Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) VP vs. APPS vs. Grounding

[Batphreak]

Allright, I'm having fits with this problem (join the club, hey). Here's the rundown:



I get intermittent "Dead Pedal," when it happens I can let off, put my foot back down and everything is fine. I can push it to the kickdown point and it adds fuel and takes off like it should. If I'm going down a hill and I creep up to 57. 5mph it will add fuel and take off. I never get "Dead Pedal" unless the transmission is locked in O/D. Only code I've ever been able to read is P1683, no other codes have come up (haven't used a MOPAR scanner, just my superchips (I've NEVER turned the truck up) and the AutoTap kit my friend owns). No CEL.



The ground harnesses on my batteries were pretty shot, terminals were cracked and such, so I replaced those this weekend. At the same time I did an APPS reset. The problem is still there, although in my shakedown run it wasn't nearly as common as it was earlier. I'll know more this week how easy it is to get it to "Dead Pedal" mode. Should I be looking at replacing the APPS? There is 1 more ground wire that I'm suspicious of, it connects to the passenger side battery with a connector, past the connector it goes into the harness right by the alternator, not sure where from there. That wire has an orange tracer on it, the one on my turck has a spot where the insulation looks bubbled and such. I'll try replacing it. Anyone think this could be the VP? I'm would just think the "Dead Pedal" and such would be more random if it was that, plus I've not had a single hard start.



What do you experts think?

 

[Todd T]

You can ride this old mule forever and it will eventually bring you back to the barn with a dead VP.



you have to understand its an electronic module on top the pump (heat susceptible)controlling high pressure solenoids and angle of rotation sensors in the pump either one or all can be going bad along with worn pump parts that cause the symptoms. until it takes a total dump or lasts long enough for the ECM to catch it, you wont be able to see the problem to fix it.



I highly doubt you have a ground problem... sorry!

 

[sootgrinder]

I am having a very similar problem. Mine happens fairly regularly (and getting worse) when the truck is hot and I have been driving a while. I now have to shift down to 5th to wake the thing up. It is scary if the cruise is set and the driver is not paying attention to speed. When it wakes up, it really takes off. I am planning on cleaning the APPS terminals this weekend, even though I don't think it will help. I guess when the VP dumps, I will have to afford a new injection pump along with the Glacier Diesel lift pump.

 

[Camelracer]

I recently experienced the dead pedal and 0216 code. Happened twice during a short period then ran fine. My fuel pressure has always been good. What I don't understand is the failure mode. If it was mechanical wear in the pump caused by low fuel delivery I would think you would see a gradual degradation. Instead it goes from running fine to no power and back in an instant. Why would downshifting to 5th cure a wear problem? It seems like an electrical problem to me.

I'm sure Dodge or Cummins has done a failure mode analysis but i haven't seen any references to it on the forums. If anybody can shed some light on this please respond.

 

[FourBarR]

I have read somewhere that the problem is failure of the printed circuit board on top of the pump. the new and overhauled pumps have a beefed up board. there is also reprorted problems with a diaphragm in the pump.