I recently joined this site and am glad I did. Was looking for the elusive introductions forum, but could not find so I posted in the "other" forum. I was (still am) having trouble with the dreaded dead pedal and the P0216 code. Took it to the dealer and was diagnosed with vp44 intermitent failure. So now its off to get a new one and for sure a pressure gage. What a pain in the EDIT.
Any suggestions on where to get one, that wont hurt the pocket too much, or the best source for a replacement?

Watch the language please. -jrs_dodge_diesel

 

Tis the season for the Vp44s to start taking a dump. How many miles on your truck, any warranty left? If not, there are a bunch of site sponsers that have them for a lot less then the dealer. good luck

 

96k and the warranty expired in Jan of this year

 

Bummer, figures, thats the way most things go. Check the sponsers for the site, are you planning any further mods with your turck or leaving it the way it is? Might be a good chance to upgrade.

 

Was hoping to upgrade, but will have to see how the funds are looking. I have a trip to Colorado planned in two months, so dont you know the wife is pinching pennies.

 

Are you sure the warranty expired?

The way I understand it, and I could be wrong, the Dodge warranty and the Cummins engine warranty (also by Dodge) run consecutively, that means one starts when the other expires. I think the total warranty time for the engine only (including the VP44) is 136,000 miles or 8 years. This means that you are still under warranty and your VP should be replaced for free. There are a few threads here about members who have fought dealers on this and won. The dealer will say that your warranty has expired and they have to go by what's on the computer, they always do this. Check your warranty booklet that should be in your owner's manual case. Of coarse, the engine has to look stock.

Look at this:

https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...rranty+7+years

 

If you need to buy one and need it quick, Midwest Fuel Injection did well by me. Their cost was $1045, shipping included BOTH WAYS. I received a return shipping label with the rebuilt pump to return the core. Warranty was pretty standard 1 year and not covered if pump wire tapped.

I hear any of the major rebuilders is good, including MWFI, Industrial Injection, and Blue Chip. Some Vendors can fudge around a bit on price and shipping, so talk to several to get the best price. If you want more power and don't plan to add anything else, you can get the HRVP(Hot Rod VP) for more power, but you may compromise smooth idling. If you add a fueling box to the HRVP, you eliminate the extra fueling from the pump electronics and could do as well or better with a standard SO Pump and a fueling box, and save the extra $600.

 

What he said!

 

I called the dealer and they said the warranty is for 5 years period. Like you guys (who are now my newest best friends) said the warranty book states that the cummins warranty starts after the basic 3/36. So I am calling cummins directly tomorrow for more clarification. I would like to do and upgrade, but if I can get a free one, thats the way I go. They also gave me an authorized service center close by so I can stay away from the dealer.
Other than the 4 inch exhaust and a cold air intake the motor is bone stock. I have the bullydog torque dog box, should I disconnect this or will it be ok?

 

You can try the Cummins dealer, if they will fix it for you great, but I'm pretty sure the warranty is by Dodge not Cummins. The Dodge dealer will do everything in its power to discourage you to pursue your claim. They will tell you that their computer says your warranty is expired and they have to go by what the computer says. This is all pure bull crap! The only legal document that matters is that warranty booklet, they are obligated by Federal law to comply with its terms. Dodge does not have to provide any warranty at all, but if they do provide one then they are legally obligated to follow it. Every warranty repair that they do is less profit for them, so they are trained to make it almost impossible for you to get your money back.

Most of the stories I've read about warranty claims, the owner has to pay for the repairs, then they have to initiate the formal warranty claims process with Dodge. Usually after several months, and when you're fed up with it and about to sue them, then they will write you a check.

By all means remove that Bully Dog thing, don't give them any more ammunition to use against you.

 

Cummins sells the engine to DaimlerChrysler without warranty. The Cummins Diesel Engine Limited Warranty is from DaimlerChrysler, not Cummins.

DaimlerChrysler replaced my VP44 at six years, ten months, twenty-one day and 130,737 miles, under warranty. My experience is documented here.

 

Wurkenman,

You may want to pull off that cool air intake if it has the cotton washable filter in it. DC has been voiding warrantees over the years when they find these type of filters in vehicles. I did hear at one point that actually filed a lawsuit against one of the mfg's of these washable filters because the efficiency wasn't what it was claimed to be and DC bought a lot of engines because of it.

I work in the engine air filter industry and I have tested some of these washables and it's scary how bad some of them perform (like really bad). So if you have your OEM air box, install it to avoid a possible hassle.

 

from personal exp cummins will not warranty any thing on your eng that is up to dodge and you may want to check on your door and see the date of mfg the eng is covered for 5 years arter that date if its not been 5 yrs they have to fix it but its difficult to get dodge to do any warranty work it took me 3 months to get them to fix mine

 

No 2002 Ram warranty begins any earlier than the date the original purchaser takes delivery of the truck or the date when the truck is first put into service as a dealer “demo” or as a DaimlerChrysler Corporation company truck. It's unlikely that this would be "the date of mfg".

The model year 2002 Ram Warranty Information Booklet (without front or back cover) can be accessed from: this page.

 

I called Cummins and talked to a rep. He stated that D/C buys the engines from Cummins and that D/C maintains the warranty. Cummins has no obligation whatsoever to honor any warranty provided my the car company. He did say he would check into my situation and advise me what would be my best recourse. I'm still looking into the action Thomas used, I dont care if I make any friends at the dealership, I just want my truck fixed. The warrenty clearly states that the cummins diesel warranty starts after the basic 3/36. Just waiting to see the results. I am still looking for a replacement just in case.