Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Thanks, Dodge/Cummins

[JeffWhite]

Well the honeymoon is over, the warm fuzzy feeling about my truck is

just about non-existant. Made a 450 mile round trip yesterday, and was

noting upon leaving that I would be rolling up the 50K milestone about

half way of the trip. On the way down, I was pleased as usual with the

truck, passing on a 2 lane road was a blast - 60 to 75 mph punch, the

truck (unloaded) will set you back in the seat like an old big block gasser.

Last time I made this same trip, I hand-calculated 20. 6 mpg. All smiles.

On the return, after rolling up I-55 for a couple of hours at 68 mph on

cruise, I geared down to fifth for an off-ramp, and when I started back

into the throttle, DEAD PEDAL. It did not repeat, but seemed to idle a

little rougher than normal. Pulled codes when I got home, and the two

VP-44 "death codes" came up. I guess I somehow thought I would be

one of the lucky ones with this truck, as the original lift pump has always

had freakishly good fuel pressure, and I have a history of getting exceptional

service out of trucks others claim to be p. o. s. 200K and still going on

an 82 S-10 2. 8 V-6, and 211K when I sold my 92 6. 5 turbo, ran like a

champ, probably still does. Its under warranty, but that is small consolation.

I detest the idea of a factory tech working on my truck, esp. warranty

work. But what are my options? Can't afford to trade for an 03-04

right now, and want no part of an 05 G-56 with dual-mass flywheel.

I know better than to even consider a D-max or Ferd. Page 85 of

the last magazine hints at a possible Nissan/Mack in the future, but

my bet is that it will be a V motor and so computer/emissions riddled

it'll be worthless. I am repulsed by Nissan's current styling also.

I drove right by Nissan's Canton, MS plant on the aforementioned trip.

Combine this with the "Hecho en Mexico" stickers and stencils all over

my Dodge, I would probably get over the styling if they could build

a DRW truck with a competent driveline. To be fair, none of the Mexican

stuff on the truck is the problem, unless you count the thin, brittle

paint with dirt embedded in it. Where is the Bosch pump made?

Sorry for the length of this rant, but just had to vent a little, Jeff

 

[MBorden]

Well, it sounds like you need to let the tech do the warranty work. You could also try to reset the apps. But I think you usually do that when there are no codes, but it is worth a try. You could even do the work yourself. I live in the Memphis, so if you need any help I might could give you a hand, but I wouldn't count your truck out. Yes, there are problems with the fuel delivery on these year trucks, but what would you rather drive?



Mike

 

[JoshPeters]

Well Jeff... . I'm sorry to hear about your troubles. I worked on Mercedes-Benz for 5. 5 years... . they have their problems too! Yes, you pay $120,000 for a car (crazy I know) and it still has problems? It happens. If it's made my man it will break. There are some VP's out there that just aren't destined to have a long life. Unfortunately you found one. There is another post out there... . people that STILL have their stock VP. I'd say your lucky it's still under warranty! Talk to TDR guys in your area... find out where the good dealer is... . go there.



Good luck,

Josh

 

[Hohn]

Get your truck fixed by a competent dealer.



You may not have any more problems for 300K. You just never know. Mine is problem free, but could explode tomorrow.



If it breaks, I fix it.



jlh

 

[DCaswell]

120k rear diff, starter, transmission yoke seal, front axle u joints, uppers , lowers & tie rod ends, inj pump, 2 lift pumps. Quality is just not there anymore. Only problem is that unless you can afford a KW or Frieghtliner there are not alot of options. Guess when this one is worn out I will have to find a way to get a real truck or a Furd 550.

 

[JeffWhite]

DCaswell, I hear yah. Have you seen that new big International, RXT or

something? Thought about the 550 F**d - after owning a Dodge in a

GM family (wife's too) I'm already stigmatized - couldn't get much worse.

F550 - Cummins still has VP-44 tho??? What about the Cat option?

What kind of engine/trans selections in the RXT? Eight feet tall tho -

back to parking outside if I got that!

 

[JeffWhite]

peace in the valley again

Well, just got back from talking to the service dept. manager and diesel tech.

where I bought the truck. I won't call them by name so as not to possibly get

them in trouble with D/C, but they basically said they would take my word for

the codes and put a VP-44 on under warranty, probably a new LP too just to

be safe - or I could drive it for awhile and they would come get me with the

rollback if it stranded me. Stand-up guys! Oo. Oo. Oo.

And about the tech working on my truck, I feel alot better after meeting

the guy. The thought of some stranger turning wrenches on my baby

is kinda like thinking about some guy marrying one of my daughters...

Unsettling, but I guess after getting to know the fellow I'll get used to it.

He knew about the TDR - major points scored for that. I think he even

said his Dad was a member, but I'm not sure. Had a few chuckles with

the manager about the 6. 0 chokes too. They sell both, and he indicated

that I'd better be glad I had the Dodge - but I knew that!

But if D/C is listening, toe the line 'cause you're still on my "short list"!

 

[Glen Pratt]

That's cool. I had a similiar situation. My rear ring gear started howling. I pulled the cover and found 4 teeth missing off my ring gear. I cleaned it and refilled with gear oil. Went to a Dodge dealer about 20 miles away that deals a lot of trucks. I was totally up front about my mods. The service person (female) went and got their Diesel Tech. I talked to him about it and he asked me if my extended warranty was Mopar. It was and he said he'd do under warranty. I was blown away and he did such a good job I slipped him a c-note. When I went to pick up the truck they were asking what I kind of mods I did to my truck "saying we didn't realize your truck wasn't stock. " They still covered it though. That was the best experience I've ever had at any car dealer let alone a Dodge dealer. Crap the dealership I bought my truck from wouldn't even do the throttle recall because my truck is lifted. Talking to the Diesel Tech put me right as ease. Good Luck with your truck. Let us now how everything goes. Gotta give them good dealers props. Huntington Dodge, Commack N. Y.

 

[DBartoli]

From DBartoli,

Your lucky I have had 4 liftpumps and two injector pumps fail in the last 60K. I just was informed if you use any of the fixes available there is no warranty on any parts.

 

[BEricson]

My '01 2500 4x4 5 speed 71k has thrown a death code(216) and the dealer won't cover it because it's got a salvaged title. I just bought this truck back in August (62K) and have changed the fuel filter twice. Recently I had intermittent power loss that usually lasts fopr less than a minute. Earlier this week I logged onto TDR and read up on this issue: lift pumps and the VP 44. I have learned a lot in a few days time. Several after market mfrs have told me that Dodge is being quiet about the word "recall" and have decided to take care of this problem thru the warranty period. My local dealer said that they can not find anything on my truck under the warranty but they can fix any recall items. Hopefully, it will only be a matter of time before someone(with a lot of money and time) starts a "class action" lawsuit. My mechanic got 15 psi fuel pressure w/ key on and 13 running. It is possible the lift pump was replaced prior to my buying the truck last August w/ 62k. I have read in TDR postings that within 10 -20k after replacing a lift pump, the VP-44 takes a dump because of the damage the lift pump did to the VP-44 before the problem was diagnosed. Yes, I sould have installed a fuel pressure guage( I will be installing one in the near future). What blows me away is that Dodge never offered, even as an option, a fuel pressure guage or "idiot" light. Since the VP-44 gets it's sole lubrication from the fuel, you would think that monitoring the pressure would be just as important as monitoring temp and oil pressure. Sorry about the long note - it's been a tough week!