Could I have Lift pump issues……? Well I just dropped of my 2004.5 dodge 2500 at the local dealership for what I think is lift pump failure. I was pulling my 5th wheel to a vacation and about 250 miles away from the home the truck started acting like it was losing power. I pulled over and the engine just died like it was out of fuel it would crank over but not start. After sitting for a couple of minutes the truck would start idle for 20 to 30 seconds and die again as if it had run out of fuel... Well I called my father and he drove about 250 miles to pick up the 5th wheel and drop it off at the house and then proceeded to come back with the trailer and load my poor incapacitated truck so I could take it to a local dealer ship by my home. When I talked to the service tech, it was honestly like he was trying to scare me away from dropping off the truck. Stating that they were going to test the diesel for any kind of contamination perform a module check and if it any was found they would void my warranty? Does that sound right? How the heck can have any control over contamination in the fuel? I change my fuel filter every 7500 to 10,000 miles and perform the required maintenance. To me it sounds like they are looking for a reason to deny my claim. The tuck has just over 75,000 miles and “should still be covered” under the Cummins 100,000 mile warranty. I did notice that when I put the key in the ignition and turn the key on I’m not hearing the norm “hissing / buzzing for the pump pressurizing, where is the lift pump located? If Dodge denies my truck for warranty work what are my options to replace the aftermarket lift pump?

 

If they find performance mods or dirty fuel they will void your warranty. If it the fuel, go down and take a sample from the truck your self. Use a brand new container and mark and seal the container and I would even go as far as to video tape the whole thing. Get the fuel you take tested by a reputable lab. If your sample comes back clean then you have a leg to stand on, to give em a fight. If the fuel comes back as bad, then hopefully you have a receipt from the station you bought it at and can go after them for the repair bill. They will want to think your commander is some sort of chip or programmer,so make sure they know that it is only gauges.

All that said it sounds like a simple lift pump to me too. Just stay on top of them and let them know that you are monitoring what they say and do. Good luck and let us know how it goes.

 

Take a sample pre and post filter. As long as your fuel is not real bad, your filter should work at filtering water and stuff.

Pay the $35 on a Finning SOS fuel sample and or similar to show the dealership your serious.

 

Doom and gloom. Don't you just hate people like that? It's your lift pump. They'll switch it out for the in-tank version they use now.
Cheers
Mike
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Is the in-tank lift pump better? or is it just a ticking time bomb waiting to leave me stranded when I least expect it again?

 

The in tank pump has been working out fine, that's standard equipment starting in the 05's I believe. The talk about the fuel sampling and checking for performance boxes is the standard stuff they tell you, but they will check. Look at it this way, it's a heads up about what to expect. Let's say you were running a Smarty, they just reminded you to change the program back to stock. If you are running any mods, make sure you leave no traces.....none! As to the fuel sample, I'd pull one but not until the truck arrived at the dealership and then I'd do it in front of the service writer or service manager so there is no question about where and when it was pulled. Bring a marker and write the date and time of the sample on the bottle and then, ask if they'd like one also.

 

The retro fit in tank LP didn't last as long as the firewall mounted LP for me. 128,000 miles compared to 90,000 miles. So........you decide. Tic tic.

 

If you're up for a lift pump get a good aftermarket one.... money well spent!!

 

X2.....I got a FASS, but there are many good options for you to chose from.