Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) engine suddenly dies, won't turn over

[LWilliams]

I had just completed a 60 mile trip and was driving into my garage. I had already depressed the clutch and was coasting to a stop. All of a sudden the engine dies like I had turned the key off. No sputtering like out of fuel, it just died. When I turn the key to run the a/c fan runs and all systems are functioning like they should but when I turn it to start, nothing. All systems shutdown like they should for starting but no clicking at the starter, no sound at all.

Something happened to make it die. I am positive there is fuel in the tank. It didn't cough or act like it was running out of fuel. It stopped running like it was a normal shutdown like when I turn the key off. No work has been done on the truck recently and it has been running fine for a long time with no problem.

Where do I start to find the problem. Thanks. LW

 

[Missouri Mule]

If your starter isn't turning over I would start at the starter relay and fuse in PDC. https://www.turbodieselregister.com...-members/206509-engine-dosen-t-turn-over.html.



Usually you when an engine dies suddenly (beside running out of fuel) it is because the Fuel shut Off solenoid has failed. It is pretty easy to check out.

have some one turn the key to "start" to see if the solenoid pulls the rod all the way up (pull up coil). Also you can turn the key to "run" them push the rod up all the way up if it stays the solenoid is getting power and working (hold coil).

Sometimes the Engine Speed sensor connector can be dirty or have bent or loose pins in it which causes the engine to stall/die but is able to be

restarted.

check all fuses/fusible links/relays (fuel shut off soleoind relay). Make sure you check the fuse box and the PDC under the hood.

 

[SRadke]

Easy place to start, put a battery charger on it for a few hours and see if anything changes.

 

[Skydiver]

Good idea SRadke, LW before charging the batteries check voltage on each battery seperatly. Should be 12. 3-12. 6 per.

It could be two different problems at once. Not likely, but possible.



At least you were at home when she qiut.

 

[LWilliams]

Ok. Here is what happened so you will know where to look if this happens to you. Just by accident as I was looking for the culprit, I sat in the seat and pulled the steering wheel all the way down and turned the key and it started right up. I put the steering wheel in the full up position and it went dead. Turns out that right under the steering wheel below the key switch is a connection of a wireing harness. Two wires had broken from the constant flexing of the steering wheel being put up and down over the years. They would touch when the wheel was down and pull apart when the wheel is all the way up. The day this all started, I remember as I pulled into my garage I moved the wheel up as I was getting ready to exit the truck when it died. It was an easy fix. Just put the wires back together and plug them into the connector.
Thanks for all your help. I hope this might help someone else find an unusual problem. Larry

 

[Missouri Mule]

I had forgotten about the igniton switch connector it has happened to other members but not many.

I believe when they do a certain recall that concerns the light switch and the ignition switch they do away with that connector. At least I don't have a connector on the side of my steering column any more.

 

[MLee]

Just curious, does this happen with a cold engine? or mostly with a hot/warm engine? Mine does this off an on, and usually will restart, by turning off and on the start switch. I Never have had a problem when starting cold. I have also considered the clutch lock out switch as a culprit. But I am game to try the a-fore mentioned suggestions.

 

[Missouri Mule]

MLee, I don't think is your clutch switch and it is not the igntion switch connector (happens when you tilt the steering wheel up).

Usually hard starting when engine is hot has something to do with starter, I would have it checked out.

 

[MLee]

MLee, I don't think is your clutch switch and it is not the igntion switch connector (happens when you tilt the steering wheel up).

Usually hard starting when engine is hot has something to do with starter, I would have it checked out.

I just changed the contacts again to see if this was the problem, barely should signs of use. next time I have the problem I'm going to do the steering wheel thing, up and down. Or, I could just pull the cover off a have a looky see.

Thank for the replies.