I just bought a 2001 Dodge 2500 4 X 4 Automatic (normal output)

A week after I got it an intermittent problem started. Around 12 to 1400 RPM, while going at a steady speed, the RPMs would drop off. The problem would get so severe, that, at times I could only go 35 MPH on the highway. The truck would constantly accelerate and drop off. It never stalls or goes below idle

Then it would run fine for a while. I notice it mostly when it's hot outside with the AC on and when I'm running errands, starting and stopping.

I've replaced:

Lift pump with in-tank upgrade
Main pump
MAP sensor
cam position sensor
Throttle position sensor (APS)

I'm thinking it's the computer, but I also thought it was all of the above...

If anyone has an idea of the specific problem, or where to get a deal on a computer. please let me know

On a separate note, if anyone knows of a fuel pressure gauge they like, let me know the brand and a possible source

Thanks,

Tyler

 

pull the codes and see what ya got

 

Welcome Tyler -

Number 1 - hate to tell you this but the intank pump isnt an upgrade. You should have went with the aftermarket Airdog, mitusa, or fass.

Number 2 - dont go buying a computer or any other parts just yet. its expensive to throw parts at it.

Have you scanned it for codes? Im talking about using a scanner and not the key on/off trick.

So youve replaced the VP-44? From the symptoms, it sounds like it could be the VP-44.


As for the fuel pressure guage, youll need a guage, a tapped banjo bolt, some fittings, some 1/8" DOT brakeline and a needle valve or a pressure snubber. The instaall should go like this:

 

Or you could do something like this:

Draw Straw II 1/2 in. draw tube and 1/2 in. pushlock fitting

 

Always #1, get the codes read!

 

I scanned for codes about 6 times, no codes, no check engine light. The dealer and 2 different diesel shops scanned for codes, no codes

I did replace the vp44 with a rebuilt from a very reputable rebuilder.

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I considered the rebuilt VP44 could be bad, but I thought it would be very unlikely that both pumps would have the exact same problem

Thanks for the responses

 

I wasn't sure of how to start a new post. Was wanting some advice on signs of lift pump failure. Last week truck just fell out on me. I shut it off the night before and was running fine. Next morning couldn't hardly get it to turn over let alone start. Acted like it was dead on charge. Though it wouldn't even fire with a jump. I had the batts checked and one of them was bad so I just replaced them both. Just in case. I also had the alt checked because I had noticed the volts were surging up and down and on the gauge. Wanted to make sure it was alright. Alt checked out good. All said and done and it is still having hard starts. Changed the fuel filter and made sure the cannister was clean. Got good fuel in her. I have a fuel pressure gauge that is tied into the fuel cannister. Reads from 15 to 20 psi. Not sure. Thought maybe it was possibly the lift pump... Any suggestions?

 

Please start your own thread.

 

Cant someone move this to another thread for him, although i'm guessing upon the glow plugs..

 

I poked around on the forum and I tried something I had not tried before. I disconnected both batteries. It ran great today. I hope this is a permanent fix!