My father has a 1998 1/2, 1 ton, diesel 24 valve, Auto, 4x4. Bone stock. Well maintained.

The truck has intermittently lost all accelerator response.
It has happened while driving, and while sitting at a stop light.
The engine will drop to an idle, and when the pedal is pushed nothing happens, except the check engine light comes on.
If he shuts the truck down and starts it up he can drive away.
It has happened only a handfull of times, and the engine codes don't reveal much. Plus the 'experts' are shaking their heads.

Has anyone had and/or fixed this type of problem?
I've done a little bit of research, and I think it could be the Dodge equivalent of a throttle position sensor. I think it's called an APS sensor.

Any help would be appreciated.


James

 

I would pull the code and see what it is saying.

one thing I would be concerned with would be the lift pump going out. if that lift pump dies the VP44 will die along with it.

 

The lift pump was changed approx. one year ago. Not to say it isn't acting up. But in that situation the truck wouldn't even run.
The codes have been checked, and from what I remeber, they did say something about the TPS or something. My dad can't seem to give me a for sure answer. And the mechanic erased the codes until it acts up again.



Thanks

James

 

it is the oil sending sensor, does your oil gauge go crazy? if yes I just had it happen. I replaced the oil sending unit but, they replaced the wrong one because there are two , one monitors oil for the turbo and one is for something else one is a 162.00 and the one the needed to replace was 400.00 . if there is no oil pressure than it will not give the truck any fuel. had it in mine when you hit the gas it would not do anything until about 1750 rpm and then start to go. replaced both did not need to but everything works great again oil gauge and truck runs fine

 

I just don't understand what you're talking about.
You are saying that nothing happens until 1750 RPM.
Forgive me, but that doesn't make any sense. If the engine isn't getting fuel, it doesn't start to turn faster by itself.

What I'm saying is, the truck sits at an idle even when you push the accelerator. Perhaps not the same problem as what you were having.
And my dad says the oil pressure doesn't appear to be erratic.

But I did mention it to him as a possibility.

Thanks

James

 

Ok I am a diesel mechanic and I do alot of engine work. I would check the (TPS) that is the Throttle Position Sensor. Usually that is what I have found on the big trucks. That is the first thing that I would check. Also get the code and find out what it is. I hope this helps you.

 

James:
I have been reading about your dad's truck problem of the "no throttle response" . It sounds exactly like mine which is also a 98-1/2, 24 valve dodge diesel. My son, who is a CAT mechanic also says it is the TPS. I replaced the lift pump 1-1/2 yrs ago & the main injector pump was replaced 100,ooo Kms. (60,000 miles) ago. I repaired the lines & connections at the tank outlet 2 wks. ago & the problem is still quite aggravating.
The TPS here in Canada is over $627.00 as it comes with the whole throttle assy. & mechanism. Did you buy a new TPS,.....did it fix the problem & if you don't mind what is the best price in the U.S. for one?
I would really like to hear from you about this. These are big bucks for a pensioner. I don't mind the price as long as it fixes the problem.

Hope to hear from you.

Thanks & Merry Christmas

Don Harnden
donliz@primus.ca