My truck lost power today and would barely idle--very rough. I have a Fass aftermarket transfer pump installed and when I turn the key on I can't hear the pump prime the fuel. Got the p1693 code but not the 0216. Any chance the vp44 may still be good?? This would be my third pump in 200,000 miles and if I need a new one I would like it to be my last. The truck is at the dealer, but they said the will install any pump I want. The mechanic recommended a Cummins pump versus a Chrysler one. Anthing better out there??? Thanks.

 

Probably what was happening is that the FASS was failing and caused the VP to run dry. Not that running the VP running dry is a good thing either but depending on how long it was run like that would determine a bad VP or not. The P1693 is a companion code and means that there is another code in the system. Did the dealer find any other codes? Also, if the VP fails electronically, it can throw a P1963 but usually when the VP starts to fail electronically the signs are dead pedal, white smoke, loss of power, and hard starts when hot. Then when it finally fails, its like you turned the key off. Do you have a fuel pressure gauge? If not then this is an obvious reason why they're are needed, even with an aftermarket fuel pump. Call FASS and talk to them about it. Maybe you can get some help. But above all, I would stay far from having the dealer reinstall an OEM lift pump.

 

The dealer said the fass pump is good but I had a bad relay and corrosion in the wiring and the Fass pump was getting no power. I put the Fass pump on to prevent this problem so this is a bit hard to swallow.. I had a new pump overnighted from Midwest diesel in Ill. I hope this is a good choice as the dealer wanted 2400.00 for a new VP44.

 

If I understood you right, you're having a new FASS overnighted? If so, I'd say thats the best route to take instead of getting paranoid and changing the VP. You didn't mention how long you drove it like that so hopefully it wasn't to long. Also, you were doing the right thing by replacing the lift pump with the FASS so dont beat yourself up but if you really dont want this to ever happen again, get a fuel pressure gauge or a fuel pressure light.

 

Ozzie, i have tickets to see you next Tuesday at Van Andel Arena, Grand Rapids MIch.

 

Actually I'm getting a new vp44 as the one thats in the truck threw a 0216 code and the dealer said it's dead..

 

Was it under warranty with the dealer?

 

no!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Then I have to say that you're being ripped off. And when did it throw the code since you mentioned only the P1693 code in the first post.

One, there should be some warranty with the dealer IF the dealer was the one who installed the last one. If they are and they're not standing behind their work then tell them to get lost and you'll never be back and report them to the Better Business Bureau. Then find a "diesel" shop who is knowledgeable in the 2nd gen Dodge Cummins and have them do it.....with a warranty. They'll be cheaper than the dealer anyways. Any vendor you get a VP from will have at least a 1 year warranty. And also, there's really no reason you should get the P0216 code on a rebuilt VP. That means that the pump has worn out internally which is very unlikely if you have a rebuilt pump because all rebuilt VP's have (should) all the current updated internals and a new computer, which is as equally important since it was common for old computers to make it on rebuilt VP's. If you've noticed, most if not all VP failures you hear about are electronic, not mechanical.

 

VP Install is ~ 4 hours. It took me about that long the first time being careful, having to do some things twice. Dealer shop rates are ~ 100/hr, other shops less. Since my income has dropped, I'll pull my own wrenches & save the $400.

If corroded wires were the problem, why are you putting in a lift pump? Besides, FASS & AirDog have lifetime warranties. Simply replace with what you have under warranty if you do really need a LP.

Do you have gauges? Every 24V forum addresses this many times. Some more research is in order. I'd clear codes, clean connections, lube my fuel & drive before condemning the VP. Read Blue Chip for research starters.

Your next lift pump will be your last only if you sell the truck.

 

The P0216 may indicate a bad VP44 but it can also can be caused by a fuel restriction between the tank and VP44. A bad lift pump makes a good fuel restriction.
I would clear the codes, make sure there is good fuel pressure at the input to the VP44 and if the P0216 code comes back, look for a new injection pump.

 

Anyone else find it strange that people keep questioning a 1693 code or refer to incomplete data from the "key on trick" and don't bother to get a scanner?

 

a p0216 can also indicate that the diaphram in the front of the vp44 is ripped or stretched beyond use. this typically happens when a lift pump fails and doesnot provide enough fuel to the vp44

 

diaphragm in a vp 44 does not rip or stretch

 

Can you elaborate why you think that?