Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Need help - fairly urgent

[John Berger]

On the way home, I'm running in 4th gear about 40 mph and the truck felt like it slipped out of gear. The check engine light came on. All gauges read fine, but the truck starts to cut at around 1100-1150 RPM. I take it through the gears to maintain some reasonable semblence of speed and safely limp to the house.



In all gears (1-5) at that RPM, the engine acts as though it is de-fueling OR not getting fuel. Filter is new, I fueled up at the same place as always.



Outside of fuel, what are some possibilites. I was able to bump the lift pump. It is running.



I have an Edge EZ box on and a spare lift pump. I'm thinnking about starting there first.



Any suggestions on what else to look at.



I don't have any codes to feed any of you.



Thanks in advance.

 

[Bob Wagner]

I would start with the fuel pressure and hope its not the injection pump.



need to get a code reader of fuel pressure gauge



hope this helps

 

[John Berger]

Bob, I've got a fuel pressure gauge and it's reading steady at 4 psi in and 9 psi out. I have a defective sensor, I think, but it's been this way for awhile.



I've got 137K on the truck also and it's the original pump.

 

[DavidC]

Those numbers definately do not look good and you can not have more pressure out than in. If by chance those numbers are reversed it sounds like a clogged filter but the 9 psi in is still getting marginal.



Dave

 

[John Berger]

10-4 Dave. I had a spare lift pump. No go.



I also disconnected the Edge and re-connected stock. No luck. Is there any way to get the code without taking it to a dealership?



How would the pump sound? Idling, the truck sounds normal, just when I go to throttle, it sounds like it wants to stall.



I'm thinking it's probably the injector pump. That pump is the original from the factory and I've got 137K out of it.



I haven't been around here in awhile. Who has the best deals on pumps?



The filter looks fine. It's only been in about 5 thousand miles. I'll try a new filter before purchasing the pump.



Is there anything else it could be? An injector maybe?

 

[Lordsman]

Go get your code(s) read, and you'll know whats going on.

Fix that fuel sensor.

Autozone might read your code(s) for free, or call around, average cost 30-

70 bucks at various garages.

 

[DavidC]

If you have a Auto Zone close by they will pull the codes for no charge. Get the code first. Could be any number of things, map sensor, Injection pump etc.



Dave

 

[John Berger]

the codes that Advance Auto's meter reported:



P0251

Injection Pump

Metering Control A



P1688

Manufacturer Contrl

Auxiliary Inputs

Auxiliary Outputs



P0252



Injection Pump

Metering Control A

Range/Performance



DTC Pending(Codes)



and then they repeat

 

[Dodge5256]

i got these exact codes 3 months ago when my injector pump whent south, same simptams too. sounds like the injector pump to me.

 

[DavidC]

99 service manual:



251= Fuel injection pump mechanical failure fuel valve feedback circuit.

252 not listed

1688 Internal fuel injection pump controller failure



Check the electrical connector at the pump. Sounds like your first guess of a bad pump may be right. Make sure you check the connector at the pump by pulling it out part way and reseating it.



Dave

 

[Jetpilot]

These codes are indicative of needing a new injection pump..... The P0252 code is Injection Pump Fuel Metering Control "A" Range/Performance (Cam/Rotor/Injector)



Doug Smith

 

[John Berger]

Those numbers definately do not look good and you can not have more pressure out than in. If by chance those numbers are reversed it sounds like a clogged filter but the 9 psi in is still getting marginal.



Dave

Thanks for all of the info. I want to check a few other things, but I'm resigned to the fact that I probably need a new injection pump. Thanks to the TDR members. I have not been hanging out here much lately, but the membership just paid for itself.



I want to clarify my fuel pressure gauge input readings. My backup lift pump was old in time only, not miles used. The pressure readings started dropping about three years ago, after I replaced the in-flow sensor. So, I ride on down to the trusty Cummins dealer and pick up a new lift pump. After it's installed I still see the same in-flow pressure and the same out-flow pressure (about 12 psi at the time). I've been running at 4 psi in-flow for about a year now with absolutely no problems whatsoever. The difference between in and out has always been consistently 5 psi. I just have a faulty sensor. The reason I never replaced it is due to the Jaguar company that sold them discontinued the part.



Once I get this issue resolved, I plan to get a new fuel pressure monitoring system and a new lift pump. I really can't complain. This pump is the original and there were plenty of VP44 problems on the 99's. My pump never gave me a problem until today.

 

[MCummings]

I'm not a VP44 expert, but, when a pump goes south from Hot Rodding, or Low Fuel pressure, isn't a 0216 present.



I *FEEL* (opinion - non-fact) that these codes could actually be related to an overheating pump?



Merrick

 

[John Berger]

The new pump is installed and the truck is back on the road.



Many thanks to Doug at PDW for the helpful tips and the great customer service.