Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) VP44 Problem or something else?

[TPerryman]

I am new to the forum and would appreciate anyone's help.



My 2002 truck has been surging upon start-up in the mornings. It is not a major surge where you think the truck is going to die. The fuel pressure stays steady during this surging at about 12-13 psi. (The fuel pressure holds at 8-9 psi running down the road at about 1900 rpm and 70 mph. ) I have been running 8 oz of Lucas oil upper cylinder lubricant in each 25 gallon fill-up since the beginning of the year because of the ULSD. Yesterday when I left for work I got the truck to about 15 mph and had a 'dead pedal' the fuel pressure was reading over 10 psi. After a few seconds it picked up and ran fine for the 18 miles to work. I drove it around town at lunch and no problems. I went to leave work and the truck started fine with no surging, but I had the same 'dead pedal' at about 10-15 mph. It ran fine all the way home. I checked the codes and a code 0216 flashed.



Do I have an injector pump going out? If so, has anyone had any luck like Thomas posted in "Has DaimlerChrysler Taken You For a Ride?" My truck is 4 years and 9 months old with 117000 miles. I would love to make Dodge pay for this repair.



If I can't get Dodge to pay for it where is a good place to have this done in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. I am willing to drive a ways for a good honest place.



Thanks

 

[Jetpilot]

With good fuel pressure the 0216 code almost always is indicative of injection pump issues... . Fighting DC can be a long battle plus any mods you have done to the truck work against you. If you have any type of fueling box on your truck then you really don't have a battle as they will just void any warranty you may have.



A rebuilt injection pump can be purchased online for under $1100. $250-$300 would be a reasonable amount to pay for installation. Most pumps come with a 1 year warranty and some include unlimited mileage during this 12 month window. But nobody warranties the complete pump if the pump wire is tapped.



Doug

 

[AndrewGray]

Im having the same problems with my '02. Im goin to install the pump myself. It isnt that hard but takes about 4 to 5 hours to do. I get to your area about 2x a year but wont be there for a while yet. If i was coming down I would help ya install it and save ya the bucks.

 

[klaybus]

Sounds like the VP to me FWIW... . As posted above, around $1100. Good luck with DC! :-{} :-{}



Clay

 

[TPerryman]

I appreciate the offer Andrew, that is nice. I took it to the dealership today and they said the injector pump is definitely going out. They checked the flow of the fuel pump and said it still meets specs.



I will get the injector pump changed out this week, because work is a little slow now. Thanks for everyone's help.