Hi, I've been a lurker here for a while but finally have an issue I need help with.

I have a stock as far as I know 2001 dodge 2500 5 speed 280k miles that is goofing up and I need help figuring out whats going on with it.

after you drive it for a little bit (it only does it warm) when you are in fourth and fifth gear it completely defuels around 1900-2100 rpm. then takes a second and fuels back up to that rpm. its not quite bucking as its slower than that, more just sputtering and loss of power.

The Lift pump is delivering plenty of fuel(over 10psi @wot) .

we hooked it up to a scanner and the Calculated Load Value is jumping with the truck. but thats all we could get out of the scanner.

my mechanic buddy said it could be the VP44- not saying he's wrong, but I would prefer not to throw a $1200 part at it without KNOWing thats what it needs.

anyone have any ideas?

 

So when your driving and the truck is warm you say you are getting a dead pedal going down the road

 

yea sorta, - it wont rev over 1800-2200.
when your in the pedal about 1/2 way it keeps jumping from full load to nothing.

 

Does the truck die completely for a moment then come back?

 

It doesn't cut all the way out - its like the computer is jumping from idle to full throttle and backt

 

apps or else the vp my bet is the vp

 

At first i was thinking cam or crank sensor but with no codes i dont know . I havent had the pleasure of VP problems. Hope you get her fixed

 

thanks, Just got through driving it around town and It wouldn't do it - I dropped it at my buddies who has a better scanner he's gonna drive it and try to figure it out.

I've got a list of all the codes it should throw for a VP, also a list of codes for the APPS and the no codes is what is bothering me too. could it just need an ECM flash? the truck has 280,xxx miles on it and i just bought it 10k ago.

trucks were easier before all the GD computers. I think I'm going 12v from here out.

 

doesn't sound like VP, check your apps voltage. When my apps voltage got too low it had a very similar symptom to what you are describing.... but even that will throw a code.

 

Have you disconnected the battery's? If so you need to do a APPS reset.

If you have 280k on a APPS sensor that is good,these are wearable items so going down the highway at a certain RPM/MPH the sensor will develop a dead spot over time without ever setting a code.AFTERMARKET APPS THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR ('98.5-'02)-Dodge Cummins Diesel Truck Accessories – Geno’s Garage

You can test your VP44 at a bosch testing facility in your area. Yes taking it off is a job but if it is good well worth it if it is bad your half way there.