P0216 on Dodge
Injection Timing Control Circuit Malfunction
P0216 on Dodge vehicles indicates injection timing control circuit malfunction. Au7o has documented this code across 2 Dodge models — most commonly on Ram, Ram 2500. This code means the engine computer detected a fault in the fuel injection timing control circuit, most often on diesel engines with a high-pressure injection pump. The computer monitors and controls when fuel is injected; if the actual timing cannot be set correctly or the control circuit fails, this code sets. The fault is frequently internal to the injection pump or in its control wiring. It can cause hard starting, surging, stalling, reduced power, and limp mode. Typical repair costs on Dodge range from $400 to $3,500, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Common Causes of P0216
- •Failed or worn high-pressure/diesel injection pump
- •Injection pump timing out of specification
- •Wiring or connector fault in the timing control circuit
- •Faulty camshaft or crankshaft position sensor
- •Clogged fuel filter or restricted fuel supply
- •Failing fuel transfer/lift pump
- •Faulty PCM/ECM (rare)
P0216 on Dodge by Model
Dodge Ram(1 issue)
- Bosch VP44 Injection Pump Failure on 1998.5-2002 Dodge Ram 5.9 Cummins 24V1998-2002
The Bosch VP44 rotary injection pump on the 1998.5-2002 24-valve ISB Cummins is one of the most failure-prone components on the entire 2nd-gen Ram platform. The root cause is the inadequate factory in-tank lift pump (later moved to the engine block), which delivers below the 5 psi minimum the VP44 needs for cooling and lubrication. Without sufficient supply pressure the pump cavitates and the PSG (Pump Solenoid Group)—a small computer epoxy-potted on top of the pump—overheats and the lead-free solder joints crack from thousands of heat cycles. Failures are sudden: dead pedal at highway speed, no-start at the gas station, or progressive bucking/surging. Replacement pumps are $1,500-$2,500 and often fail again within months if the lift pump is not upgraded first. Sets diagnostic code P0216 (injection timing failure) which is essentially VP44-specific.
Dodge Ram 2500(1 issue)
- Cummins Diesel Lift Pump Failure1998-2008
The factory mechanical lift pump (1998.5-2002) or electric lift pump (2003+) fails, causing the VP44 or CP3 injection pump to run dry and suffer premature wear. The injection pump costs far more than preventive lift pump maintenance.
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View P0216 across all makes →Frequently Asked Questions
What does P0216 mean on Dodge?▼
P0216 stands for "Injection Timing Control Circuit Malfunction." This code means the engine computer detected a fault in the fuel injection timing control circuit, most often on diesel engines with a high-pressure injection pump. The computer monitors and controls when fuel is injected; if the actual timing cannot be set correctly or the control circuit fails, this code sets. The fault is frequently internal to the injection pump or in its control wiring. It can cause hard starting, surging, stalling, reduced power, and limp mode. On Dodge specifically, this code is documented across 2 models.
What causes P0216 on Dodge vehicles?▼
Common causes on Dodge: Failed or worn high-pressure/diesel injection pump, Injection pump timing out of specification, Wiring or connector fault in the timing control circuit, Faulty camshaft or crankshaft position sensor, Clogged fuel filter or restricted fuel supply. Specific causes vary by model and year — see the per-model sections below.
How much does it cost to fix P0216 on a Dodge?▼
Repair costs on Dodge range from $400 to $3,500, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Which Dodge models have P0216 documented?▼
Au7o has documented P0216 on 2 Dodge models: Ram, Ram 2500.