This is for those mechanics out there. I have a 2001 Dodge Dually that recently started surging. What I mean by this is - you can be going along, and then all of a sudden you feal that it has no power, your feet is on the gas pedal, then it catches hold and goes on. Yes, it has been to the shop, they put it on the diagnostic testing and they found a pinched fuel line or sensor line. They spliced that, fixed it, thought we were good to go. 2 days later it started doing the same thing? Anyone have this problem so far.
I'm so frustrated. I have not had my truck for 2 months. Any deisel mechanics out there. Right now it is at the Turbo Specialists for diesels.
Posted 2006-06-12 8:58 PM (#42929 - in reply to #42918) Subject: RE: 2001 Dodge - Surging
Veteran
Posts: 247 Location: NW
dinero, do you know if the truck had it's lift pump (I think that's what you call it) replaced prior to you getting it? Reason I ask: my '01 3/4T had it's go out last fall & they replaced it - w/the new version. A couple months later, I started having the same type of deal w/it that you are describing. I took it in the first time & they scoped it & found nothing. That time it stalled - while warming up on a cold morning. At times it does the almost stall - I call it a "gasp" & then goes on - but have also had it stall out completely while driving. One time was BAD - had the trailer on, going up a good incline on a 2 lane highway...cut out & lost all power. But it won't start for about 5-10 minutes afterwards either. The idiots here at our dealership keep telling me that I have to bring it in when it does it in order for it to show on the scope - yeah, right, it's always a good distance from them when it happens. My warranty is going to run out next month. I am planning on going in & having a chat w/the dealership owner...we live in the mountains & we have a heck of a switchback climb to get up to our road - my fear is that it will do this & stall when I've got the loaded trailer on .... no power & the chances of the whole rig going over the edge (no guardrails) is just way too possible!! I guess I will have to mention the word "lawsuit" too in order to get them to pay attention & try to get this straighened out.
Posted 2006-06-13 8:24 AM (#42944 - in reply to #42918) Subject: RE: 2001 Dodge - Surging
Member
Posts: 31 Location: Oz land
Thanks all for replying. Yes, we have put a new lifter pump on. Pressure was showing low. I am also scared of it completly quitting on me hauling horses.
The guy said it is going to have to do while we are driving or we can't do anything.
Posted 2006-06-13 8:46 AM (#42945 - in reply to #42918) Subject: RE: 2001 Dodge - Surging
Veteran
Posts: 247 Location: NW
I did join the above mentioned site.....& have started reading thru when I can & am going to gather all the info & then go in to the dealership w/it. The squeeky wheel gets the most grease, so I think we need to get agressive!
Posted 2006-06-13 12:08 PM (#42955 - in reply to #42918) Subject: RE: 2001 Dodge - Surging
Elite Veteran
Posts: 671 Location: THE GREAT NORTHWET, OREGON(THE REAL GODS COUNTRY)
Had that problem on a School bus,and a friends Dodge, turned out to be the speed sensor on the engine.This little buger wont leave a code but will mess you up.The speed sensor senses the engine is going too fast and turns off the fuel pump.
Cummins had a recall, they call it a campaign, to replace the lift pump and provide a low pressure sensor.Low pressure will eat your injection pump.
Phone 1-888-327-4236 about this.
Take it to a CUMMINS DEALER if all else fails.They know more about the engine than the Dealer does.The dealer had My friends truck a month before he called Me and I told him to have them check the Speed sensor.Then presto changeo it was fixed in an hour.
On a School Bus you will loose power if the check engine lamp comes on.You really feel it turn to a lead sled.
I have had bad alternators send crappy power out and cause the Electronic brain to get bad signals and send bad codes.They can be a real pain to diagnose sometimes.Especialy when they dont send a code.If lift pump goes bad it puts air in system and that won't let things work right.
Had a injection pump fail cause of this and the Bus would start fine cold but not hot.
Good luck, and call this number or talk to your local Cummins Dealer they can help.
Posted 2006-06-13 1:07 PM (#42958 - in reply to #42918) Subject: RE: 2001 Dodge - Surging
Veteran
Posts: 225 Location: Kansas City
A great site for help with DODGE/CHRYSLER mechanical/technical questions is www.allpar.com/forums Like all sites you have to register to post but can view at will. I post AMSOIL synthetic oil related posts there and have never had my id or email address abused.
