Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Truck won't start

[WandaMyers]

I have 91,000 miles on the truck so I decided to buy a fuel pressure test kit for the lift pump. The pump is still putting out good pressure. A few days later I tried to start the truck and it wouldn't so I bumped the starter 3-4 times and let the lift pump run a few times and it still won't start.



I just bought the truck this past summer and am new to diesels so any advise will be greatly appreciated.



I have a 1999, 2500 4x4. Everything is stock.

 

[HBarlow]

I assume the starter is spinning the engine at appropriate speed?

Any codes set? You can read codes in the odometer readout which normally displays miles by starting with engine off, ignition switch in OFF position. Briskly turn the key to RUN, back to OFF, to RUN, to OFF, and back to RUN and stop there. If codes are set you should see them in the odometer space.

If no codes are present try loosening fuel lines. It has been years since I've touched or even looked closely at one but wrench size 13/16ths comes to mind. May not be right.

First loosen a line between lift pump and injection pump and see if fuel is pumped out when the lift pump is cycled? If so, retighten that line and crack open a line between injector and injection pump and have someone turn the key to engage the starter. If you have fuel coming out stop and retighten that line. Normally, if you have no codes set, and have fuel and compression, a 24 valve will start.

I"m no mechanic so will stop at this point. Someone with superior knowledge will hopefully join this discussion.

 

[WandaMyers]

The starter is turning fine, no problems there and there is fuel at the filter. I'll have to wait until the weekend to get someone over here to help check for fuel between injector and injection pump.



Thanks for the information on how to read the codes, I have seen a lot of postings about codes but didn't know where to read them.



I'll report back in a few days.

 

[JFringer]

You could also check the voltage to the vp. Blue chip diesel has a great list of things to check on the vp for no start problems. It can be found on their website. Usually on vp trucks no start problems revolve around the injection pump from what I have seen over the years. Hope this helps. good luck and hope it doesn't get exspensive.

 

[JLandry]

Wanda,

I'm not sure if you can retrieve trouble codes from the odometer window in 1999 model. I *think* that feature started with the 2000 model year. If so, you'll need a simple OBDII code scanner which is available at any auto parts store, online, or even at places like Walmart.

A few ideas...

Make sure your batteries are fully charged, then try swapping out the fuel injection pump relay with another one of the same size. This relay is located in the PDC (Power Dist Center) on the driver's side fender under the hood. Try to restart the engine while holding the accelerator pedal to the floor.

If that doesn't work, swap out the ASD (Auto Shut Down) relay also located in the PDC and then try starting again while holding the accelerator pedal to the floor.

If that still doesn't work, do a search here for instructions on how to hotwire the VP44 fuel injection pump. If you can get the engine to start and idle with the VP44 disconnected and hotwired, then you'll know it's fine and the problem is elsewhere. If it doesn't start, it's likely the VP44 has failed and will need to be replaced.

Please fill in your profile and add a signature block so we know where you are and what truck you have.

Best regards,

John L.

 

[grimesja]

It really sounds like you may have air in your system, if so you will have to bleed the lines where they connect to the injector tube on the head.