Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) VP44 Oddity?

[Kissfan113]

I've seen 2 trucks now within a year that threw a 1688 code instead of the normal 0216 code when the injection pump failed, both were bone stock.

The 1688 reads out to be Injection pump controller module failure, I hadn't heard much about it, but now I'm seeing it more and more, as if our pumps weren't already troublesome enough with the 0216 timing failures, now the electronic's are crapping out too, I just don't understand how they all passed quality control. I'm amazed Cummins would allow a paperweight like them to be put on an otherwise amazingly reliable engine platform. I'm just ranting i guess, but it's a question I'm not able to make ends of myself.





Who all else has seen the 1688 code? and more importantly in my mind whats more prone to happen timing failure or controller failure?

 

[JLandry]

These VP44 failures are unfortunate of course. But after many hours of the tremendous amount of heat, pressure, and vibration they're subjected to, I guess it's understandable they sometimes fail. It's wise to budget for a VP44 replacement every 75,000 to 100,000 miles or so in an otherwise stock truck.



I've been lucky so far... 100,254 miles (mostly highway, some towing) and the original VP44 is still going strong. But I carry a spare at all times "just-in-case. "



John L.

 

[Kissfan113]

the truck that it went out on has been used hard, but only has 123,000 and change on it, i figured it was about time but hate to see it happen... I do know that the next pump replacement i do on mine i'm retrofitting a tried and true reliable replacement... . P7100

 

[TIngram]

my truck has 165,000 on it about 4 years ago i had a code coming up (before i knew how to check it myself) so i took it to the dealer it then had 94000 on it and the dealer said it was the 0216 code they erased it, i then went home put my edge box on been driving it since never changed it, i now have the adrenalin box on and it is still running strong (knock on wood)

 

[SnoKing]

Tick tick!

 

[rkressg]

I had my stock pump die on my truck with a 1688 pump. This was about 5 years ago. I can not remember, but I think my 2nd pump died with the same code, maybe coupled with a 1689. I never saw a 0216 on either of the first two pumps that died on my truck. The 3rd pump died with the 0216, so far, #4 has been holding.

 

[2broke2smoke]

These VP44 failures are unfortunate of course. But after many hours of the tremendous amount of heat, pressure, and vibration they're subjected to, I guess it's understandable they sometimes fail. It's wise to budget for a VP44 replacement every 75,000 to 100,000 miles or so in an otherwise stock truck.



I've been lucky so far... 100,254 miles (mostly highway, some towing) and the original VP44 is still going strong. But I carry a spare at all times "just-in-case. "



John L.

with 170k on my original i beilieve that i would just order the newest part# with the most current electronics updates ...



who knows how many improvements they could come up with while your spare is collecting dust ...



or you wreck or sell the truck

 

[JLandry]

who knows how many improvements they could come up with while your spare is collecting dust ...



or you wreck or sell the truck

To each his own.



I paid $900 for my spare VP44 with no core charge, so if my truck is totaled or I ever choose to sell it, I'll simply sell the VP44 on eBay and get most or all of my money back. There are good deals out there to be had if you're patient.



I'll also accept the remote risk of possible "improvements" rather than risk being stranded for days in some small town out in the middle of nowhere where I sometimes tow my travel trailer while on vacation. When my VP44 quits someday (and I know it will), I'm ready to swap it out right there on the side of the road if need be. I carry all the tools and supplies required. I just hope it's not raining or snowing.



Be prepared!



John L.

 

[Floyd4runner]

My VP died two days ago with a 1688 code. 173k on a stock pump, can't complain too much. I hope the next one from industrial diesel lasts as long.

 

[JPulliam]

Mine gave a P1689 code on its way out.

 

[mhenon]

... I'm ready to swap it out right there on the side of the road if need be. I carry all the tools and supplies required. I just hope it's not raining or snowing.....

I can almost bet you it will be raining AND snowing with a large tsunami 20 minutes out to boot. Why is it these things never brake down in a garage???

Mike

 

[strehl]

I can almost bet you it will be raining AND snowing with a large tsunami 20 minutes out to boot. Why is it these things never brake down in a garage???

Mike

Mine died right in my driveway. And to throw in another code, mine died with if I remember correctly a 0252.

 

[KBrennan]

You guys scare me. I have 134K miles on the original VP44. It has been getting a bit hard to start on realy cold days but other than that ir runs great. You also make swaping this pump out as easy as changing a tire. I can do alot of things but I don't have a clue on how to chang the pump out. Is ther a video somplace that shows this job?

 

[mhenon]

You guys scare me. I have 134K miles on the original VP44. It has been getting a bit hard to start on realy cold days but other than that ir runs great. You also make swaping this pump out as easy as changing a tire. I can do alot of things but I don't have a clue on how to chang the pump out. Is ther a video somplace that shows this job?

I think I'm missing the last video but you should find it on YouTube:

YouTube - VP-44 Install and Removal Series 1 of 5

YouTube - VP-44 Install and Removal Series 2 of 5

YouTube - VP-44 Install and Removal Series 3 of 5, Part 1

YouTube - VP-44 Install and Removal Series 3 of 5, Part 2

YouTube - VP-44 Install and Removal Series 3 of 5, Part 3

YouTube - VP-44 Install and Removal Series 4 of 5



Found it:

YouTube - VP-44 Install and Removal Series 5a of 5

YouTube - VP-44 Install and Removal Series 5b of 5

 

[JPulliam]

Those are very helpful. I watched the series several times before changing my pump, and it went off without a hitch. I could have done it all in 2 hours if I had not put the new support bracket on wrong. Oh, by the way, if you do not have the new bracket I would highly suggest you get one.

 

[SnoKing]

2002 should have the updated bracket. SNOKING

 

[duckcarvr]

on midwest fuel injection it said you can get a lot of codes for the vp-44 216 being the most common, but if you get a 1688 code no more checking required. robert

 

[KBrennan]

Do you get through Dodge? What is the part number?

 

[Beast2B]

any connection between the lift pump pressure loss and the 1688 code? I would think that the loss of cooling due to no head pressure (and no additional fuel being bypassed back to the tank) would be the primary cause of electronic failure...

 

[JHansen]

Sometimes they fail quick, sometimes they live forever. The original VP44 was still in service on my '01 when I yanked the motor at 427000 kilometres! Multiple lift pump changes though-the truck had a fuel pressure gauge virtually since Day 1 so they were caught before they caused any further grief.



The replacement motor, out of an '02 with around 160000 kilometres, had what looks to be a replacement pump which was confirmed in my mind by the in-tank lift pump changeup it had as well. Bad luck for somebody else, good luck for me.



Beast2b makes a pretty valid point about fuel flow-the electronics in the VP44 use fuel to cool them. Run low on pressure/volume and you're not just wounding the mechanicals, you're not doing the electronics any favor either.



Jason