Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) P0253

[Eventer]

My engine has thrown three P0253 codes in the last couple of months. Each time the code was thrown, I was accelerating at between 70 and 80% throttle. The code does not seem to be thrown every time I am at that throttle percentage.

The third time this happened was this morning on the way to work. I didn't catch a glance at the throttle position, but I was in 5th gear (out of 6) and accelerating down a ramp onto a highway. The engine was running about 2800 - 2900 RPM when it threw the code.

Other information:

The truck has 156,000 miles on it. The original VP-44 is still in the truck.

I am running a FASS HPFP 150 with a NAPA 3270 pre-filter in addition to the stock filter.

The last time the code was thrown, I researched the 'fixes' on TDR. I checked to make sure electrical contacts to the injection pump were solid and changed the fuel filters.

I have not noticed fuel pressure decrease during any of this. I am seeing between 16 and 17 at constant highway speeds and cannot pull the pressure lower than about 13. 5 psi.

Finally, when I filled up the truck last night, my fuel mileage was down considerably from what is normal for winter driving. With my truck, I would expect between 15 and 16 MPG. Admittedly, the last few weeks since I last filled up the truck have been very cold, but my mileage was only 13. 1 MPG.

With the last three code tosses, I have not received anything but a P0253. No P0216 or anything else.

I am afraid that the injection pump is on its way out. Any thoughts or other things to check before I bite a very expensive bullet?

Thanks in advance.

Lyndon

 

[Bob4x4]

Pump time... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... .

 

[JLandry]

I am afraid that the injection pump is on its way out. Any thoughts or other things to check before I bite a very expensive bullet?

Lyndon,



Here are a couple of items to check...



1. Check the VP44 ground continuity.



Disconnect the VP44 connector and verify full battery voltage is present between the positive terminal of the battery and pin 6 of the VP44 connector (should be the upper right pin when looking directly at the pins in the connector).



2. Replace the VP44 power supply relay.



This item is located in the PDC (Power Dist. Center) on the driver's side fender under the hood. This relay may be labeled "Fuel Pump" and not necessarily "INJ. PUMP" or similar... I've seen it labeled both ways. The relay is of the common standard type and should be available at any good auto parts store (or a Dodge dealer at higher cost of course).



But with that many miles on your VP44, you may be driving on borrowed time.



Good luck,



John L.