Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Poor accelerator response between 50-60mph

[DBeeman]

Had to make a run to Tuscon this weekend, and after 5 1/2hrs of driving, I was doing about 50mph, went to pass a car, and got no response until I floored it. This doesn't happen below 50mph, or above 60mph. With cruise engaged at 55mph, started up a gradual incline, felt it bog down and speed started to drop off, suddenly it downshifted and roared up to 60mph. I am at a loss, I am going to take it to my trusty repair shop (it is still under warranty but the local dealer has a horrible reputation). Just wondering if anyone else has had a similar issue. Truck has 70K on it, and the only thing that has gone out is a sensor in the transmission (wouldn't shift). Thanks



Dave Beeman

 

[Doughboy21kd]

Sounds like a dead spot in the APPS. But i dont know?

 

[fox]

Typical ' dead pedal'

Check it for codes.

When my Vp was going out it would NOT dead pedal above 60, just below.

 

[blacksheepdiesel]

Sounds like a new VP44 is in your future.

Do you have a fuel pressure gauge?

Godspeed,
Trent

 

[DBeeman]

Checked it for codes, it spit out a P1693, and a 0216. I do not have a fuel pressure gauge installed yet, I bought one, but it isn't in yet. Looks like it may have bit me in the rear. I will have to check but I think my truck is warrantied for 7yr/100K. Just wondering, I changed the fuel filter about a month ago, normally I buy the Mopar fuel and oil filters, but as it was a late on a Saturday, I bought everything at NAPA, I like their relabeled Valvoline oil, so I went ahead and gave their filters a try. Wondering if it would do any good to change the fuel filter? It just is so weird how it only happens between 50-60 MPH, throttle response is excellent above and below.

Dave

 

[blacksheepdiesel]

Dave,

If I were you I would put the fuel pressure gauge in ASAP and that way you will know if your lift pump is sufficient to support a new VP44 or not. Make sure to tap the fuel line right before it goes into the VP and that way you know when the fuel filter is plugged.

Godspeed,
Trent

 

[DBeeman]

Truck is in the shop, service manager didn't seem too pleased that I knew the codes, or what they meant. Didn't ask me when the fuel filter was last changed, if this had happened on multiple tanks of fuel, nothing.

Dave

 

[gtwitch]

Throttle response

I have had this happen the last three trips in warmer weather. Finally stopped at the dealer, P 0216 popped out. I know that I saw on these forums somewhere a list of the Codes??? Anyone know where we can find the list of the P- codes for 98. 5 to 02??? Also just what does P-0216 tell us what is malfunctioning???



gtwitch in Wyoming

 

[JLandry]

IAnyone know where we can find the list of the P- codes for 98. 5 to 02???

The Dodge Diagnostic Procedure Manuals contain lists of applicable trouble codes, their possible causes, and detailed troubleshooting steps. They can be ordered online here:



www.techauthority.com



John L.

 

[blacksheepdiesel]

0216 = VP44 timing malfunction

Godspeed,
Trent

 

[DBeeman]

Dealership is changing out the VP44 under warranty, I have to pay a $100 deductible + $36 for a new fuel filter. Now I am seriously considering an Air Dog system, but I do not want to void the remainder of my warranty.

Dave

 

[blacksheepdiesel]

Dave,

Since the dealer is replacing the VP under warranty, what do you have to lose by installing an AirDog? The new VP should easily go way past warranty and I can't think of any other part the dealer could reasonably deny warranty for with an AirDog.

PM me for an AirDog dealer.

Godspeed,
Trent

 

[DBeeman]

Should mention, when I asked if the pressure coming from the lift pump was good, they informed me that the lift pump was OK, but couldn't/wouldn't tell me what the pressures were.

Dave

 

[DBeeman]

Got my truck back (like getting a part of me back), talked to the tech, he said he checked the pressure at idle, and it was 13psi, but they don't check it at WOT. So now it is on to the gauge and an Air Dog set up.

Dave