Archived HELP!!! Truck died while driving to work this morning.

[Norm71]

I was driving my 1997 Dodge 2500 Diesel to work this morning. I turned onto another street, and then the my truck just died.

ADDITIONAL INFO:

I let my truck warm up for 15 minutes as it is -4° F this cold, Alaskan morning. Also, I was 10 minutes into my drive.

SYMPTOMS:

-Truck will run when key is turned to "start" position. When key moves to run position, the truck dies. (Tried that several times, and each time the same result.

-The "WAIT TO START" light didn't come on any of the times I tried to start it.

-Everything else in cab works fine... lights, radio, heater, etc.

WHAT I CHECKED:

-Fuel flow through fuel filter, although, I think it is an electrical problem.

-All fuses in the cab are good.

-The fuses under the hood looked good too.

Anybody out there that can help on this matter is much appreciated. Thank you in advance.

Norm... .

 

[surfbeetle]

I think that the fuel solenoid has failed. You will need to test the electrical circuit going down to it. Also you'll want to look at this kit when you fix it.

Solenoid Saver Diode



It's not the fix for the fuel solenoid, but it will prevent the truck from getting stuck on.

 

[JFaughn]

The relay for the solenoid , since it starts , that means that its pulling to on pos. , but the key in run pos. , is the hold circuit .
Also the ing sw , sometimes the sw fails to keep power in the run pos. , have to find out which wire color this .

 

[Joe G.]

Check fuse 9.

 

[Norm71]

Yes, Joe, thanks. I checked fuse 9 and it was blown and it keeps blowing every time I turn the key to the "run" position.

 

[Joe G.]

I have a '95 so my wiring diagram does not exactly match yours. The #9 fuse is connected to quite a few things so you need to unplug some stuff and turn the key to run. When you find one that when it is disconnected the fuse survives that should be it. Better have a supply of fuses. So disconnect and turn the key to run: Fuel solenoid, fuel heater relay (smaller of the two on the firewall), AC clutch, transmission connector if you have an auto, maybe more on your '97.



I would not be surprised if the fuel heater relay was shot. If it is remove it and forget about it. The fuel heater is worthless anyway. If that relay is the problem then you want to remove the fuel heater too.



Email me for my 12 valve fuel system write up, how it works and how to fix it.

 

[Andy Morrison]

When the fuel heater on my '97 fried I had similar condition I just unplugged the fuel heater. problem solved . . Might need that in AK though...





Andy

 

[Joe G.]

Might need that in AK though...

No way. It would be worthless even if you lived in Dead Horse.

 

[JR2]

I don't know, its been -40 in Deadhorse this week, even a little heat in the fuel would be better than nothing. .

Hope you find the problem and if Joe says you don't need the heater you don't need the heater.

 

[Missouri Mule]

I would also check the connector for the ignition switch to make sure the wires and connector are Ok. The connector is on the left side of the steering colum.

 

[Norm71]

Update......

I unplugged the following components one at a time:

-Automatic Shutdown Relay.

-Fuel Pump Relay.

-A/C compressor Clutch Relay

-Fuel Heater Relay

-Heated Intake Air System Relay #1

-Heated Intake Air System Relay #2

-Fuel Shutdown Solenoid

and turned the key to the "run" position and each time the #9 fuse blew and I replaced it with a new one when I unplugged another component.

 

[Joe G.]

You may have more stuff on that fuse in your '97 than I do on my '95. Do you have an automatic transmission? If you do then unplug the connection to it. As the mule suggests above, you may have a problem in your ignition switch.



In order to do much more trouble shooting you are going to need the correct wireing diagram for your truck and a meter. It sure looks like you have a dead short somewhere. You should be able to find it with an ohm meter but it may take some time.