Guys, I know this may seem stupid, but I found a 2000 24v 4x4 5spd with 97k on it...quad cab long bed...56 block with 3.55s, REALLY CHEAP. The owner has had it for several years, doesn't know the first thing about them. I went and test drove it, it feels, looks, and runs like brand new.

Now heres the issue: truck is throwing a 1388 code and the companion 1693 code. After start up, the tach may get a tad erratic...kinda drops to 0rpm then hops back up..motor stays the same rpms (750-800) besides a small hiccup when this happens. When driving the tach may quit, then work again, then quit. When the tach quits, the truck loses some power, doesn't really accelerate. He told me that the dodge dealership scanned it said it may be the crank position sensor. I have no way of checking fuel pressure, and i dont want to tear his truck apart in the front yard. He has taken really good care of the truck and I worry about fiddling too much. What could be the issues...any diagnostic tips? Does this sound like vp44 failure? Thanks, sabreson.

 

crank sensor will cause that

 

Crank sensors will cause that, also don't rule out a VP-44. When mine went out I was experiancing "dead pedal" when I was driving. I would be running down the highway and then the gas pedal wouln't do anything, the truck would keep running but would not excellerate. It would only last about 10 seconds at a time but would slow the truck down.

 

Aight...if I am correct an advance or autozone or napa can scan the truck for the companion code? I guess I can check for vp44 codes on whatever comes up...any ideas on a quickie fuel pressure gauge set-up to check it? sabreson

 

Also how much does a crank sensor cost?

 

how much you talking on the price of the truck. if its cheap enough buy it anyways and then just put the money you saved in to a few fixes an mods......i.e. a HRVP-44 if you have to replace it

 

$8000.....i think thats cheap enough

 

80 at napa

 

I believe you can hook up a fuel pressure gauge on the top port of the fuel filter housing. There is a threaded plug up there you can remove it and check fuel pressure. You will need the size fitting, I can't remember what size it was.

 

Doesn't the 2000 have a fuel pressure test port on the banjo on the VP? Dust cap with a schrader valve underneath.

 

Buy the truck. That's at least a $10K truck there..... You could part it out and make money on that one....

 

Crank sensor.....mine did the exact same thing last year..Remove the starter and your ready to install new sensor ...You can test for fuel pressure at the top of the fuel filter housing...( i have a gauge there)

 

aight this is all good news...now if my buddy can just come through and purchase mine i'll get this bad boy....havent had a 24v since 2005...hopefully it will be a welcome change in some ways.

 

You better write the check. it won't last long. The CKP was cheaper at Autozone. I replaced earlier with oem & went cheap when it went out again. Next you'll need gauges, fuel system, front end. Then you can turn up the fuel.

 

i know it....losing my hair over this...buddy bought my truck, gotta wait until thurs. to get money. The guy told me he will hold the truck, i offered a deposit, he said he trusted me, listed it as sold. But I know he is getting calls off the hook, the front end feels remarkably light, runs down the road straight as an arrow, brakes are tight as new. I hope to god this all works out.