Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) P0216 OBDII Code

[rbsullivant]

I have a '99 Ram 2500 CTD and the engine started sputtering and then died and would not restart. When I turn on the key I do not hear the lift pump running so I check for OBDII codes and my scanner said P0216, injector/injection timing control circuit. I don’t know what that means. Could it be a bad lift pump or??



If it as bad lift pump, any suggestions on a replacement?



Thanks, Bob

 

[jjgoss]

if your lift pump is running & filter is not clogged & have good fuel pressure at the vp. most likely your vp is toast.

 

[rbsullivant]

I do not hear my lift pumrp running when I turn on the key.

 

[JLandry]

Bob,



The best way to find out if your lift pump is working properly is to connect a fuel pressure test gauge at the VP44 fuel injection pump inlet, turn the ignition switch on and bump the starter... but don't actually start the engine. The lift pump should energize and run for a good 25 seconds or so. Fuel pressure should be well above 5psi under this test... about 15 psi is ideal.



A quick and dirty check is to open the fuel filter housing and see if it's filled with fuel. If not, then that's a pretty good clue the lift pump is indeed dead.



If the lift pump doesn't run, it's likely the lift pump is shot and in need of replacement. In rare occasions an internal problem with the ECM (Engine Control Module) can cause an otherwise good lift pump not to run, but that's unusual and there are work arounds for that problem.



If the lift pump does in fact run but is producing inadequate fuel pressure, then the first thing to suspect is a dirty fuel filter.



Now the bad news...



That P0216 code could mean the VP44 injection pump has been ruined due to having low or no fuel pressure coming from the lift pump. But you really need to make sure the lift pump is working properly first before you start worry about the VP44.



If you find you have to replace the lift pump, be sure you install a new fuel filter and afterwards bump the starter 2 or 3 times to activate the lift pump and fill the fuel filter housing and the VP44 internals. You'll probably need to crank the engine 2 or 3 times for 15 seconds at a stretch to get enough air out of the injection system for the engine to catch and start... make sure your batteries are fully charged. If it still won't start then you crack open 2 or 3 injection line fittings at the cylinder head to purge are while cranking.



Good luck and keep us posted,



John L.

 

[Pat@BD]

What you most likely are going to find is that the lift pump has failed and unfortunately it sounds like it might have taken the injection pump with it. Dodge is famous for this problem#@$%! Try checking the lift pump pressure, but you most likely wont have any there. If you do end up replacing both you might want to look at either a fuel pressure gauge or we have a low fuel pressure alarm light that will come on at 5psi and usually save an injection pump.