Lift Pump/Warranty Question

[crobertson1]

My warranty is about to expire, time wise, next month. My question is, should I try to get the lift pump replaced with the in-tank pump before the warranty runs out? Is the in-tank setup better than the stock engine mounted setup?



Thanks.

 

[icman95]

First thing you'd have to do is prove that yours isn't working for warranty to pay. I was out of warranty, but wanted to check on my lp anyway. I convinced my dealer to perform a special test they have for it (this is before I had my gauges) even though he thought it was a waste because these things just don't go bad. Turns out it was putting out only half the pressure and volume it should have been. I was able to shock the service manager with these results. He thanked me for teaching him something new. They offered to put in the in tank stuff but I had them install a regular one I got from Cummins cheap. A year later I put on a FASS system and no longer worry about it. So, moral of the story is how to convince the dealer to pay for the pump if you want it under warranty. If money is available to you, forget it and just put in an aftermarket system on your own dime. You'll be better off in the end.

 

[DPKetchum]

Start truck. Unplug pump. Plug pump back up. Wow, now you have a failed pump code. Get it checked same day so they can see if they have a in tank kit in stock(dealer I used did) and once they saw a code they replaced it with a smile. Did mine a few months back before the $100 deductible kicked in.

 

[p-Bar]

Mine died at 84k didn't cost a cent

 

[crobertson1]

DPK, that's good to know! Thanks.

 

[RVTRKN]

If the dealer won't warranty it, install a FASS system or equivalent. you will be better off. My lift pump on the 04. 5 failed on me at 42K and the in tank pump was installed, I had the tech box up the old in tank mechanism for a future FASS system. But I will have to drop the tank to reinstall it.

 

[pullya]

I guess anything is fair when dealing with dealerships concerning warranty questions. You can flame me or laugh if you want but I always try to establish a good HONEST working relationship with the service manager when I buy a vehicle and then try to work with them on warranty issues. Sometimes I win, sometimes I lose, but at least I'm HONEST in my dealings with them. Sometimes they might even stretch things a little for you if you have established a good working relationship at the local level. I might be in dream land but you asked for opinions----

Jay

 

[DPKetchum]

The service manager was aware of me setting a code. He and I discussed it. Just not his techs. He wanted it to have a voltage to pump failure code to cover his end. Lots of dealers were and are retrofitting them for a good reason. To keep folks from stalling in the fast lane or in the middle of nowhere. I think Chrysler is lucky it was not a manitory safety recall. One feature of the in tank system is it won't stall the truck if it fails. The external pump will.

 

[crobertson1]

pullya,



I didn't ask in any way how to cheat the dealer. I have a great relationship with the service manager and the advisors where I get my truck serviced. I was asking if the in tank setup is better than the engine mounted setup.



Thanks for the input.

 

[DPKetchum]

Its not cheating the dealer(he makes good money on repairs) and its a known issue with these trucks as well as a safety issue. I use to do the same on certain items for my customers. The PEN can be a wonderful tool. I was just telling folks how to get around a hard headed service manager that just dosen't 'get it'

 

[pullya]

crobertson1,

I didn't say anyone was "cheating" a dealership. I just explained how I work with the dealer I use for my warranty work. Take what you will from my remarks. In answer to your second question, Yes I believe the tank installed lift pump is much better. Since the dealer changed mine I haven't had any problems.

Jay

 

[pullya]

"Its not cheating the dealer(he makes good money on repairs) and its a known issue with these trucks as well as a safety issue. "



Ketchem,

If setting a false code to show a part is defective, when in fact the part is working properly is not "cheating" then I guess I don't understand the definition very well. You can justify it anyway you want--the dealer makes money--it's a safety issue---. I just happen to think its wrong. You do things your way and i'll do things my way--lets just say we don't agree on this particular subject.

Jay

 

[DPKetchum]

Its KETCHUM. I have very HIGH values about scamming. BUT when it comes to KNOWN defects/issues like the SAGA of external lift pumps that have plagued these trucks since 1994 and leave owners and family stranded as well as in 2nd gens costing about $2 grand to repair my attitude changes. Now when someone has lets say a EDGE juice and tears up a motor or trans and tries to remove it and get big dollar items under warranty from playing I agree with you. I was not thrilled with getting stranded or spending MY hard earned money to upgrade when they are dealers that have/are replacing them without a whimper because of the issue. Service manager and I discussed it weeks before I got around to pulling the plug on mine. It made HIM feel better it had a pump failure code. When I bought my truck I requested the Alternator bracket be up graded due to the stamped one being known for cracking. (TSB)The previous service manager would NOT as the one on the truck was not cracked. I told the SALES MANAGER to tune his boy up or I would NOT buy the truck. It had the updated bracket the next day before I picked my truck up. Same deal in my book. I bet a Chrysler Rep would have tuned him up the same way the sales manager did.

 

[RVTRKN]

Go with the FASS system!

 

[pullya]

Sorry I misspelled your name. No disrespect intended.

Jay

 

[MGroft]

Dont even mess with the so called fix from dodge if you plan on keeping your truck for 120,000 miles or more. The average factory pump will only last you 50-60 thousand miles. I have three friends that all had lift pump go out. The more weight you tow the faster the pump will go out,that is a fact!!!!!SPEND the money on a fass or airdog & the you are done. With the dodge fix & a new suck tube in the tank it will cost more to finally get a REAL LIFT PUMP!!!

 

[DPKetchum]

I have friends with bone stock 05s with over 175k on each with no issues with the factory set up.

 

[MGroft]

Your friend must drive at 1/4 throttle most of the time & tow NOTHING.
The more fuel pressure your engine needs when pull the harder the pump must work.

 

[scootergmc]

Your friend must drive at 1/4 throttle most of the time & tow NOTHING.

The more fuel pressure your engine needs when pull the harder the pump must work.

'05=in tank pump=no issues

 

[DPKetchum]

Tows 95% of the time. One is a part time horse hauler. The other deals in equine reproduction. and pulls a Living qtrs horse trailer converted to a rolling lab with semen tanks etc. Had a 05 drop a trailer off to me with 550,000 and change on it with factory in tank pump and no repairs.