JAG1

Think I can make out the drive up window there

Your very lucky to get that ECM and glad you got it

7th pic up........ Looks like another Chic Filet built by Dave Ripley Sorry Dave.... couldn't resist

Yep people that drive aggressively need to see some of the damage it does to the human body. Some of the problem too is they feel comfortable and isolated from the elements when they drive and don't realize how much a little more speed will impact their cabin.... becoming a body crusher like vise.

I've done a bit of a study on local accidents and typically find the person in the pick up truck fairs much better than otherwise. However, we truck drivers have a greater responsibility for safety just like the big riggers out there.

That is why I like a piece of iron underneath me on the road.

I drove 4 yrs with the 0216 code present using heavy doses of 2 stroke oil. I started getting hard starts so Moparman changed it out for me. Good Mechanic too. Good to do all the important stuff before a new VP. 1/2'' fuel lines, pump nearer the tank on the frame running off the batteries but controlled by the ECM, fuel pressure gauge to help maintain 15- 20 p.s.i., a filter prior to the lift pump for protection, all screens removed in the tank and a bottle of two stroke ready to go. I would like to get an AC volt gauge in the truck to help protect all the electronics.

Have you actually seen the Fuel pressure exactly on the instant this occurs? Also disconnect the VP wire harness and check to see all the pins look good, fit tight, no corrosion or evidence of water intrusion. Then use dialectric grease on the pins and push back into place making sure it's all the way in. Check wires for any previous wire taps, weak points or loose wires going into the plastic connector housing.

We can fix that with lots and lots of this.... . I'm not an expert but is it possible this could be a fueling problem, i.e. bad tank vent, in tank screens clogged, or old in tank lift pump still in there?

Is your lift pump on a relay activated by the ECM and powered off the battery?

Dave, he says above that his F/P was too low for awhile and then got turned up to 18 psi.and WOT is 14-15. I wish he did not have low F/P for awhile on a new VP.

My 1st gen is still a good truck and love it even more, the older it gets. With over 400k miles and almost 20 yrs of service from this truck, Nick, how can you call yours a junker. That's the sweet spot for my first gen.... all the bugs worked out some oem junk replaced..... she ran for about another 150k miles and she did not need anything and I could not believe it . She has been the best wife I ever had

Hammer, interesting story about your wife's 5.3. I cannot believe how truck design builders think more is better when in essence simpler is more dependable appreciable. I went looking for my 02 when I saw the writing on the wall even though I have a nice first gen doing very well for me, I decided another truck is a wise move before builders get crazy.

It's really good to hear about this Exactly why having a truck that paid for is so good because you can afford all the mods that make it better than new. Just cause a truck is new doesn't make it better. I have heard a lot of problems w new stuff. Now your not a slave having the money in the bank.

Be sure the ground going to the block is clean and tight as well. I think there are 2 of them from ea. battery

You have a great opportunity in keeping your truck and will afford a great sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. I get that working on mine, at leas,t to the point I go look for things to do. It's a great hobby and once you get a good set of tools... you will find yourself looking forward to the next project.

Yeah the used price on these second gens stays high cause of this site, Michael Nelson keeps everyone's running and has figured out how to get around Dodge's rig-a-morrow. I really think there is some truth to this.

I'm keepin' my fingers crossed that it is weak batteries/ weak connection first and next would be a burned diode in the alternator. I read once about a guy that had a bad lift pump drawing excessive load and had your symptoms as well. It showed how important to have a clean electrical system and not have the lift pump connected to the ECM like the factory does. Can you tell us what your fuel pressure is while running? What lift pump you have? Hoping I'm on the right track otherwise I'll get a good bonk on the head, might get worse than that when I go visit Michael again.

Thanks Mike. It does take awhile for alternator charge to get back up on it's full charge. Electric lift pump is drawing a load also. I had a weird throttle response at one point and had the Timbo APPS in the glove box. Changed it out and that went away. Michael is on the money as well... need to test the alternator for excessive AC noise but you must have one of the expensive volt meters to test. Otherwise you can only test for DC output should be around 14.2- 14.7 after truck grid heater stops drawing load. Takes awhile.

Are you confusing the delay (miss communication here)? You should hear the clunk because that is the grid heater relay going on, doing it's job. Then the wait to start lite should stay on a little while till grid heater (heats intake air when cold), then wait to start lite goes out like it should and then you start the truck. Then grid heater cycles on and off after you start (clunk sound) never allowing the volt meter to get up to the 14.2 volts till grid heaters decide truck has run long enough for warm up. Volt meter should go up and down till they shut down and then it will gradually climb to full charge reading around 14.2- 14.7 volts. after heater shuts down The weaker batteries will take a bit longer to let the gauge climb back up but also drop more drastic when heater cycles, if weak. I would not jump to any big expense yet... not till you get good batteries with all electrical connections nice and clean. You will need to get a Timbo Apps for reliability any how.... about $150... so try that first also. Now I think I'M in big big trouble undermining Michaels advice hear... but... I see this miscommunication going on.

Don't brushes pop out making it harder to put back together?

should carry those in the glove compartment. Are there a lot of parts to watch when opening up an alternator? Or is it very easy like my tractor was?

Sun is just about to peer over the cascades here. About another minute or so. Coffee is good too.

That's after April too. Might just work for everyone. I can never fly again CSM, ever since I bought my Cummins truck

Sounds good. A guy needs something to look forward to. This is great.