P0216 error

[Canafid]

Experienced a dead pedal for the first time heading up the Blue Mountains last month on a trip to Seattle.

 

Didn't recur again for a day, but occurred periodically on the return trip home.  Seems to be under light load - last freeze frame shows 8.2%.

 

No CEL, but found the DTC P0216 when I plugged in the scanner today, no other codes.  

 

I have 2 questions: First, I'm trying to follow the article (P0216 Fuel Injection Pump Timing Failure)

and properly diagnose the problem. Where is "See FUEL INJECTION PUMP TIMING in ON-VEHICLE ADJUSTMENTS - RAM PICKUP - DIESEL article." located? I can't find it anywhere here.

 

Second question: Does it matter? From what I'm reading, is the pump doomed? I've seen references to the "Death Code". If I'm just buying time by going through the diagnostics, I'd rather replace both pumps now and be done with it and have a reliable truck.  I really don't want to waste a bunch of time and repeated repairs.

 

Thanks!

 

[Mopar1973Man]

Pump is most likely starting to wear out. But I would verify the fuel pressure is up to snuff and the fuel meets the lubricity requirements of Bosch (<450 HFRR) which today's US fuel is typically ~520 HFRR so it does cause more wear.

[mopartechnician]

Whats your fuel pressure? Ive seen pickups go 5 miles and thousands of miles with the death code.

[JAG1]

I've never gotten dead pedal but been runnin with the 0216 code for 2 or 3 years now using heavey doses of 2 stroke oil in the fuel and keeping fuel pressure/ flow good. Mine could have been set off, though, by bad fuel flow sucking air at times

[Canafid]

Unknown what the fuel pressure is. Just got the truck in January, & haven't installed instrumentation yet. Just turned over 116k on the clock.  I think it belonged to snowbirds that just pulled a travel trailer back and forth between SLC & Arizona, so it likely spent a lot of time just sitting around.

 

Since it's a 2001, I've been running the 2 cycle oil in it @ 128:1 since I read about it. 

 

Think the next step is the standard gauges so I can see what's going on.

[TFaoro]

If it has the stock lift pump or dodge's fix, you can almost bet your vp is getting worn out due to lack of fuel

[Yankneck696]

Even if you are low on cash at the moment, a NEW stock replacement is better than a worn stocker. Best to get a good aftermarket fuel system. Also, check your fuel filter. Then, next step is a FP gauge. Then, BHAF, tuner, injectors, turbo, twind, supercharger with 2 turbos feeding it, Nitrous, Propane....... Next step is a GE turbine in the bed....

 

Ed

[Mopar1973Man]

Even a Vulcan Big Line kit and Stock pump is better...

[Yankneck696]

Live long & pump...

 

Ed

[steel1849]

I have the P0216 code with no obvious problems.  Where is the FUEL INJECTION PUMP TIMING in ON-VEHICLE ADJUSTMENTS - RAM PICKUP - DIESEL article?

It is referenced often but my searches fail to find it.

[Mopar1973Man]

All timing is electronically controlled by the ECM. The P0216 code more or less means the injection pump timing piston is seized up in the bore. From here on out is replacement of the VP44. Sorry to say.

[Me78569]

article 

 

 

[JAG1]

On 4/6/2014 at 4:09 PM, Yankneck696 said:

Even if you are low on cash at the moment, a NEW stock replacement is better than a worn stocker. Best to get a good aftermarket fuel system. Also, check your fuel filter. Then, next step is a FP gauge. Then, BHAF, tuner, injectors, turbo, twind, supercharger with 2 turbos feeding it, Nitrous, Propane....... Next step is a GE turbine in the bed....

 

Ed

You won't need all that unless your hobby is power mods, just make it reliable and take care of it. It money in the bank if you treat it right.

 

The reason your timing piston wore out is the diesel fuel is low in lubricity. You need to add a quart of 2 stroke oil to every tank of fuel. It will love you for it and you will feel the engine just thanking you for the real fuel oil it supposed to get.

Edited June 8, 2021 by JAG1