Archived P-ecu P 0216 Help

[rweis]

2002 3500 ETC P-ECU 0216

Started in central FL at start of 3 week vacation.



Had dead pedal for about 2 seconds after being on the interstate for about 2 hours. Fuel pressure has always been good.



Went to RALLEY Dodge in Ocala they replaced LP (at the godness of their hearts as they put it).



Drove next day through serious mountains. Power was good. Fuel pressure was good. Went dead pedal again as we pulled into campground.



Same code P-ECU 0216 (they had cleared the 0216 code, I checked that they did).



Took it to Dodge dealer in Montecello IN (where we are now). They diagonsed it as Camshaft Position Sensor. That is going to be replaced tommorrow.



I called a Tavel Companion member and they felt it really is a VP-44.



Could it be a Camshaft Position Sensor (ie could this dealer be right or are they just closer?)



I SURE could use some help here.



All other engine indications seem normal. When coming through the mountains outside Chattanooga it was developing 35# boost, good fuel psi, good pulling power on long uphill grades.



Hesitaton yesterday happened when we pulled into the campsite at low power (barely above idle)



THANKS in advance,



Bob Weis

 

[FourBarR]

the 216 code sureyl is the vp44. there have been nough of them go with this code. sorry to hear about your problem. not a nice development when on a trip. most of the dealers dont seem to have good diesel mechanics. so far Ihavent had the vp44 problem. I have 367000kms on the original. I attribute its long life to no boxes, howes meaner in every tank, alway buying clean fuel,not overloading or running the truck hard. I know lots of people here will disagree. hope you get it fixed quickly.

 

[24V-DSL]

Bob...



Sorry for your troubles. With all those bombs on your truck I'm shocked any dealer is working with you (I'm assuming you are still under warranty?)



0216 =" Fuel Injection Pump Timing Failure". Dead peddle is a usual suspect, as well.



I've replaced two VP's... one with hundreds of 0216 codes over a few months, and one with no codes. Dead peddle was present with both.



Not sure about the camshaft position sensor theory.

 

[TMWeber]

I just went through the same thing 1 month ago! Dead pedal and a 0216 code. It was the vp44. Dealer replaced it on warranty even though I was 300 miles past, but I did have it in several times previous for the same dead pedal comlaint. (They origionally told me that it was the MAP sensor)

 

[rweis]

That is the same thing I think I am getting. I think the dealer is seaching, and not really wanting to do the VP-44.



Thanks for the reply's only confirmed what I think is the ultimate "repair".



Scheid's diesel is no too far from here, in Lafayette IN. I looked up "Diesel Repair" in the phone book.



I think I remember tham advertising in TDR. Anyone able to shead some light on this? If the derler does not finally get it right I will pay Sheid's to do the VP replacement.



Thoughts?,



Bob Weis



As I remember I should look at about $1200 for the VP-44 and $??? for the labor for the install. Anyone have a feel for the labor cost? (am I accurate on the VP-44 cost?)

 

[blacksheepdiesel]

rweis,



The symptoms sound all too familiar. You might want to check with Blue Chip as they offer an upgraded VP44. http://www.bluechipdiesel.com/index.html



Trent

 

[rkapperman]

I am having problems starting mine after it gets hot and I notice a slight hesitation when starting to drive in the morning. I also get 216 codes after Schied Diesel cleared the codes after I replaced the LP which was running extremely low pressure. It is becoming painfully clear that I will have to replace the VP44 after 116K miles. Schied Diesel quoted me 1190(vp44) + 300(labor) at the Terre Haute branch.

 

[rweis]

I always thought it was not enough fuel / pressure. However, on mine I am positive it had good psi (12) ALL THE TIME, and it had clean fuel (RACOR 690T), and it had large full flow lines (AN-6, Aeroquip), had fully lubricated fuel (Stanadyne in every tank right from the start). I thought if you did EVERYTHING you could possibly do then you could sidestep the P-ECM 0216. Not so! However, it seemed to be temperature related - meaning electronics I think.



I am totally baffeled as to how to keep the VP-44 running smoothly over a long perriod of time.



Next I think I am going to try the RASP (another thread) to see if you pump more fuel as the power requirements go up that you have more fuel available at the design maximum pressure (14 psi).



Something has to be the key.



I am removing my Mallory 4307M permanently just in case it is a restriction. I put it on because of the check valve in the lp, so the RASP will eliminate the lp from running except for a very short time at startup.



Your thoughts as to the key?



Maybe nothing, who knows. Seems stupid to carry a spare VP-44 along with a spare ff and spare lp.



Bob Weis



However,