Attention: TDR Forum Junkies Well, guys, at 76k miles, I think my lift pump is shot. I bought my truck (99, 4x4, NV4500) about 10k miles ago, so I can't be sure when/if the last one went.
Pulling into the lot at work, the engine stumbled to 400 rpm or so when I pushed the clutch in for a stop sign, then went back to idle. Next stop sign, it died, and I could not restart it. Couldn't hear the LP running when I bumped the starter, either (of course, it stalled right in front of the main entrance, where one of my PSD-driving buddies was watching
).
I pushed it to a parking space and called the dealer. They told me it was probably the lift pump (I was glad to hear this, as some have reported dealers feigning ignorance that the LP has a problem), and of course it was covered under the 100k engine warranty. Unfortunately, I got stuck with the tow bill ($60 for four miles ), as roadside assistance goes at 36k. I went out and tried to start it again after a while, and while I could hear the LP run now, no amount of bumping could get it to fire up.
Dealer seems to be okay, so far (Autoway Dodge in Clearwater--they were listed as one of the top dealers in the last TDR issue, if that means anything). Said they'd check the lift pump and see if the VP44 had set any codes. Oddly, service tech stated that Chrysler won't let them stock either part--have some kind of STAR approval, or something, and if they determined either was bad, they'd have to order it.
So whaddya think, guys? Since the thing just died while running, with no warning, after running fine for about six miles this morning, no hard start, I'm guessing the VP44 might be toast? I changed the fuel filter about one month/1k ago without prefilling the canister, and managed to get it to start (though it took a few tries).
I thought of changing the LP myself, but since I've got about 25k left on the engine warranty, I'd like this documented by a dealer, in case the VP44 is bad.
And yeah, I know I need gauges. I've got my EGT/Boost/FP/pillar mount all picked out (DiPricols, I think), but getting married and moving 700 miles is expensive.
And does anyone think I might be able to get DC to pick up the tow bill, after all?
Thanks,
--Ty
Pulling into the lot at work, the engine stumbled to 400 rpm or so when I pushed the clutch in for a stop sign, then went back to idle. Next stop sign, it died, and I could not restart it. Couldn't hear the LP running when I bumped the starter, either (of course, it stalled right in front of the main entrance, where one of my PSD-driving buddies was watching
). I pushed it to a parking space and called the dealer. They told me it was probably the lift pump (I was glad to hear this, as some have reported dealers feigning ignorance that the LP has a problem), and of course it was covered under the 100k engine warranty. Unfortunately, I got stuck with the tow bill ($60 for four miles
), as roadside assistance goes at 36k. I went out and tried to start it again after a while, and while I could hear the LP run now, no amount of bumping could get it to fire up. Dealer seems to be okay, so far (Autoway Dodge in Clearwater--they were listed as one of the top dealers in the last TDR issue, if that means anything). Said they'd check the lift pump and see if the VP44 had set any codes. Oddly, service tech stated that Chrysler won't let them stock either part--have some kind of STAR approval, or something, and if they determined either was bad, they'd have to order it.
So whaddya think, guys? Since the thing just died while running, with no warning, after running fine for about six miles this morning, no hard start, I'm guessing the VP44 might be toast? I changed the fuel filter about one month/1k ago without prefilling the canister, and managed to get it to start (though it took a few tries).
I thought of changing the LP myself, but since I've got about 25k left on the engine warranty, I'd like this documented by a dealer, in case the VP44 is bad.
And yeah, I know I need gauges. I've got my EGT/Boost/FP/pillar mount all picked out (DiPricols, I think), but getting married and moving 700 miles is expensive.
And does anyone think I might be able to get DC to pick up the tow bill, after all?
Thanks,
--Ty
. I haven't had a chance to call back and query him any further, but last time, he told me no codes were set, so I guess they hooked up the new LP and found a dead VP44. I was expecting the 0216 code, or something similar. 
