Hello out there,

I've been searching/reading multiple posts over the past few days and have come to the conclusion that I probably have a defective VP44 [65,000 miles--probably comes as no surprise].

Unfortunately, I'm out of warranty and driving the truck at this point is a very risky proposition. I have no diagnostic equipment or code readers, so I'm wondering about using the instruments to access trouble codes?

I've also read some posts regarding using the digital odometer to get codes, but the suggestions and steps vary widely.

Here's what I've tried:
I hold the odometer reset while I turn the key to the ON position.

Here's what I see on the odometer:
1) "CHEC" indication
2) "TRIP888888" indication
3) A readout segment test that looks like a rolling segment
4) The actual mileage + ALL warning indicators
5) ALL gauges simultaneously move to 1/4 scale, 1/2 scale and then full scale
6) Back to normal operation

Question: Am I merely running an instrument panel self test routine OR is this how you access any set trouble codes?

If this is how you access any set codes, I assume I've got no trouble codes stored?

After I'm up and running again, I'd like to get a good diagnostic tool [possible employing the OBDII interface]. HOW MANY OF YOU OUT THERE HAVE HAD GOOD LUCK USING AN OBDII SCANNER or some other type of code scanner with a '98.5 CTD? If you have, PLEASE let me know who supplies them. Also, I'd really appreciate any links anyone can supply. I know this is a lot, but I'm pretty much dead in the water right now.

Thanks so much,
Bill

 

On my 01, I turn the key off-key on (without starting) three times. On the third key on, the odometer window flashes the codes and finishes with P DONE. So far no codes...good luck.

 

The early early 24 valvers ('98-'99) trucks didn't have that feature.
The only way to "pull" codes is with a DTC reader.

 

Yup. Swing by an autozone and have them pull the codes for you.