Installed Comp, no tap, got P0216

[Boondocker]

Today I took out my EZ and installed the Comp, did not tap the pump wire. I followed the instructions to the T, batteries disconnected and cleaned - again, all connections double-checked, dielectric grease on the plugs, then tested Comp for button function, key on, engine off. The Comp button/lights sequence checked out good. Before starting, I decided to check for codes. To my dismay, I get a P0216 (Fuel Injection Pump Timing Failure) and the standard 1693 companion code. I haven't even started the motor yet!



Is there something I might have done wrong to cause this, or could the Comp be malfunctioning?



I disconnected the batteries again, reviewed all the connections, and reconnected. Still had the code, still haven't started the motor.



I haven't had any symptoms of fuel injection pump malfunction, and I didn't have the code a week ago. I normally refuel at 1/2 tank, and the AirDog keeps the fuel pressure above 13 psi at all times. I took the truck out for a half-hour test drive, drives normal, just like it did before.



There's a little more to this story. About a week ago, just after leaving a fuel stop, pulling out onto the road, the truck "blinked". It was like a half-second pause. That caught my attention, but everything seemed normal. A few seconds later, I see the 'Check Gauges' indicator. So I did. The Volt Meter was pegged. Being less than a mile from home, I drove it in and immediately checked for codes - first time I ever checked.



I had:

P1594 - Charging System Voltage Too High

P1693 - DTC Detected In ECM Or PCM

P0234 - Turbo Boost Limit Exceeded



I poked around a bit, found nothing, started the truck, and it was normal. The next day, after towing the trailer into mountains, got the trailer settled in to the spot, went to move the truck - nothing. Not even a click. Nose under the hood again. The battery terminals looked surprisingly cruddy. Surprising because two weeks before, when I installed injectors, I disconnected the batteries and cleaned the terminals, cables, and battery tops. I had a pair of Battery Tenders with me, so I pulled the battery cables, wire brushed everything again, and attached the Tenders. At trickle, they charged for less 1/2 an hour. I put the cables back on and it started right up. Been fine since. I think there is a correlation between the cruddy terminals and the P1594. BTW, the P1594 and P0234 are gone, must have cleared when the batteries were off today.



Maybe my VP is going and it's just a mad coincidence that I notice it now. The pump wire is a virgin and I'm only half way through my 100K/yr warrantee. Darn. I almost had my nerve up to go for the gusto, but now I can't take that chance. I considering going over to AutoZone and having them clear the codes. If it comes back, then I'll put the EZ back on and have the codes cleared again.



Does anybody have any suggestions, similar experiences, comments?



Thanks,

Neil

 

[Graphic man]

I heard some guys are not getting a code until they unplug the box

so i guess when you did the swop you got the code

from what it sounds like the boxes are blocking the code until they are unplugged,

is sounds like your VP44 in on its way out

 

[jwilliams3]

Most likely your VP is checking out.

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

UMMmmm - guys, read his post again - you missed part of what he said - the IMPORTANT part!



"The Comp button/lights sequence checked out good. Before starting, I decided to check for codes. To my dismay, I get a P0216 (Fuel Injection Pump Timing Failure) and the standard 1693 companion code. I haven't even started the motor yet! "





"I haven't even started the motor yet"



I seriously doubt ANY problem with the VP-44 - more likely a random electronic glitch from the Comp install - the 0216 *should* go away in a couple of days driving - if not, then you MIGHT have a VP issue, probably from BEFORE the Comp install...

 

[Graphic man]

it could be a stored code

you don't need to start it to get codes

 

[jwilliams3]

Ummmm Gary...

Dont you know that are trucks have computers with the ability to store data in them.

So from start to start you might have an engine code that is 2, 5 or 40 days old etc.

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

UMMmmmm - you again didn't read all the post - mine, where I pointed out:



"if not, then you MIGHT have a VP issue, probably from BEFORE the Comp install... "



C'mon guys, sorta try to stay with the flow here...

 

[Bob Wagner]

Neil. I believe it was just a coincidence





are you seeing white smoke at idle?

 

[John Robinson]

Jwilliams I`m with ya, Its a pump.

 

[Boondocker]

I checked the codes yesterday when I fueled (before box swap). I still had codes from last week (1693, 1594 & 0234).



Will a P0216 go away after a number of starts if it's not generated again?

Can this code be cleared by removing the batteries for a while?

Does a non-tapped Comp or EZ have any effect on the injection pump?

Has anyone who's lost a VP44 got the code first, before getting any symptoms? ... Not that I would be expecting people to check for codes when no problem is indicated...



I'd like to clear the code and see what happens.



I have a hard time buying the coincidence theory, even if I did suggest it.



Thanks,

Neil

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

I checked the codes yesterday when I fueled (before box swap). I still had codes from last week (1693, 1594 & 0234).



Will a P0216 go away after a number of starts if it's not generated again?

Can this code be cleared by removing the batteries for a while?

Does a non-tapped Comp or EZ have any effect on the injection pump?

Has anyone who's lost a VP44 got the code first, before getting any symptoms? ... Not that I would be expecting people to check for codes when no problem is indicated...



I'd like to clear the code and see what happens.



I have a hard time buying the coincidence theory, even if I did suggest it.



Thanks,

Neil

As I recall, it takes 3 engine starts and a complete heat up, cool down cycle to make a "check engine" dash light go away - but it takes a code reader device to actually CLEAR the code totally from computer memory (as I understand it).



Sure, anything that affects fuel delivery OR timing CAN affect the VP-44, regardless of tapping the wire.



I have had 2 separate "hiccups" as you describe when I got into heavy traffic towing our RV, and caused the truck to lug down severely - and immediately got the codes and CES dash light - presumably because the computer sensed the application of throttle, but no engine increase in RPM. The light was there for a couple of days and several engine starts - then it went out and the 0216 no longer was displayed, but I suspect a code reader that goes deeper into the memory would still see it. That was well over a year ago, no further incidents



I'd suspect your earlier battery problem as causing a voltage spike as the origin of your 0216 code, but you say that a check after that incident didn't produce that code, so...



I'd still wait a few days and engine operating cycles to see if the code goes away, or stays constant.

 

[Bob Wagner]

I had a friend come over to visit and he had the Po216 code was logged over 100 times .



His truck was bellowing with smoke at idle and yes the pump was on its way out.





These issues have been discussed over and over, if you log the 216 code, your pump will leave you on the side of the road at any time.





Junior just lost his pump in MN on vacation, he called last weekend after his truck died with the 216 code.





If you cann get the dealer to replace it , all the better.

 

[Boondocker]

P__doNE

I want to follow up on this story. I removed the Comp and cleared the codes. Drove around for a few days and a couple hundred miles, obsessively checking for codes. No codes, just the happy "P__doNE". Then I put the Comp back on, still no wire tap. Drove around for a couple of weeks and a few more hundreds of miles... code checking becoming less obsessive. Still no codes. Also, I want to be clear that I experience no symptoms of a dying VP44, such as bellowing smoke, hard start, miss, stumble, dead peddle - none of that, truck runs great!



I happily remain in denial of any VP44 problems until I have them for sure. When I do, I'll be spending my money at Diesel Injection Service of LV because my Comp is fully installed now Still no codes. Truck runs great. Yada Yada.



See you on the dark side.

Neil

 

[RDBuck]

That one "blink" you had plus the 0216 code is absolute evidence of a vp44 impending failure. It will take a little while but it will get worse. Start preparing for a replacement. The comp will amplify the problem with your pump but will not cause it . Been there-done that.