I am new to the forum. I am looking at buying a 2002 dodge diesel with 236,00km . I have heard that the injector pump on this model dosen't last and is a min.$3000 fix. Has anyone else heard of this problem, if so should I stay awy from 2002 models?

 

Welcome to DTR, you will find a wealth of information here if you stick around. The problem actually stems from the lift pumps going south on this engine, and when they do the injection pump usually goes shortly thereafter. I would suggest monitoring your fuel pressure with a gauge.
Good luck
mishkaya

 

Any year after 98.5 (24V engines) are afflicted with this problem.

 

the lift pump issue shouldn't scare you from buying one thou...yes it is a PITA, but the rest of it is great...

 

Well,

I've got one of those 2002 trucks and so far no problems at all... Check out the pics as well as the signature...

Fire wood hauling beast...

 

I love my 02! Only problem has been the lift pump and injector pump, replaced a few weeks ago @ 52,000 miles, under warranty. I read somewhere that the 02 were supposed to be the cream of the crop. They have all the latest, greatest stuff on them.

 

Dads 02 has been great except the transmission. He has also had a ton of electrical problems. But that was due to the steering column and too short of a wiring harness from factory.

 

I have 86,000 miles on mine with the original LP and IP. Both still going strong. Only problems were a leaking front axle seal and a new front driveshaft after the u-joint went south. One thing I would look for in an '02 4x4. The front axle had a revision done to it in mid-year. The later revision has a full time rotating front driveshaft and the vent was moved from the axle tube to the differential cover. Look underneath the front and you can spot it immediately. If you see a tube on exiting on the top face of the differential cover, that's a late year build. If I had a choice, I would have preferred the earlier version with a non rotating driveshaft when unengaged, and the vent on the axle. The full time rotating driveshaft has a tendency to wear out, and people say they can hear the rotational noise. I personally can't though.

 

2002 is the best of the 24 valves...by far!

As explained above, it's the lift pump going bad that destroys the Fuel Pump. I would get a temporary fuel pressure gauge and test the lift pump for pressure. If it's strong...13 or higher at idle, chances are the fuel pump is ok. if it's 10 psi or lower I would walk away, unless you can get good info on how long it's been low and if it's ever been changed, etc..

Replacing fuel pump may be just under $3,000 canadian.

If it's an automatic, drive it hard to feel for smooth shifting and any slipping in the Converter clutches.

RJ

 

My 02 has never been back to the dealer since I took delivery on 8/15/01, and 90% of its life has been spent towing our 5th wheel RVs. No warranty problems whatsoever - it still has the original lift pump (16+ psig at idle) and VP-44. I do need to replace the back-up light switch in the NV-5600 which recently decided to take a dirt nap, though! One of these days I'll get a round tuit!

Rusty

 

The 2002's have the latest and greatest versions of the injection pump and lift pump.

I'm still on my original lift pump, 44,000 miles.

My injection pump however died at 4,000 miles, but the replacement has been trouble free for 40,000 miles.

Still, if I had to do it over again, I'd get a 2002.

I've also had my share of front driveshaft problems (see other posts on that subject),
but I still think I like it better than the CAD of previous years.
Dodge should have thought it through more and put a redesigned drive shaft that could handle turning all the time.


phox

 

I'll also sing the praises of the '02.

Mine was one of the last off the line (Built July 02), and has been very good to me. Original LP and VP are goig strong, albeit with only 37K on the clock.

jlh

 

In 01 the trucks got 4 wheel disk brakes. I have to say the brakes on the truck are the best out of the few Other trucks I'v had.

 

This was a mid-year change. You'll generally see these trucks referred to in individuals' signatures as 01.5 model year trucks.

Rusty

 

Injection Pump replacement is about $2200.00CAD. Bought mine with a bad one...Great truck otherwise, definitely the '02 seems to be a sound truck.