I was pulling a small (3000lb) trailer today, and I noticed the cruise control was letting the truck slow down. I depressed my foot and found the truck was actually flooring the pedal, but the engine was running along at a quiet, just above idle pace. When I hit the kick-down, suddenly the engine began to make power again.

I noticed this several times over the next hour, cruising along at 45mph, pushing the pedal didn't affect the speed, or change in engine volume. I could push it all the way to the kick-down point without any affect. If I let the pedal up, and then back down, back to normal.

Anybody know what's going on here?

 

dont know what to tell ya at this point except check for codes.

 

Yes, it does. Could be the APPS, but that is usually just grasping for straws when the real problem is much more $erious.

Try pulling the codes with the key "trick".

 

That is what mine did before the VP took a vacation. Seemed to be worse when temps were above 80 degrees. Makes sense since most VP failure are due to electronic malfunctions.

 

sounds like dead pedal to me.

 

Yep, 2nd it.
Mine began acting the exact same way a year ago. It's been fine up until this past weekend. 2-3hrs on the hwy w/cruise set and then the same problem. Checked for codes at autozone and it was P0216. I was just getting ready to order a APPS thinking surely that is/was the problem. Nope, I guess everyone gets the lucky code atleast once.

 

Forgot to check for a code before posting.... P0216! D'oh!

I bought the truck in May 2002, and purchased the 7 yr 100,000 mi warranty. Currently 68,000 mi on it. Think I'm in good shape?

Appointment next week at the dealer.....

 

Shoot, I think you are in GREAT shape! Only draw back (in most peoples opinion) is that you'll be getting a different lift pump set up than you have now. You'll be going to an IN tank style vs. the engine mounted pump you have now. Good news is that the VP-44 you'll get will be far superior to the one you have now, updated to electronics, and other specs will hopefully get you more than another 68K.

Interesting side note. I had a 2001.5, pump(s) died EXACTLY at 68K. (in 2004)

 

Mine just did the same thing and it cost me about $1297 for a new VP out of Denver

 

Mine has been doing the same thing. It got today to the point you couldn't drive it. It's been starting hard after it warms up not so much in the morning first thing just after it gets hot. I'm afraid I'm in the "lucky" VP club again. This will be my 4th VP the other 3 were under warranty. Does anyone have an opinion on the Hotrod VP44 since I'm going to have to buy one.

 

This is definately NOT the "dead pedal" you get with the APPS. With the APPS, the engine will suddenly go to an idle condition (zero power, not sluggish response but NO response). You will get code P0121.

 

Hey, that's interesting, that's what I would describe that I had. Idle only, like the throttle cable wasn't connected. But when I checked the code, definitely 0216.

The dealer just called, $2500! Fortunately under my 7yr 100,000 warranty, minus $100 deductible, so no argument as to whether the powertrain warranty runs concurrent or consecutively....

Unfortunately, they wouldn't agree to putting a campaign pump on to replace the stock lift pump. If I want this done under warranty, the lp goes in the tank. Oh well, in 6 more years I can pull it out of the tank when I'm replacing VP #2......

 

I wouldn't sweat the new style LP for now. That can be done ANYTIME, no matter what is going on with your VP-44. Just be glad that you saved all that money.