If you get a code P0216, does it necessarily mean the vp44 is shot? The code appeared twice on my obdII, but never turned on a check engine light. I need to erase the codes as I don't know when the codes were set. I had been getting no throttle response after driving in heavy traffic and a lot of white smoke mostly at idle coming off a traffic light.
I replaced the lift pump back in late 2010 to a FASS and put in a gauge pillar in cab at that time. I've NEVER had low fuel pressure according to the gauge and even installed a low pressure light at the inlet to the injector pump which never comes on.
Fuel pressure at the time the problems began was 15 psi. I need to hook up a test gauge at the schrader on inlet of the injector pump. Any input will be appreciated!!

 

No it doesn’t mean death but certainly a possibility. Try going to blue chip diesel. He has a trouble shooting section on vp44s as well as sells several variants though they can be had many places