Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Throttle response/ shifting issues.

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Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Engine oil leak @ vaccum pump.

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this has probably been discussed a thousand times but i am brand new to the site. when i first start my truck and take off it seems to down shift and the truck will not accelerate. sometimes the rpm's will increase but the truck will not accelerate. normally i have 2 options. the first is to let off on the accelerator and reapply pressure quickly or 2, turn the switch off and restart. it usually takes 3 or 4 times before the truck accelerates and shifts normally. also there are times at cruising speed when it takes a second or two for the truck to down shift and accelerate when i am trying to pass or switch lanes. i have read about replacing things such as the governor solenoid / presure sensor transducer, transmission speed sensor and shift transducer/solenoid(not sure if those terms are used correctly) in a couple of other postings. i just bought a subscription to tdr yesterday. does this sound common and does any one have suggestions. my truck is a 2001 2500 4x4 auto. i am also having the same throttle response problem with my dads 1998 3500 4x4 5 speed. any help is appreciated. :confused:#@$%!:{

 
have you checked the codes? On the 2001 you can get the codes by turning the key off on three times ,leave on on the third time. Dont start the engine. codes should show up in the odometer window. If yo get codes post them here for help. This system does not work on the 98 and 99 ,you will need a code reader.
 
The P0126 code is not in my service manual as a good code. Could it be P0216? If so that is the Fuel Injection Pump Timing Failure code and normally means the pump is shot or the lift pump is not providing any fuel pressure to the injection pump.
 
Boy... it's going to be tough to diagnose the problem with those symptoms. It could be so many things. That trouble code is strange... I don't find it listed in the Dodge diagnostic manuals, but it's a coolant temperature related problem that probably has nothing to do with the shifting problems.

Questions:

How many miles on the engine and transmission?

Has the transmission fluid and filter been changed?

Have the transmission bands been adjusted?

Without knowing more, in addition to insuring the bands are properly adjusted, I'd suggest you change the transmission output shaft speed sensor because it cheap, easy to do, and solves many strange shifting problems. If that doesn't solve the problem, then usually replacing the transmission governor pressure solenoid and pressure sensor hapen next.

Symptoms like you've described could also be related to the APPS (Accelerator Pedal Position Sensor), but I'd start with the transmission first.

Good luck,

John L.
 
it is p0216. i had written it down incorrectly. that code probably showed up when i had to replace the supply/ lift pump a couple of years ago. is that what a vp44 is, or is it the injector pump itself. i have never checked the codes . i did not know that was possible. the truck has 118437 miles on it. the fluid and filter are due for a change. that will happen tomorrow. the transmission bands have never been adjusted. is the trans mission output speed sensor,transmission governor presure solenoid and presure sensor factory parts? would u suggest going with factory parts? i have recently been laid off and expense is of importance right know. any insight on PPCU , PECU, or Pdone. thanks for all your help i cant thank everyone enough
 
it is p0216. i had written it down incorrectly. that code probably showed up when i had to replace the supply/ lift pump a couple of years ago. is that what a vp44 is, or is it the injector pump itself.
That P0216 trouble code means a "Fuel Injection Pump Internal Timing Error. " It applies to the Bosch VP44 fuel injection pump and not directly the lift pump you had replaced. The P0216 code is triggered when the ECM (Engine Control Module) commands the VP44's computer to achieve a certain level of injection advance, but the VP44's computer reports back to the ECM that it couldn't do it. It's usually caused by wear inside the VP44, but it can also be triggered by low fuel pressure supplied to the VP44, so in an indirect way the P0216 trouble code could in fact have been caused by the failed lift pump. A P0216 code can also be considered an early warning sign of impending VP44 failure. The affected VP44 may last weeks, months, or even years... or not.



For now, buy a code scanner with the ability to clear trouble codes, or go to any good auto parts store and borrow or have them clear it. Then periodically check to see if it comes back. This will help you determine if it's an ongoing problem on an old one.



To rule out a current or former fuel supply pressure problem, if you don't already have a fuel pressure gauge installed at the VP44 inlet, then you should at least check the fuel pressure using a test gauge. You want an absolute minimum of 5psi under heavy load at full throttle. Anything higher is better (to a point).



My truck has 109,000 miles on it and the VP44 just recently threw a P0216 code for the first time, so we're in the same club. But my engine is still running fine... for now.



the fluid and filter are due for a change. that will happen tomorrow. the transmission bands have never been adjusted.
Definitely have the bands adjusted by someone or do it yourself per the Dodge service manual.



is the trans mission output speed sensor,transmission governor presure solenoid and presure sensor factory parts?
They are all common parts available through aftermarket channels. The transmission output speed sensor should be available at any good auto parts store. The governor pressure solenoid and pressure sensor *may* be stocked at your local auto parts store, or an easy special order. I've ordered transmission parts online from here with good results:



Transmission Parts USA





would u suggest going with factory parts?
No... it's not necessary. Just avoid any transmission parts obviously labeled as made in China. I've heard of high failure rates with those. Probably everything else is made in Mexico. :)



any insight on PPCU , PECU, or Pdone.
"PPCU" means any DTC's (Diagnostic Trouble Codes) which follow are stored in the PCM (Powertrain Control Module) which used to be called the Powertrain Control "Unit" years ago. "PECU" means any DTC's which follow are stored in the ECM (Engine Control Module). "Pdone" means all of the stored DTC's have been displayed... i. e. : the P code display is done.



thanks for all your help i cant thank everyone enough
You're most welcome... we're here to help.



John L.
 
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when i first start my truck and take off it seems to down shift and the truck will not accelerate. sometimes the rpm's will increase but the truck will not accelerate.
Ya know, after thinking some more about the symptoms you're experiencing, I wonder if it's possible you don't actually have a transmission problem but merely a VP44 problem?



Do you think what you're feeling could be an intermittent lack of engine power instead?



John L.
 
Good old dead pedal issue. Time for a new VP44. Check on Midwest Fuel Injection for a rebuilt pump and a good way they handle the core charge.



You can change the pump yourself in a half to 3/4 day.



SNOKING
 
It sounds about like the same thing that is going on with my truck. I have 5 minutes when it's cold with no pedal. After its warm it will run fine except between 55-60 mph. I just didn't want to change the vp. 3 years and 100k+ miles and it's still going. I've changed map sensor, tps, air temp sensor and some others with no results. From what I gather heat kills the electronics on the vp. Mine is defiantly electrical not mechanical

My work around drive slow for the first five minutes and it will come to life. When cruising and it happens if you put the pedal to the floor it will down shift or if you lift for 3 seconds and resume it will come back around.

Now my trans is dead and I'll patch it back together. lol
 
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can anyone tell me where the governor presure solenoid and governor presure sensor are located. going to try and change those along with the speed sensor this week. thanks
 
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