Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) off idle, engine stumbles and dies

[paulsmith]

2001 3500 6 speed 2wd



Check engine light is on. (how do I get codes?)



Engine idles fine for about 3-4 minutes, then just dies. Wait a few and it re-starts. But anything of idle and it just sputters and dies.



Funny thing, when it sputters the "wait to start" light blinks "in time" with the missfire.



If you even touch the throttle, it barely revs to just off idle, sputters, and dies. Restart and it wont even idle. keep restarting it 3-4 times, and it will eventually idle again for 2-3 minutes so long as you dont touch the throttle... .



New fuel filter and 3-7 psi of fuel pressure (not a lot, but it is pressure, and it does not fall off)

 

[KKlingbeil]

Check engine light is on. (how do I get codes?)

Turn your key ON, OFF, ON, OFF, ON and leave in the on position. The codes will be displayed in the odometer readout. Write them down and report back. Sounds to me like the VP44 Injection pump is had enough.

 

[AlaskanCummins]

Wow, if you have the original VP44 with over 400K miles, I'd say you should be in the hall of fame!



Yep, get codes and go from there.

 

[ALepley]

3-7 psi is not enough if you want to keep that injection pump

 

[paulsmith]

took it to the shop, they got the codes, 5 in all, but cant remember what, other that one was "overheat" which i thought odd.


I do know he said he did not get the codes he "expected" for a dead VP44, so it is a process to resolve each issue until he finds the problem, but he also feels the pump is the problem. $1000 for the pump, $180 labor to install, he just wants to make sure that is what it is.

And this shop lives and breathes Dodge Cummins Diesels... .

 

[Sticks]

5 codes, I'd be interested in knowing them.

I am betting at least P0216, P0500, P0234, and can't remember the engine temp high code, but it does cause the engine to derate (radically reduce fuel delivery).

Sounds like you have a good shop if they are going after each code one by one to find the problem rather than throwing a VP at it. Good pricing too. Best plan on another $150 - $400 for transfer pump and other repairs.