I was towing a 20' trailer from Texas to Indiana and broke down in Illinois. I was driving along and the truck started "popping" like the waste gate was going off (like an automatic rifle) and losing power. I was lucky enough to be able to pull in to a gas station and got help from some locals (despite the fact that it was 20* and 10pm on a Saturday night in the middle of nowhere!).

Anyway, diesel mechanic called when he found the lift pump failed, and said he's seen a few of them happen this way. I thought that was strange given the location (very rural Illinois) and the fact that this town had a population of maybe 900 folks.

Anyway, he got the retro kit from Dodge since you can't get a replacement lift pump (not that I'd want one).

My thoughts are that Dodge knows this part is crap; so much so that they won't sell you a replacement, only a retro fit kit that costs $400 and is just like the new model Cummins lift pumps.

I'm very upset. I have about 90k miles on my '04.5, and only mods are a Bully Dog (only set to the "tow" setting, never even set higher believe it or not), and an AFE filter/ torque tube kit. The truck has been a pleasure since I bought it new, and use it 2-4 times per year to tow our 32' 5th wheel and about 20 times/ year to tow my motorcycle trailer and race spares.

I thought I was up on all the "common" problems, and did all the preventative stuff (I thought).

Am I alone in this? I didn't find anything of significance when I used the search feature here.

 

There have been quite a few threads about the filter mounted lift pump failing.

I think that is why they switched to the in tank lift pump. There are also many aftermarket options.

I'm not sure if it is covered under the 100k engine warranty...

Also, I see this was your first post. Welcome to the forum.

 

The lift pump is covered under the 100k warranty.

MikeyB

 

I just replaced mine on my 2004 because I figured it was about to fail anytime. I put in the Raptor and did it myself. It was a pain in the rear to do. had to drop the fuel tank..Took me 7 hrs, but works great. I feel a lot better knowing my lift pump wont let me down at the most inopportune time.

 

Yes it is (first post), I've been lurking a while and I PROMISE I searched first , I just didn't see anything when I searched for "lift pump".

I'm finding out that I'm not as "up" on the common problems as I thought. This site is really helpful though, and I've used the information to take care of the truck as best as I can.
Well heck. Since this was an emergency repair, I had the work done by a local shop... is there a chance that I will get any reimbursement from Dodge, or am I dreaming here?

I don't know what brand I got, but I'm assuming it's from Dodge since he had an appointment for the truck to go in to be re-flashed. I didn't have it re-flashed though because it was running fine and I didn't have my Bullydog with me to remove the DL. I'm going to take the DL off and have it re-flashed Thursday I guess.

 

Heck, if I were you I'd at least go to the dealer and see about getting reimbursed, especially since you were broken down apparently not near a Dodge dealer.

They might say no, but there's nothing to loose by asking.

 

I just got off the phone with Chrysler; they want me to send in the invoice and story of the incident for review. God only knows how long that will take, but you're right, all they can do is say "no".

 

Good luck on getting a response from Chrysler Customer Service. I had a 2008 Jeep Wrangler break down on a trip this summer. It had 2000 miles on it and blew out an internal oil gallery block off plug. Needless to say I lost all oil pressure and couldn't drive it. Had it towed to a local Dodge dealer and it was repaired under warranty. The Dodge/Chrylser dealer did not cover a rental car for the two days it was down. I do have a service agreement. Complained to Chrysler Customer Service and faxed all papers. They lost them and had to refax twice! Contacted a Chrysler local dealer where we purchased the Jeep and they immediately paid all of my expenses due to the breakdown. To this date, I have not had a response as to the status of my request from Chrysler Customer Service. Long story short-check to see if the local dealer will help out with "good will". Worked in my case.

 

Good tip! I'll call them next. Typically, I have not had any luck at all with my local dealers for service, hence the reason I went straight to Chrysler.

 

I to had the exact same lift pump problem happen to me this last spring with my 04, it only has 72500 miles on it.
My truck left us stranded, so I called my local Dodge dealer to try and get it fixed, but the were all booked up for at least a couple weeks so we took it to a Heavy Duty truck shop(they to are cummins certified) and had them fix it.
Long story short, I contacted Chrysler customer service and talked to a real nice and helpfull lady about the problem, she said it is definatly a warranty issue. She said to send in the original reciepts and I will be reimbursted. We did that and about 6 months later got a call from Chrysler and told me this is not a warranty issue. The person who called me I could not even understand her...I think she was from India or some where??? I think all she knew how to say was 'this is not a warranty issue'. I asked to talk to someone else higher up and they finally hung up on me!!!
You can't believe how P#$$ed of I am!!!

 

I dont know where you guys get your trucks worked on but when i worked for chrysler we would have just asked you for your old part and ran a repair order on your truck to claim the repair,then sent you a check when we got paid from chrysler aslong as you used factory parts and had the old pump because chrysler would call for the part.

 

Their won't be a parts return on any fuel sys parts for a retrofit kit...and FWIW you just had the achilles heal removed from your truck (canister lift pump). I have yet to this day see ANY issues involving an intank pump. Enjoy the ride!!

 

Was the service agreement a "chrysler" service agreement?

 

Here is a story so you dont feel left out.
I bought my 04 three years ago with 29k miles and now have 102k on it.
Around 89k my engine studdered and stopped as if it had ran out of diesel when infact i had half a tank. I took it to a well known diesel shop and told me it was the lifter. Asked me if i had changed filters. Didnt even know i had any. I elected to go with an upgrade Air dog.
Recently completed two substantial trips to Ga on Turkey day and then a New York City trip on x-mas from Miami.
The Air dog compliments all my other upgrades.