Hello,

I have a ‘2000 Dodge 2500 with the vp-44 pump with about 130,000 miles. Lately while driving at a consent speed I’ve noticed that the throttle stops responding to any additional acceleration. Up the hills it slows down as though I was not throttling up. I would have to mash down on the pedal once of twice for it to come back, Once it comes back, everything seems to be ok. Then after a while it returns to the same problem.

I like to add that I have a low fuel pressure warning light between the fuel filter and the injection pump. While the truck is behaving like this, the light does not light up. Also no codes appear when I scan it. Has anyone had this problem or can anyone offer any advice to what could be causing this?

Thanks,

 

Sounds like "dead pedal" which is typically a sign of VP44 injection pump failure. You might want to pull the codes and see if you have an 0216 - injection pump timing error - oops, you said you had no codes (I missed that), but I'd wager you'll soon see the 0216. You could always try the APPS reset to see if it helps. Unlike the VP44 changeout, the APPS reset is free.

Rusty

 

Try the APPS procedure, if it does'nt work get a new one, I dealing w/ this right now, and no matter what someone tells you you can't clean them...

https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...n&onlynewfaq=1

Search this forum for "TPS" or "APPS"

 

I've replaced both the VP-44 and the "APPS" in the past 4 months and I'll tell you that there is a big difference between the symptoms they show.

IMO, the 'dead pedal' with the VP-44 was much different than the APPS. If I was cruising at a constant speed the truck would just seem to die(engine basically returning to idle) and if I tried to accelerate, I could mash the go pedal and get absolutely no response, not even a change in the RPM... then all of the sudden a big ol cloud of #2 and away I'd go. It got so bad I couldn't even use cruise control. When I'd first start the truck on a hot afternoon, it would hesitate badly while just letting the clutch out until the engine was warm. I had the P0216.

The 'dead pedal' I experienced with the APPS wasn't exactly a dead pedal. While cruising at a constant speed and without changing the position of my go fast foot, the truck would suddenly lose RPM and then just as suddenly regain them... made the truck seem like it was lurching. I still had full throttle response and no problems accelerating or using the cruise control. It took about 2 days but then the check engine light came on and checked my codes and got the PO122...

just my 2 pennies....

 

I just rescanned it and now it is coming up with the code P0216. Does this mean that I have to change the injection pump?

 

What's your lift pump pressure? I've read where low lift pump pressure will set this code and a new lift pump has solved some folks problem. On others, the lack of fuel keeps the VP from getting lubed and cooled and it dies. I'd put another lift pump on it since it's gonna get one anyway and see if that helps. If you get no problems after a coupla days, you can get the code reset at some chain type parts stores and see if it comes back.

 

I'd vote for yes....

 

That fooled me into thinking it was a APPS sensor, but....

Should have let me know otherwise...

Well I always hope for the best for other people, not the worst..
But in some cases, what can you do...

 

I guess the next step is to hook a fuel pressure gage and check for a restriction. I did clear the code and the problem has not come back all day. So it might be a restriction?????

 

If low fuel pressure set off the code and if the fuel filter is clogged up then the system could be restricted. Type "pressure gauge" in the search box to get some ideas.