PLEASE HELP ME!!!
the sa
I am having a MAJOR problem - starting my '03 Dodge Diesel when it is hot (or even warm). I have about 150,000 miles on this truck.

Actually, if I shut it off and within less than 2 or 3 minutes try to start it - it starts right up - every time - but if it is turned off and sets more than 10 minutes it will not start again - maybe only if it is very cold out and the truck sits idle all day.

Two different mechanics have run diag testing and both told me everything was @ normal while the truck was running or cold with it off.
After running it until it got warm one gave me this code from the warm engine scan [Po251 VP44]. both scans showed my fuel valve feedback circuit actuator. After being towed to and from a dodge dealer service area costing me over $200.00. [The Dealership admitted they never got it started for a proper diagnosis, but billed me $240.00 for the scan and a couple hours labor, anyway - which I guess was done in the lot where the tow dropped it -because, according to the tow driver a small piece of cardboard was stuck under the front tire and still in the same place when he picked it up - the truck never moved for 2 days].
I had it towed to another garage and running a 3d scan with it coming up in an error code - I had the fuel control actuator replaced, This mechanic got the truck started, running fine but again after running it until it got warm - waiting 10 minutes - it would not start. He can hear the in tank pump running when the engine is cranked.
The injectors were all replaced with new ones in March, 10, - my in tank pump was also replaced at that time.
I took it to the dodge dealer between the tests by these other mechanics and prior to replacing the actuator and like I said I believe the Dodge Boys ran tests, but never got the truck to start - so really couldn't do much but guess. They first told me that I need a new in tank pump - but I showed them that they had replaced that in March - less than 3,000 miles ago. Then new injectors was the remedy, but I showed them that these had been put in @ the same time as the pump. Then they really went for the gold - by suggesting the actuator @ $300.00, an Injector pump @$2600.00, a Fuel pressure limiting valve @ $700.00, and finally an engine control module @ $2200.00. [to up-grade Dodge service software] all be done @ once, to get it started and running properly. I guess you could call this the shot-gun approach.
I don't have $7000 plus labor - the mechanics are stumped, and I'm out in my driveway - unable to go to work, and looking at my beautiful but non-usable Dodge 2500 Diesel. I need to use this truck every day and still believe to be one very fine truck.

 

first, you don't have a vp44, p0251 is "injection pump fuel metering control A" other than that i don't know what's going on

 

p0251 is cp3 regulator control. Flow chart shows possible causes of fca,wiring or ecm

 

Thank you for your help - We are working on it - getting new injectors since all are still on warranty.
Bill

 

Whe you say it won't start, what do you mean by that? Spins but won't start? Or turns over very slowly, if at all?

 

Mine did the same thing, leaky injectors , new set fixed it

 

Sorry for long posts!

THANKS for the replies to Johnh, and MOD381!

and boB, & justcamping< THANKS!!

The truck turns over just fine cranking isn't the issue. What happens is it doesn't seem to be able to get fuel after it is warm -until the truck is cold again. Like this - say I start her up in the morning - she starts and runs just fine no smoke, no nothing to show a cause - not even scans show anything at issue while it is running - including lift, injector pump, rail fuel pressure, injectors, ECM and the whole thing - even @ a Dodge dealership. So I drive about 5 miles to like Home Depot spend about 20 min there and come out to take a load of 2X4s and drywall to the work site. I turn the key it cranks and cranks but just that. Now I walk over get a hair cut and a few cups of coffee about an hour or two and walk back to the truck turn the key and she starts and runs like a new vehicle. When the day warms up past 50 deg and I'm sitting in the sun the same thing happens -plenty of juice, good crank - no start. Now turn the ignition on, and scan - when the truck engine is warm or hot we got only one code P0251 VB44 [I know I don't have a VP44 in an '03 but the scan showed it anyway - so I told you ] and also the fuel/water was maxed [when I drained it there was very little water. Fuel is clean in the tank, which has never been lower than 1/4 - and from high use locations like truck stops]
Like I said all 6 new injectors and tubes were put in in March this year - for basically the same reason - no start when warm and I was smoking, loosing power, and scans told us # 4 was dead and #2 and 5 were going bad [Per Dodge Service people - who advised me to replace all 6 - which I did]. After installing them she ran just fine until about a month age. I have talked to many "Old Diesel Specialist" Everyone is stumped.
So, - After gone through it once spending over $4000 at the dealership - and thinking it fixed and now researching these pages - finding 4 others (including justcamping, mentioned above - THANKS FOR YOUR REPLY - BUD) with the same issue where injectors fixed the issue and to remove that question of a bad new injector - we are putting in a whole new set Monday.
I'll let you all know how that works out.

 

The only way to tell if injectors are the problem is to do a return flow test. They are just guessing at this point, did they perform test for CP3 pump? Transfer pump? limit valve? are all sensors reading properly? You could try capping off the fuel lines at the rail if just one injector is causing no start condition you can usually find it that way. You can cap up to 3 injectors at one time. Read TSB attached

 

first the 1/4 tank thing the pick up is on the bottom of the tank so it picks up from the bottom wether the tank is full or empty. has any one bothered to monitor the rail pressure when trying to start it. Could be the return valve on the rail or the fca. Where the injectors new or rebuilds. Have heard several guys say they have had issues with Bosch rebuilds lately. The return flow test is probably the easiest way to check them,but they can be bench tested with the proper equipment

 

Agree with rich, have had some issue with reman injectors lately. Sent them out to test all failed!

 

Thanks again!

Not done with the injector job yet today - the mechanic was real busy... let you all know - keep your fingers crossed for me ....HUH?

 

Hey! I'm a HAPPY DODGE TRUCK DRIVER!!!

The NEW injector job did the trick!

THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR HELP!!

I'll see you on the road! [and probably pass you!]
BILL