Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Power Loss

[DImberi]

Anyone have this problem? Or better yet, know how to fix it?

I'm pulling my 10K lb 5th wheel for about 2 hrs and after I climb about 1,500 ft. my transmission clunks and I have no power. I look at my guages and everything looks fine, fuel pressure 14 lbs. , EGTs drop to about 500 because the engine load is gone. I pump the pedal a few times and it kicks back in and out of power for a few miles, so I limp off the highway and let it rest for awhile and during that time I take the Smarty off... it was set on 3... and reset it to stock mode. I get back on the highway and climb another 5,000 ft with no more problems. And then a few days later, without the 5th wheel. I have the same type of problem, only it straightens itself out after a few minutes. The DTC codes are 0216--fuel injector pump timing failure and 1693--DTC detected in companion JTEC module. I been checking my fuel pressure when the problem occurs and it is always 12-14 lbs. Can anyone help me out with this one?

 

[blacksheepdiesel]

Signs of the VP44 doing the dance of death. If you don't want to go through that anymore then put a new VP on. I have made a couple VP's last several thousand more miles after showing those signs but some are not so lucky.

Godspeed,
Trent

 

[DImberi]

Thanks for the feedback Trent. Is there a way to check the VP44 to make sure it is the culprit before spending all that money on one? I reset the APPS the other day, thinking that might be the cause, but have not driven it much since then. Are the DTC codes always right? -- Doug

 

[blacksheepdiesel]

Doug,

You are welcome!

Yes, the VP44 can be checked to make sure it is operating correctly. No, you don't want to pay to have it done. The VP can be removed from the truck and put on the test stand that is used to calibrate and test a newly built pump. It takes 4 hours for the computer to run the procedure and the test stand is extremely expensive. Not worth it at all because if the VP is bad you have to pay for the test and still buy a VP.

Unfortunately I have never heard of the DTC code being wrong when it comes to the 0216. It is meant as a warning that the VP is dying so you can do something about it before being stuck on the road. I reiterate that many people, myself included, have continued to use a dying VP for many many miles before replacing it without having it actually cease operation while others have the VP die with absolutely no warning whatsoever.

Godspeed,
Trent

 

[DImberi]

Hi Trent --This problem started about 18 months and 10,000 miles ago when I added a AFE Stage 1 BHAF, would a bad VP44 limp along that long? Also, how big of a job is replacing those things? I am your average shade tree mechanic and I looked at the You Tube clips for this job. It doesn't seem too difficult, it looks like the most critical thing is getting the keyway lined up. But I'm sure those bolts & clips and all don't come out and go back as easy as it looks. Thanks, again -- Doug

 

[jkidd]

vp44 code of p0216 can be caused by lowe fuel pressure affecting the timing, but at 12-14psi it should be fine. clear the codes and see if it goes away, if not look at a new vp44. they can be had for less than $1000