Posted 2006-06-13 2:15 PM (#42967 - in reply to #42918) Subject: RE: 2001 Dodge - Surging
New User
Posts: 3
Location: Nebraska
I am not a mechanic...but my Dodge is in the shop this morning with the same problem as we speak. I have it at a Dodge dealership and have been pulling my hair out with them. I was told by a local mechanic that it was probably the throttle position sensor. The dealership acted like I they never even heard me when I told them that. Then the dealership told me that it was the fuel injector pump per the computer codes. Other mechanics have told me not to replace the fuel injector pump without replacing the lift pump as the lift pump going bad is what causes the fuel injector pump to go bad. Unfortunately the lift pump does not have any codes for the computer. The dodge dealership has a real hard time with common sense issues and will only look at what the computer tells them...therefore did not act like they heard me about the lift pump either. Told me that a new lift pump would be $550.00 out of my pocket as Dodge would not pay for that under warranty since no error code produced on computer. We only have 10,000 miles left on warranty so we really feel we are getting the runaround....ours is a 2002 Dodge HO Diesel 6-speed. Any suggestions?
Posted 2006-06-13 2:43 PM (#42968 - in reply to #42918) Subject: RE: 2001 Dodge - Surging
Member
Posts: 31 Location: Oz land
My diesel mechanic ran some gauges on the lifter pump. The lifter pump pressure was low, so yes we replaced it. new fuel filter, air filter.
If the lifter pump is not getting the fuel to the injector pump yes it can affect it.
What I don't understand, is how my truck could run so good for 2 days. Actually, it ran really good for 2 days, and then problems again. I guess what I'm asking is if the injector pump is going out, wouldn't it run at all? I know how much those little injector pumps run, I am truly hoping that is not it.
I'm no mechanic. Can't the mechanics use common sense and not depend on the computer diagnostic tests. Not all problems show up on the computer.
Posted 2006-06-13 2:46 PM (#42969 - in reply to #42967) Subject: RE: 2001 Dodge - Surging
Member
Posts: 31 Location: Oz land
Originally written by triangle4horses on 2006-06-13 2:15 PM
I am not a mechanic...but my Dodge is in the shop this morning with the same problem as we speak. I have it at a Dodge dealership and have been pulling my hair out with them. I was told by a local mechanic that it was probably the throttle position sensor. The dealership acted like I they never even heard me when I told them that. Then the dealership told me that it was the fuel injector pump per the computer codes. Other mechanics have told me not to replace the fuel injector pump without replacing the lift pump as the lift pump going bad is what causes the fuel injector pump to go bad. Unfortunately the lift pump does not have any codes for the computer. The dodge dealership has a real hard time with common sense issues and will only look at what the computer tells them...therefore did not act like they heard me about the lift pump either. Told me that a new lift pump would be $550.00 out of my pocket as Dodge would not pay for that under warranty since no error code produced on computer. We only have 10,000 miles left on warranty so we really feel we are getting the runaround....ours is a 2002 Dodge HO Diesel 6-speed. Any suggestions?
Call the main boys at Dodge Corporate- tell them what is going on. Complain - they will call the dealership. What I had to do when I short block sprung little holes, it was under warranty. I had the truck back w/in a week. We were leaving for Cheyenne. I was angry.
Posted 2006-06-14 7:10 AM (#42993 - in reply to #42918) Subject: RE: 2001 Dodge - Surging
Veteran
Posts: 247 Location: NW
Great info & advice....thanks to everyone, even tho I just kind of "borrowed" dinero's thread! I am doing more "research" on my own & then will talk to the local dealership's owner & if no satisfaction, then contact Dodge.
Posted 2006-06-14 10:37 PM (#43029 - in reply to #42918) Subject: RE: 2001 Dodge - Surging
Member
Posts: 25 Location: CO
My 2000 Dodge did the same thing. It was the Cam Shaft Sensor or Crank Shaft Sensor, I don't remember right off hand. I didn't take it to the dealership, but to a well known Mechanic. Cost around $350. to fix. That and the transfer pump, which cost about $200 to replace.
Posted 2006-06-15 4:57 AM (#43033 - in reply to #42918) Subject: RE: 2001 Dodge - Surging
Expert
Posts: 1205 Location: Danielsville Georgia
1998.5 through 2002 is nortourious for lift pumps that damage the injection pump.Lift pump gets weak and lack of fuel(which also cools and lubes the injection pump) takes out the injection hours,days,weeks later.There is NO tool per se that tells you injection pump is going south until it bites the dust.Other baics do need to be checked.Clean battery cables,grounds,connectors etc.BUT the MOST common issue is lift pump(pump that brings fuel from fuel tank to the injection pump)then the injection pump most always in the same order.If close to end of warranty you need documatation of issue and checkout and OPEN a FILE with Chrysler 1-800-992-1997.
