Coming back from So. Cali, my check engine light went on. I checked all my gauges and everything seemed fine, so I continued on, thinking it was a sensor problem. An hour later, I stopped in front of my house and got ready to back into my driveway. when I shifted from Drive to Reverse, the engine died. I started it up, put it into reverse and backed it into the driveway...somewhat lurchy with an uneven engine performance noted. I put it into park, then put it into drive and it died again. I went into my house and hooked up my Superchips module and read the code for the check engine light. It was listed as P0181. Does anyone know exactly what that code means? I have the pamphlet that came from Superchips and says it's a Fuel injector pump failure. I also have a Chilton's manual that says it means Fuel Temperature sensor "A" Circuit Range/Performance. Can anyone please tell me which one is correct and what I need to do? This truck is my life and I cannot afford to lose it or put it into a shop. Thanks for your help in advance.

BTW...going uphill on the way home, the truck seemed to sputter and I was thinking it was time to change my fuel filter again. Could that have caused the later malfunction? Thanks.

 

put a fuel pressure guage on your lift pump... if its not that its probably gonna end up being your vp44

 

Thanks for the info. I replaced my fuel filter and the code cleared itself. Hopefully I didn't do too much damage to my fuel injector pump. QUESTION: I keep seeing suggestions that fuel pressure and EGT gauges be installed. Where would I find these to buy and what does it take to install them? Thanks again for your help.

 

Okay, well, the edit light came back, same code. Next step is to test the lift pump. any other suggestions? Thanks.

 

P0181- Fuel Injection Pump Failure

 

Thanks Slim...but I don't understand how my engine can still run normally if the injection pump is out? When it's running, it's running normally. When I'm sitting at a light, sometimes it will idle roughly and sometimes it dies when I shift to neutral/park and back into gear, but otherwise it's fine.

I'm going out and buying a fuel pressure tester tonight to check my lift pump cuz i really can't afford it to be my vp44...LOL. Where do I hook up the tester to? between the filter and the vp44? or between the lp and filter? do I need anything that doesn't come with the tester kit? Thanks for the help.

 

The P0181 code will cause an engine power derate, or kill the engine. The fault is internal to the injection pump and is within the fuel pump control module located on top of the VP44. This problem is fairly common with the early pumps due to the constant temperature cycling of the electronics causing an intermittent connection. All rebuilt pumps now use a revised electronic circuit to help fix this problem. Unfortunately the only solution you have is to replace the bad VP44 before it quits forever.

 

Well, that's not good news... Thanks for the input. I went to the local auto stores today to get a fuel pressure tester and they all said NOT to use on diesel engines... so where am I supposed to get a tester? Replacing my vp44 is gonna hurt...if I can even swing it. I don't trust myself enough to do it myself, so I'll need to find a shop that will do it for me. Wish me luck!

 

Okay, I had someone suggest Midwest Fuel Injection for the rebuilt VP44. Does anyone have any other suggestions or feedback on this company? They have the VP44 alone for 1046.00. The have a kit of the VP44, a high performance lift pump and a Fleetguard filter for a little over $1200. I know I should get a different pump, but financially, I'm stuck with this until summertime when my business is in full swing. Also, should I trust a Dodge mechanic or should I go to an independent? I've always been leery of going back to the source for service. Thanks for all the help.

 

okay, I got my new LP in...bought a vulcan tester from Geno's and hooked it up to the access port on top of the filter, closest to the enging/center of filter. At idle, pressure is at 14 and at 2500rpm its 11. So I'm pretty comfortable with my new LP. I'm wondering if the pressure will change once I put the new vp44 in it? That's coming on Monday...can't wait! Been two flippin weeks without my truck! BTW....out of curiosity...anyone know how long my vp44 will last with the p0181 code? Thanks for all the help from everyone. This site is awesome and I recommend it to all my dodge diesel friends.

 

Your pressure should not change with the reman VP44.

If you bought from MWFI, you will be very happy, they send everything you need to do the job correctly.

I too was stranded for 2 weeks because of $$$ of my VP failure. It sucks, bad. I would also suggest not driving your truck with a failed VP right now, because it WILL leave you stranded, and it could happen in traffic, and pushing a 6000lb. ram is nearly impossible.

Are you going to change the VP yourself??? I did mine yesterday, it was super easy. Only special tool you need is a steering wheel puller, and you can use 2 bolts from the grid heater/intake elbow to pull the drive gear from the VP.

 

Everyone keeps telling me that I can do it myself...which I know I can, BUT...I don't have a lot of tools and I doubt I would be able to do the work without a lot of distractions...LOL. Family life. I feel more comfortable taking it to Dodge to do the work especially since they warranty the labor. Part of me feels like I'm being too lazy...but this truck is very important to me...it is my sole transportation and my business. (I put approx 50k miles a year on my truck for WORK). I can't really afford to make a mistake on this. How long did it take you to do yours and what tools did you need? Thanks for the input, and YES, I did by my pump from MWFI.

 

Took me an hour, start to finish.

Tools I used. Steering wheel puller (small cheap one, can get anywhere), 3/4 or 19mm combo wrench, 3/8 ratchet, medium & long 3/8 extensions, 15mm socket, 10mm socket, 7/16 combo wrench, mirror, flashlight, 1/2 ratchet, 1-1/16 socket, 15mm open end, grease.

If you want more instuction, I can post what I did, it's fresh in my memory.

 

JollyGQ did u say Dodge will warranty the labor. what state do u live in. Lama... sure could use the -how to- on the install on the VP44, looks like thats were im goin. do u think a Hot Rod VP44 is better (SHO VP44 same same). hey guys post responses on 02 dreaded dead pedal. on the HELP sec at top of the page. and read it if u want to help. thanks!

 

yeah, I called the Dodge dealership near me and they said they will warranty the labor. The parts dept wanted $2100 for a rebuilt vp44, so I figured since their part was rebuilt, I could buy it anywhere. When I asked the Cust svc rep, he said I could give them any vp44 and they would install it and warranty the LABOR but not the part. That worked out for me.

I live in Central California. I'm tempted to do the work myself, but I figure it'll be better for all my warranties if I have it all done professionally. Costs a bit more, but at least I'll have peace of mind. Dodge quoted me $531 to do the labor, one day turn-around.

Lama, yes, please post directions...I'm sure it will be invaluable to many. Thanks.