hey out there anyone got any ideas about driving down the freeway and all of a sudden down to idle she goes and the pedal is unresponsive- dead. so I pull off like the sports car jerk cutting everyone off cuz I was trying to go up a hill at the time and shut it down then start it up and head to sears to borrow a obd2 code reader. it said throttle position sensor, so I frantically called the napa store they condemmed me to call the dealer and they call it a bell crank something or other apps sensor? and slap on a 450 dollar price.. what gives, anyway does someone out there know where to find a cheaper on or used one , acoupe of yards I called said they didnt want to sell it off of a whole motor. Great just what I wanted to hear. previous to the pedal going dead the tranny seemed to not want to shift from 1st to second unless I backed off the throttle like driving a stick... help!!!!! 1999 ram quad 4x4 diesel auto

 

yup, sounds like your throttle possition sensor went out. the TPS is also used to tell the tranny if it needs to downshift or upshift.

realy all the TPS is is a rheostat with a return spring built in.

I'm not sure with the '99's but try this. turn the ignition to run, slowly push the throttle down to the floor and keep it there for a few seconds then let up. turn ignition off, wait, then start engine and see if that gives you the trottle back.

all your doing is reprogramming the ohm values the computer sees from the TPS to determin throttle possition. if that doesnt work then you need a new tps

 

Ya almost got it right. To reset the APS you need to disconnect the batteries for about 30 minutes to discharge all the capacitors. Hook it back up and do the key and throttle think. It just resets the computer. I'm not sure if the Cummins store has these or not. NAPA store prices can vary all over the place. Unfortunately these are not the cheapest electrical part on these Dodges. I haven't had this problem with mine but I know other who have. Try a diesel shop for the part too.

You need to check the lift pump pressure. It's possible that the LP has timed out it's life span and is ready for a rebirth.
If you haven't got a fuel pressure gage....get one now. The life you save may be the VP-44 and 1500 bucks out of you pocket.

The other thing that is more serious is that you need to have the codes run. This is an ominous trate of a VP-44 taking a dive. On a rare occasion you might be able to cool it off by pouring some cool water over it..more like spraying it. I've been told that it will close up some of the clearances slightly and you can limp home.

Sorry I didn't see that you already had the codes run.

 

I have a 98 2500 CTD that does the same thing once in a while. I have heard TPS is the problem as well. Also heard that you could sometimes take it of the engine, clean it with brake cleaner or contact cleaner really well, let it dry thoroughly, replace and run. It is supposed to work, sounds like a temporary solution depending on mileage....

 

Yup.

On most engines you have a small electronic sensor for your TPS.
On the Cummins engine, you must buy the bell-cranks and APPS sensor... they are spendy.

I MIGHT have a good used one off of a warranty job, I will get back to you tomorrow.
If I do, I would let it go for half price.