Engine died when I accelerated at 55mph

[Jim Ross]

I haven't visited the site in several weeks, but now I need some help. Here goes: While cruising at about 55 yesterday, I pulled out to pass a slower moving car and floored my accelerator pedal. (I have an '01 4WD w/ AT). The transmission downshifted and the engine shut down... just like I had turned off the key. I put it into neutral and coasted to the side of the road and stopped. I tried to restart it and it just cranked and didn't start. I waited about a minute and tried again, same result. I waited about 3-4 minutes and tried again and it started up and ran fine, except the 'check engine' light came on and stayed on. After driving about 50 miles or so, I stopped for about 20 minutes. When I started the truck, the 'check engine' light went out and stayed out... just like it normally does on start-up.

Any guesses as to what the problem was... or is? My only modification is a Diablo puck. I only have 4,500 miles on the truck and has been running fine and getting better than 18mpg, no problems until yesterday's little surprise!

Thanks for any info and advice!

 

[Fast 1]

I would start with a new fuel filter. A filter that is beginning to plug will not give you the rpm or power needed to pass or tow. Just my opinion, could be something else ?

 

[MikeR]

You better get it scanned for injection pump failure codes.

 

[Bill Stockard]

Jim,



You had some of the same symptoms that I had with my truck except that when I got mine to crank up, it missed like the fuel filter might have been plugged: however, it was clean(I changed it on the side of the road and it had only 700 miles on it). On my truck, the "Check Engine" light didn't come on.



Here's the post explaining the problem and the "fix":



https://www.turbodieselregister.com/...&threadid=11626



I have a theory: I had pulled away from a series of stop lights. Since the fuel tank was less than 1/2 full, the acceleration may have sloshed the fuel around in the tank and caused some air to enter the fuel pickup tube. With the lift pump not functioning properly, 0 PSI lift pump pressure, the VP44 "sucking" fuel from the tank, the air bubble caused the VP44 to run out of fuel(lost ists ability to "suck" fuel from the tank). After stopping for a few minutes and cycling the lift pump trying to start the engine, the fuel got back up to the VP44, and it cranked. The missing on start up was caused by the air left in the pump.



Your problem may be different since your "Check" light came on. I would advise going to your dealer and having a scan done. In my case, the low lift pump pressure did show up on the scan.



Good luck,



Bill

 

[work2muchplay2little]

I'd check the MAP and Diablo electrical connectors, unplug and examine the connectors to ensure no damage and replug. Had a problem with a stumble and engine light coming on, this was the problem. Good luck.

 

[WOWZY]

One of my friends had the same problem. It ended up being a dead spot in his Throttle Position Sensor.

 

[Jim Ross]

OK, here is an update on my situation. I went to a private shop and had my 'check engine' code read. The scanner said "injection pump failure". Next they 'cleared' the computer and removed the Diablo puck and plugged the wiring back together just like it came from the factory. I have been diving it a week now with NO recurrence of the 'check engine' light and also a markedly reduced "fun factor" without the Diablo Puck.

I called the place where I bought the Diablo Puck and was told, "you are the third guy who has reported the same problem and Diablo has a 'new' puck that will solve the problem. Give us your old puck and we will get you the new one in exchange at no cost. The new puck gives a bit more power and only has one plug on it instead of two".

I'm waiting to get the "new" Puck and see what happens.

 

[JWimberly]

My truck did the same thing. It was the lift pump. Just had it replaced.

 

[davem]

Jim Ross,

I couldn't believe I was reading a post in the TDR - I would have sworn you were driving my truck - a 1995 GMC Yukon. I just joined the TDR to learn about the Dodges as I've owned them in the past (first truck was 1950 Dodge B2B 1/2 ton.



My GMC is heading for the 4th injector pump and is at 104k miles. I'm looking for a diesel truck that can make it over 200,000 miles before I touch the fuel injection pump or rebuild the automatic. A previous GMC (1983) had 7 automatics by 200,000 miles.



Seems some serious modifications are needed to make the autos and fuel systems live regardless what brand it is. I know I can't afford the Fords with their expensive injectors and with the dry diesel coming on the market.



How do you like your truck otherwise? I test drove one recently and absolutely enjoyed every bit of the ride.