DOMO

My 2000 model RAM 3500 died on the road in a cloud of white smoke. I checked fuel delivery and determined that the lift pump was not working so I replaced it. The new one is working and is delivering fuel to the injector pump but the engine still won't fire. The check engine light is on and by actuating the key on/off/on/off/on I get a P1693 error code. I read that an error was detected in the ECM (the silver box located on the side of the engine block, behind the fuel filter).

Can anyone help me figure out what that means and what to do about it?

This truck has only 88,000 miles and has no modifications yet.

Andy505

sounds like your lift pump was dead for a while and your VP44 just quit on you.
if you are getting P1693 you should be getting another code...the P1693 just tells you that there is a DTC detected. When you crack the injectors is there any fuel coming out of the lines...normally it will squirt out of the lines...you may get it started by performing the APPS reset sometimes that works.

maybe someone else will chime in with more info.

P.J

More than likely your Injection pump is shot. It's hard to say ho long it had been running on low to no psi, sometimes they limp, sometimes they die, sometimes both.

Chances are you have a p0216 code in there too.

After you get the new VP44 get yourself a fuel gauge so you can monitor the function of the lift pump. I know that advise isn't much help to you now, but.

DOMO

I rechecked the error codes. There is only the P1693 followed by a line then an "end P". I cracked the injector lines at the head. Some fuel comes out when the engine is cranked but not a great deal. I haven't tried the APPS Reset yet.

The truck had been running good. I usually pull heavy trailers and it had not been losing power or economy. In retrospect, I don't doubt that the lift pump was going bad for a while because it would start running rough if the fuel filter got a little dirty.

So, if the lift pump doesn't supply sufficient pressure, the injector pump can experience sudden death or just wear out so it no longer performs well?

Thanks and a Merry Christmas to you too!

99 cummins

Might be somebody to help or at least refer you to someplace you can trust if you list a location.

OUTDOORSMAN

first off welcome to the site. second it would help if you filled out your profile and put your truck stats and mods in your sig line like everyone else.
when you pull your code from the odometer (key on key off) you need to wait a extra moment to see the other set of codes. it will say done, but you have to wait for the next set of codes to get them all. it will say done twice.

could it be possible you need to bleed the lines by cracking atleast 2 if not 3 injector lines, not removing them, just crack them till fuel comes out and crank it till it starts. will run real rough, tighten lines and run.

OUTDOORSMAN

read post #2 to see if it helps. good luck

https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...ad.php?t=54177

MadDog01

Domo, with only 88,000 miles aren't you still under warrenty? I have an 01.5 and my warrenty 7 years 100,000 mile drive train. I think your warrenty is still good. I'd check before you buy a vp44. good luck and let us know.

Gary

OUTDOORSMAN

in 2001 they didnt start the 7 year 100,000 mi program till after sept i believe. my 2001 ram i bought in may is good till may 31 2006. i missed that warranty by a few months. his 2000 should be out of warranty.

MadDog01

Thanks outdoorsman, I wasn't really sure.

Gary

P.J

What he said, my warranty is up in early 2006 too.

DOMO

Unfortunately, it appears my warranty is up. I'll be making a trip to Arkansas Fuel Injector where they tell me they rebuild and ship between 5 and 10 vp44s per day. Like PJ above, AFI also advises a pressure guage and a warning light. I'll post how all of this turns out.

Dr. Evil

Dont forget a new lift pump as well....the one you have now is toast.

P.J

I thought about a warning light too. But then I thought about how I would alway's be wondering if it would EVER actually light up. I really didn't want to have any aftermarket gauges in the cab when I first started reading on this site.
Now, I am very pleased with the final look of my gauges and also comfortable knowing I can see the actual fuel pressure, not just a last minute "Oh my God, pull the truck or else" over dummy light.

Good Luck.
All will be well once the pumps are replaced. You have a very expensive set up under that hood, gauges are a relatively cheap investment in the big picture.

DOMO

I bought and installed a reman. vp44 this evening along with a lift pump pressure guage. The replacement wasn't too bad for my first try. It took about five hours. The truck is back up and seems to run good. I bought a guage for my brother's truck too. Thanks everybody, for your help and for steering me onto the right track with this.