Thanks for all the information here. I am a newbie! I almost went to the dealer and paid for the diagnostic test......... Appointment in the morning! Thanks for the save. I have had two discussions with two different dealers and after reading here I have a pretty clear idea that if the codes read free at Autozone, do not point to anything else..Start at the lift pump. I can do this myself. However I have seen conflicting prices. I know the dealer price is about $350.00 but I have seen here the # of $150.00 is there another source for the lift pump?

Thanks

 

Get the lift pump from Cummins, that's where you'll find the one for @ $150.

Dealer adds about a 200% markup.

If you don't know where the closest Cummins distributor is, go to www.cummins.com,
they have the nearest dist. locator.

Oh, what are the symptoms you are describing?
Before you go throwing parts at it.

Oh, and what year truck? model engine?


phox

 

I'd throw a mini FASS at it for approx. $350 and be done with lift pumps forever.

 

I just left Knechts Autoparts. The code that I got was p0216 "Injector timing system malfunction". I baught a few parts with the $78.00 that I saved from NOT going to the dealer! It is my understanding that this system consists of the fuel screen in the tank, the lift pump and the IP 44. I am planning on replacing the lift pump as soon as I can get one. I am also planning on cleaning the screen in the tank.

I have two questions. Do I have to bleed the system when I replace the lift pump? If so, how do I do that? The second is where is the tank screen? Do I have to drop the fuel tank to get to this? I had to do that on a Suburban that I once owned. Couldn't get within 20 feet of my girlfriend for about three days! Gas is not a good sbstitute for aftershave!!!

 

Ok, please excuse my ignorance but what is a mini FASS? I am new to the threads and have just been liberated from secrecy of dealerships and mechanic shops by coming here. Hope the learning curve isnt too steep to push my 2002 RAM up!

Thanks
Scott

 

Sorry about the lack of details on my truck. I have a 2002 Dodge Ram 2500 5.9l Diesel 4X4 w/135K mles on it. Yes I drive the heck out of it. I am usually towing on long trips. I have weighed the combo at 14,000lbs It has never given me a problem before. I hope that this isn't the start of a bunch of problems. Can't see why it would be because being stranded on the side of the road hooked up to a tow truck with Buba asking me How much I got? Is not how I enjoy spending money. Maybe I should spring for the IP 44 as well to prevent this? What do you think?

Thanks

Scott

 

Sorry to report, but if you have that code, all the lift pumps in the world won't fix it.

Something is messed up with the VP44 injection pump, either mechanical or electronic,
only way to fix it is replace the whole thing.

Good news is it is covered up to 100,000 miles and 5-7 years depending on when the truck was first bought from the dealer.
As long as you or previous owner (if you bought it used) did something "bad" and had the warranty voided on you.

Some more good news, when the Dealer replaces the VP44 under warranty, he should also check the lift pump which is also covered under the warranty.

Any diagnostic charges will also be covered under the warranty when they discover the problem is with a covered part.


Good luck.


phox

 

Disregard my last post, which was being typed as you posted yours.

135K you are out of luck.

Best bet is to shop around for a new VP44.
Dealer will let you have one for $1300 not sure if that includes labor.

There are many other sources out there ranging from $800-$1200.


phox

 

If it is the IP 44 as you described. Don't you think that I should also replace the Lift Pump and open and clean the tank screen as well?

Thanks
Scott

 

Yes.
A large % of VP failures are caused by failing lift pumps.

Screen in the tank shouldn't be a problem yet on a 2002, unless you've gotten crappy fuel.

Check with some of the advertising vendors, I'm sure they can point you in the right direction on getting a new injection pump.


phox

 

Phox,

Yeah I understand about the warranty picture. I actually sent a letter to the dealer taking off the 100/5 year extended warranty that was being offered at the time for $1500. I never had a problem during the warranty period. So maybe I am ahead. I can use that money for these parts!!!

However, where could I get the IP 4 for any less than the $1200?

Scott

 

I'm sure those in the know will chime in once they see the thread.

You could spend a couple hours reading up on the VP44 here and maybe stumble accross a thread stating where the best buys are.

It's late, and the old brain can't think of where they are.


phox

 

Thanks for your help so far Phox!!

 

FASS pump.

http://www.protintnw.com/sa_dodge-fuel.htm

-(this is the original with the filters).

I don't have the link here for the mfg. They have the "new" pump. It comes up on the banner ad on DTR. The above vendor can give you about 10% off list.

 

One point that I might add here is that today as with other days, The original problem wouldn't show up. I am not meaning to hold back info or details but I have read the same story over and over and over. Mine is no different..loss of power, slow to respond and now the the confirmation code P0216. However I must note, on some days as with today, I drove around with no symtoms. The truck drove fine and had normal power. For me the problem has been intermittant. This is why I was going to start with the Lift Pump. Then work my way up the hill.