Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) What to do about the codes?

[keimmmo]

I have some codes set from when the VP-44 died. I am in central Mexico so it is not a quick drive to Auto-Zone to have them cleared. What are my options?



After I get the new pump on, will the truck run right with the codes set? If so, would it be possible to drive it to the border 12 hours away and clear them up there? I understand some codes will clear themselves after you drive the truck a while. Will that happen to mine?



If driving it without clearing the codes right away is not an option, I could check with a dealer down here to see what they can do. However, the diesel IS NOT an option down here, so all they will have is for a gasser. Would they be able to clear codes on a diesel?



As a lost hope, I could buy/borrow a good laptop and buy software. What do you recommend?



Thanks for any help you can give. The advice you gave me on removing the pump saved untold grief!!!



Steve

 

[kaffine krazed]

The codes should become inactive once the problem is fixed. Once they are inactive they shouldn't effect the running of the truck at all. I would just drive the truck and not worry about clearing the codes.



Since I don't have experince with what tools the dealers in Mexico have I'm not sure they will be able to clear the codes. If they have a DRBIII they should be able to clear the codes. The software for the diesel is part of the base software for the DRBIII. I don't think DC will have diffrent software for it in diffrent locations they have to much trouble writing the US software for it to have seprate software for every country.

 

[parcher]

The only problem you will have if you drive with the codes on is this, the check engine light is already on, if you have another problem on your trip, the truck has no way of letting you know, the light won't blink or get brighter to tell you of more codes. The light will shut off after a number of starts, sometimes up to 255 start cycles.



BTW if we're having a run-on sentence contest, I think I might have won!

 

[keimmmo]

Things happened so fast when the truck quit that I never noticed the check engine light being on... I don't think it was. I was fighting to get a loaded truck with a 35 foot travel trailer off the road and into a DIRT "rest area" while coasting! I really wasn't aware of much else! However, in working on it and trying to start it, I don't remember seeing the light either. I had the light come on once when my oil pressure gauge took a short nap several months ago. It also set off a chime. There was no chime... I'm sure of that. I am guessing it quit so suddenly that it didn't have time to bring on the check engine light. I don't think the check engine light will be an issue.



I'll be taking the truck to the border in a few weeks anyway. If I can run until then, I'll drive to my friendly Auto Zone and have them clear the codes for me at the border. I WILL clear the codes as soon as possible... but possible might be a couple of weeks.



I too suspect that the Mexican dealers use the same electronic diagnostic equipment as in the States... likely converted to Spanish. I DO know there are some differences in the electronics between Mexican and US models. Emissions laws are not NEARLY as strict down here and some things are left off in the interest of price and simplicity if they are not legally required. Why, Mexico didn't even start using catilitic converters until 1992!!!



Thanks. I suspected I could drive the truck with the codes set, but there is nothing like knowledge that comes from experience. Thanks again everyone! You have been a great help!



Steve