RPM and knocks/shakes/ runs like crap.



On the bright side, the usual "mysterious idle miss" was gone! it had never idled so smooth. BUT when you first start up, it runs rough until Idle RPM is reached (850).



I was able to "idle" the truck to a parking lot for further investigation.

-Removed and cleaned Cam position sensor wires, nothing changed

-disconnected battery, reconnected after 5 min-- nothing

-Idle is great, but any touch from the throttle and it misses.

-Fuel pressure from lift pump (13-14PSI), has been good latley.

-Voltage at cam sensor within spec, and ground OK



I was up in the mountains, and able to drive back to town, reaching 50 downhill, and 32mph up the hills, 5th gear, idle. At idle, even with a load, it sounded fine (thanks for the torque!, 5th gear, up 5% grade, at 850 rpm-- not a preferred method of operation--lug!)-- Note, If the RPM went above idle, the terrible missing/shaking etc came back, even while driving



I'm at a loss, hoping one of the crank or Cam sensor is bad.

Fault codes, Hopefully not to confuse the symptoms

P0251, P1688,1689, P0252



I'm supposed to be at the Southwest end of the state for a wedding, but this misshap set me back a day! I may be a bit late replying to questions, but help is needed.

Thanks,

 

[JR2]

I hate to say it but I think its your VP. Here are the codes and descriptions:



P0251 (M) Fuel Inj. Pump Mech. Failure Fuel

Valve Feedback Circuit

Problem sensed with fuel circuit internal to fuel injection

pump.



P1688 (M) Internal Fuel Injection Pump

Controller Failure

Internal problem within the fuel injection pump. Low

power, engine derated, or engine stops.



P1689 (M) No Communication Between ECM

and Injection Pump Module

Data link circuit failure between ECM and fuel injection

pump. Low power, engine derated, or engine stops.



P0252 is not on the current list, but with these three its the pump

 

[gonehuntingagain]

With those codes referring to electronic stuff, I'd try removing your Edge box and see if it goes away.



If it is the same, I'd vote vor a new VP-44.

 

[DavidC]

P0252 Injection Pump Fuel Metering Control "A" Range/Performance (Cam/Rotor/Injector)

Full list

http://www.obdiicsu.com/Docs/DTC/DTCData.html



Dave

 

[MWilleford]

Removed Edge completely from system. No difference! Edge box still seems to operate normally (all LED's adjust)

Thanks!

 

[gonehuntingagain]

I would see if you can find a shop that has the Cummins tester. They unplug the VP-44 from the truck's wiring then plug in their tester to the pump. If you still have issues when they start the truck with their tester on it, then bend over for a new injection pump.

 

[JR2]

You don't have to "bend over" for a new pump, call Industrial Injection or one of the several other shops around that offer a good price on a pump. Just don't buy from a Dodge parts counter or you will pay way too much. And don't bother with the warranty thing as your wire is tapped and they will see that.

 

[MWilleford]

Hey guys,

Thanks. I'll be tearing into it tomorrow and will post when running. I've viewed many other threads on the VP44 frailures, but have not found the same set of codes displayed.



Does anybody know if cummins can test the pump with out it in the vehicle?



Anybody know about the affect on fuel mileage when upgrading to the High Performance VP44?



Thanks,