Over the last couple of months my 99 Durango has been randomly shuting down while driving. It seems to be heat related as it tends to happen on very hot days when I've been shlepping around town doing stop-n-go errands. So far it starts right up after waiting from 10 minutes to half an hour.

When it stops the motor dies suddenly as if electrical power is lost. Also the fuel gauge needle stays all the way down to the left (dead). Everything else seems to work and the starter still cranks but I don't have to crank it to see if it's ready to start. All I have to do is turn the ignition on every few minutes, and as soon as the fuel needle finally jumps up I know the truck will start.

I noticed something else when it shut down a few days ago. The overhead thermometer kept rising until it peaked at 122* (it was not that hot outside.) It then slooooowly started dropping. After a bit I opened the hood and the temp started dropping like a rock. At 95* the fuel needle jumped up and the truck started.

Since the fuel gauge was effected I changed out the fuel pump already but it didn't help.

I'm suspecting the PCM. Does anyone know a way to check the PCM to confirm before I buy one?

I also searched this forum and read a few other theories for similar problems. What do you guys think?

Thanks in advance,

 

it sounds like the PCM is overheating on you, unfortunately this is pretty common on 98-00 trucks, especially those which are darker in color (blue black ect). To test this theory carry a bag of ice, when it happens put the bag of ice on the PCM to cool it down quickly and try starting it, if this solves the issue then you will need a new PCM