Hello everyone,

I've been experiencing a few different problems with my 98.5 CTD Ram this summer. [currently--just under 65,000 miles on the odometer]

Problem 1:
My auto trans practically refused to shift out of 1st. The obvious symptoms were no speedo readings, BRAKE warning light and ABS warning light. The trans would stay in 1st until the speedo began functioning. The solution for this problem was a replacement of the "Rear Wheel Speed Sensor" [Part Number 05014787AA]--for those experiencing the same problem.

Problem 2:
After repairing problem 1, the auto trans still has some difficulty shifting from 1st to 2nd. Although this reads much like the original problem, the "initial shift" occurs much sooner than before and, interestingly enough, the tranny works like a champ after that first shift. This shifting problem SEEMS to be heat related! Once the trans warms up, the first shifts occurs and we're all set until the trans cools down again.

Problem 3:
As I was contemplating problem 2, I took a two-hour trip on I-10 and started experiencing something new. About one hour into the trip, I stopped for fuel and noticed that the CTD was idling rough [while I waited in line]. Oddly enough, this fluctuation in idle speed [of about 150 rpm] would smooth out once the truck was shifted to PARK. After fueling up, I continued for the remaining hour and exited I-10. Once I stopped at the light--at the end of the exit ramp--the engine died. In short, I had to prime the engine to get it started. For the remainder of the weekend in question, I had difficulty starting the engine [especially if the engine was warm]. The only way I got the thing started when this happened was by priming the fuel system. As a side: once the engine was started, it ran fine until I was stopped; then, once again, rough idling.

Like myself, many would point to the lift pump as the first suspect [the fuel filter is regularly replaced]. Well, I tested the lift pump by preparing an "external fuel tank." That is, I filled a 5-gallon bucket with diesel and submerged the "suction" and "return" lines in the fuel. Once I got this setup primed, the lift pump ran like a champ AND held prime overnight. This would seem to eliminate the lift pump as a cause.

At this point, I've found that--by removing power to the lift pump--the engine will fire up pretty quickly. Once it's started, I reconnect the power and the CTD seems to run fine UNTIL IT'S WARM. Once the engine warms up, the engine dies [takes about ten minutes of idle time].

From what I'm reading, the VP44 is the next likely culprit. Nonetheless, I'd really appreciate any thoughts I can get on this.

Thanks very much,
Bill
PS - It may not read like it, but I love my RAM. When it's running, it's a thing of beauty. It's just a shame there seem to be so many fuel delivery issues with this engine.

 

Sounds like the VP pump. Go and see if you have any codes set in the computer.

As for the tranny, it sounds like the solenoids are going out. Mine did the same thing yours did right before they went out.

 

Thanks for your time, BigBlue!

Yes, my next step is to try my brother's AutoTap. He tells me that I should be able to hook up my laptop PC to the OBDII connector under the dash of my truck. Once I've done so, I can use the software I downloaded from AutoTap to diagnose the problem. As I understand it, this setup can access a great deal of data from the ECM. Have you ever done this [or heard of someone else doing so]?

As for the VP44. Do you know anything about the warranty coverage for it? As I read it, it seems that I'm out of luck when it comes to TIME. That is, the warranty only lasts for 5 years when it comes to the VP44. As you can see, I'm under the 100,000 miles [I'm at about 65,000], but over the 5 years.

Thanks again,
Bill

 

If you get a P0216 code, that will probably confirm a dying VP44. It's a lot more common on the early 24V trucks like yours.

Not all dying VPs throw the code. But the hard-start-when-warm is a sure sign. get your pennies together!

justin

 

Ya. Your out on your warranty. Not to mention they'll void it because of your FASS system anyways.

 

Hello BigBlue and Hohn,

Thanks for the input! As for the warranty question, I agree with you, BigBlue--I'm out of warranty. However, I don't think the FASS voids the warranty.

I've heard from several sources that a lift pump/fitration system will NOT affect the warranty. In fact, the owner of the company that made mine told me that he's broached this very issue with the honchos at Chrysler. In short, he has customers that have had warranty work done on their "FASS fed" CTDs.

Regardless, I believe that the time limit of 5 years is what got me in this case.

Thanks again,
Bill