Posted 2006-06-26 10:59 PM (#43685 - in reply to #42918) Subject: RE: 2001 Dodge - Surging
Regular
Posts: 90 Location: louisiana
I own a 96 chevy but diesel engines seem to be somewhat similar. Exact thing happened to me and replaced lift pump. Ran good for a week and started surging extremely bad, PMD cooler on injectors coded going bad and was replaced. Next day, truck died and had to replace injector pump(did not throw a code and I was told there is no way to tell it is going bad until it starts acting goofy or goes out)-it fried when it got hot from PMD cooler going bad. Cost me around $2000 but cant complain too much, is the only repairs ever done on the chevy. Runs like a dream after and that was about a year ago.
Posted 2006-07-13 8:43 AM (#44540 - in reply to #42918) Subject: RE: 2001 Dodge - Surging
Veteran
Posts: 247 Location: NW
GREAT NEWS!!! I ended up taking my '01 Dodge to a dealership about 100 miles away since the local idiots refused to do jack (& they are the one that SOLD it to me!). The great guys at the other dealership have deemed the injector pump does need replacing now too & are doing it - & it is covered under my warranty - which ran out yesterday! I won't be charged any extra for the rental car for the days not covered under the rental either. They are the BEST guys! And that dealership has now "won" our business - I still am going to the local one & letting them know my feelings & that NO ONE in my family will ever consider buying from them again. You'd THINK in a local, small town dealership, they would be more interested in keeping customers, but guess NOT. Thanks to all of you who gave me info & help!
Posted 2006-07-13 9:41 AM (#44545 - in reply to #42918) Subject: RE: 2001 Dodge - Surging
Expert
Posts: 1205 Location: Danielsville Georgia
Lift pump and injection pump most always fail in the same order.I would get a MANUAL fuel psi gauge and if or when its out of warranty and with a manual gauge(which will tell you if fuel filter getting clogged or if lift pump going weak)there is replacement ELECTRIC PUSHER PUMPS instead of a PULLING PUMP(the orignal lift pump)that can be installed with longer life and keeps more fuel psi to the injection pump.The LIFT pump dies and it scores/starves the injection pump and kills it.
Posted 2006-07-18 9:07 AM (#44908 - in reply to #42918) Subject: RE: 2001 Dodge - Surging
Elite Veteran
Posts: 671 Location: THE GREAT NORTHWET, OREGON(THE REAL GODS COUNTRY)
Perhaps one of the highly superior intelegant beings out there will purchase this truck from you just because they enjoy Dodge trucks so much they badmouth Fords.
This would be a great opportunity for one lucky Dodge fan to step up and take this quality peice of machinery off your hands!!!
How bout it all you Ford bashers? step right up...don't be bashfull...get out that checkbook...ok ok one at a time...
THOUGHT SO!!! no one want's to put their money where their mouth is.
How boute it Bubba or Jim Bob lets cash in those empty beer cans and make a great buy.
Posted 2006-07-18 1:14 PM (#44940 - in reply to #42918) Subject: RE: 2001 Dodge - Surging
Expert
Posts: 1205 Location: Danielsville Georgia
The post wasn't about engine failure,oil leaks,won't pull at low speeds,headgaskets blown,coolant puking,exhaust leaks.Oh darn those terms came off a Ford site.Wrong product,it was a post about a Dodge and a older one to boot.
Posted 2006-07-19 9:13 AM (#45032 - in reply to #42918) Subject: RE: 2001 Dodge - Surging
Elite Veteran
Posts: 671 Location: THE GREAT NORTHWET, OREGON(THE REAL GODS COUNTRY)
OH! excuse Me...sounds like someone sold that first dodge just in time!!!Hey there is a Chevy having overheat problems on another post maybe youall can trade.
Sounds like a new lift pump and injection pump are in order, a problem with that year, Oh did I say problem ? excuse Me again Dodge has no problems, must have been a weak moment.
Simple... when you loose fuel pressure you loose lubrication on injection pump..no lube no pump $$$$$$
Posted 2006-07-19 10:16 AM (#45039 - in reply to #42918) Subject: RE: 2001 Dodge - Surging
Expert
Posts: 1205 Location: Danielsville Georgia
Everthing has problems.Dodge diesels just don't DOZENS in one package and ALL in a serious manor.That 2001 will be a pulling LONG after those V8 diesls have gone to scrap yard.
2001 Dodge - Surging
I won't be charged any extra for the rental car for the days not covered under the rental either. They are the BEST guys! And that dealership has now "won" our business - I still am going to the local one & letting them know my feelings 
& that NO ONE in my family will ever consider buying from them again. You'd THINK in a local, small town dealership, they would be more interested in keeping customers, but guess NOT. Thanks to all of you who gave me info & help! 
