UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE --- PROBLEM SOLVED

Almost everyone was telling me "P0216 means Injection Pump/vp44 failure - REPLACE it", or "It's your LIft Pump", or "Maybe it's your APPS:.

Since this problem was definitely temperature dependent, I kept thinking "this is ELECTRICAL". Both the APPS and the vp44 contain electronics, so I finally just cleaned the connectors (using a good quality contact cleaner) to each of them - and the problem is gone!

My total cost was $6 for the contact cleaner versus $1000's to have my vp44 and lift pumps replaced, or as much as $500 to replace the APPS. Of course, replacing them would have fixed the problem too (since the connectors would have been demated/remated) - leading to the false conclusion that the new parts fixed it.

Conclusion: Don't jump too quickly at replacing expensive parts no matter what everyone is telling you.

Thanks again, guys for all the responses. You got me thinking in the right areas.
Jack

 

I would definately get a FASS Titanium series pump. They do come with the lifetime warranty as well so it would be an excellent investment to avoid any future headaches. Do you have the retrofitted in tank pump or is your current pump located on the block? Let me know and I can assist you in locating the proper part number for your application.