Ever get that feeling like the wheels are about to fall off?

My 2000 model is giving me that feeling lately and here is why. For starters it started having a problem a long time ago where I would be going down the road and the engine would just drop to idle and the pedal wouldn't do anything. I let it completely up for a couple seconds and then I could drive it again. Last year I had it in the dealership for some other work. I told them about this problem and they said it was the throttle position sensor and wanted 600 something to replace it which I didn't have. So I went on my way with the intention of fixing it later on.

I'm about to buy and replace the APPS to fix this issue but now it is doing some other things. When it has been sitting and I first start driving it has no power. If I rev the engine it isn't very responsive and it just feels like it isn't getting enough fuel. I have to floor it just to barely gain speed. It is like this for about a minute and then the problem goes away and it runs fine. Also the fuel guage sometimes will drop to empty and then after a few minutes come back to a normal reading. The water in fuel light has come on a couple times. I'm still trying to figure out where I drain the water. Maybe that is causing the power loss???

I don't know if these symptoms could all be from my APPS or if I have other fuel issues going on. I have been reading about the IP/LP issues which has me pretty scared that I might be coming up on a costly repair! Especially since I am at 140,000 miles now.

I read here how to check the codes and I got P0460, P0463, and 1693.

Sooo I know all of this makes me sound like an idiot but take it easy on me as I'm here to learn from those wiser than me! My current plan is to replace the APPS and probably the lift pump too as I don't want to take chances with my truck being at the mileage it is at and it seems to be the least costly alternative.

Any other suggestions?

 

None at all?

 

Try resetting the APPS. My dad's 2001 had the same type of symptoms, and he reset it a few weeks ago and said it drives like a different truck. Here's how:

This procedure has shown to help 24 valve ISB engines. It is basically teaching the fly by wire accelerator on these trucks to reread the position of the pedal and it's limits. Most complaints this will help with is poor acceleration, improper shifting, bucking in 5 and 6 speeds. Has been known to increase fuel mileage in some instances.

1. Set parking brake
2. Disconnect negative battery cables on both batteries
3. Turn ignition key to run(to drain any remaining capacitors)
4. Let truck sit for 30 minutes( this is the recommended minimum)
5. Return ignition to OFF position
6. Reconnect both batteries and secure, not a timed event
7. Turn key to run position(not start) and depress accelerator pedal slowly all the way to the floor
8. Allow pedal to return to top position slowly
9. Turn ignition switch OFF
10.Release parking brake

My dad thought it was a lift or injection pump, but never got any fault codes. It's pretty simple to do and worked for him, so I would try it first and see if it works.

 

Water is drained from the bottom of the fuel filter canister...

You could have an APPS issue or it could be your VP44...

P0460-FUEL LEVEL SENDING UNIT NO CHANGE OVER MILES
P0463-HIGH VOLTAGE DETECTED AT THE FUEL LEVEL
SENSOR

are probably telling you that your sending unit is bad...

 

Keep in mind that there is an APPS replacement out there that is not going to cost you $6oo, rather some $160. Search for "Timbo01", he makes and sells a more reliable and low cost drop-in replacement unit.
I would also say VP44 could be the problem but most of the time the dead pedal issue appears at highway speeds. To have it at idle off the bat seems different and APPS may be the problem. I thought APPS always sets codes though.

 

I've contacted Timbo for the APPS. I saw a pictorial on here to replace the VP44 and saw where the APPS is located. Where would I find the lift pump?

 

The LP is behind the fuel filter canister or if it is not there, it could have been put in the fuel tank as a warranty replacement by a dealer. You will find also that there is a common agreement here that installing a replacement stock LP is just a bandaid on a gunshot wound. An aftermarket LP will cost you just some $40-50 more (if you make your own kit) and last forever. Stock replacement can last from years to weeks.

 

Thanks for the tip Paul. Have any recommendations for a good aftermarket lift pump?

 

Go with either a raptor or fass after market lift pump. I don' even watch my fuel pressure gauge any more... pretty boring...

 

Went to start the truck today and realized when I turn the key to On I don't hear the fuel pump running for a few seconds. I don't hear it at all. I tried bumping the starter, still nothing. Started the truck then turned it off then turned the key back to On, nothing. I'm convinced my lift pump has gone bad and may have been bad for a couple weeks. Went ahead and picked up a Carter replacement pump at Pep Boys. I'm crossing my fingers that the VP44 is still ok.

Does anyone know where I could find instructions on replacing the lift pump? I see it on the engine below the fuel filter and pretty sure I can figure out how to swap it out but instructions with pics is always nice so I know in advance what I'm doing.

Timbo's APPS is on its way so hopefully these two parts will have my truck back in business.