Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Third APPS replacement?

[RussD]

July, 2008, I had the APPS go out and had it replaced by Fresno Dodge at a considerable price (completely wiped out my tax incentive check #@$%!)

Two weeks later I was pulling our 5th wheel trailer in MT and the replacement gave out just after coming over a rise in the freeway. The dealer in Billings replaced it under warranty.

Then in Oct 2008 I started having all kinds of trouble with the engine not idling and the jake brake not engaging. So I went to the Dodge dealer in Burnet, TX and it was replaced again under warranty.

So, now it is starting to be erratic in returning to idle with the engine sometimes hovering close to 900 rpm and the jake brakewill not engage. Since this is the 3rd one, I'm wondering if anyone knows of anything else that could be causing the problem or causing the apps to go bad?



My truck is a 2001 3500 4x4 6-sp HO with 194,000 miles. The only changes have been the jake brake (the dealer added option) and the FASS fuel system put on.

 

[JLandry]

Russ,

If this truly is the APPS repeatedly going out... and not a rare ECM failure problem... have you considered replacing the OEM APPS with a Williams brand part for considerably less money and more relaibility?

Williams Mfg. makes the variable resistor part of the APPS assembly for well under $100. It's simply swapped out for the one on the OEM bracket. The only "catch" is that you have to use a wiring harness adapter because the Williams APPS has a different connector on it from the OEM version. The wiring harness adapter goes between the truck wiring harness and the Williams APPS.

If you're interested in pursuing this and feel comfortable tinkering, I'll be glad to dig up all the details of what to order and what to do. Otherwise, send a private message to user "timbo" here on the forum. He sells a complete Williams APPS replacement kit for around $100 (last I heard). People rave about timbo's easy and clear installation instructions included with the kit.

Many of us have been using the Williams APPS for some time with a perfect track record so far. I'm not aware of one failure yet.

Best regards,

John L.

 

[2-ND TIME]

Third APPs

Have the dollarshop check what the voltage looks like with their DRB scanner if they have the right wiring harness??? You may have bad voltage like I do! You could use an osocilloscope or a ??? scope meter to look at the voltage.

 

[RussD]

Since I'm already out of the money with the dealership and the part is under warranty, I'll probably just keep letting Dodge replace it until they decide they've had enough and figure out what the real problem is. If it ever makes it out of warranty, then I'll sure keep all this in mind. Before I posted my problem, I had read through all the stuff about the Williams replacement.

 

[RussD]

The last replacement wasn't a total part failure - it was just acting real strange. The dealer told me thay had to measure the voltages 5 times: 3 times it showed OK but 2 times it was bad. That was why they went ahead and replaced it. I don't remember what he said the voltages were>

 

[2-ND TIME]

On third APPS

RUSSD I wish that the dollarshop that I got the truck at had checked the apps! Mine has been bucking since the day I got it. From 1100 to 1275 as high as 2200 rpm.

 

[Dieseldemon]

Try taking the plug loose at the APPS and spray it with an electronic cleaner I get it at Radio Shack While you are at it unplug the connections at the ECM and spray them also just might fix your problem

 

[Ron Bissett]

Have you checked the (AIT) air intake sensor ? its a clean or replace item . Its near the lift pump . Ron