(see previous thread - "multiple electrical problems...")

I had no problems until a couple of months ago when the truck coughed quickly and went back to normal. It happened a couple more times after that, no engine light for those. Well, just before Christmas I met with a supplier for the special JB engine treatment I use for this thing and on the way back it happened again. I was cruising at about 45 in 5th gear (gently). The engine felt like it just blew up but it only went dead for a second and came back to life. Every light on the dash came on and the rpm's went to 0. The truck got me home no problem in limp mode with the engine light blinking and chiming but it was running strong (up to the limp mode cut-off at 2500 rpm). I left it idling for 20 minutes or so and it was smooth like normal. The exhaust smelled fine. It won't start now but will turn over unlike the last major problem. The fuel pump turns on this time too. I've checked wiring and unplugged sensors to see if it would start but no luck. I'll be getting it towed to a shop soon. If anyone has suggestions, please let me know. Otherwise, I'll post the problems found.

By the way, I am at 106k miles and just recently put in my 4th set of plugs in an effort to keep it running strong. My soon-to-do list included all new o2 sensors. For a truck that's not really that old and has been well maintained, I'm getting real close to not trusting it anymore.

 

Any codes?

 

There must be but I can't get the key trick to work on my truck. I should've stopped at a parts store on my way home that day but I think that the truck has to be shut off.

 

Hope it's not too cold to ride that bike. After reading your fix from last year - I've noticed some unprotected wiring on my Dakota, and when I've had to disturb any wiring the loom crumbles. Dodge used some cheap loom material.

 

Code readers are cheap enough these days. Best tool you can have.

 

Thankfully not too cold in Florida to ride. The only problem lately is sporadic rain. I've been working on my little project Escort GT to have a reliable back-up car but not done with the cooling system yet.

It's frustrating that they wouldn't use better loom especially in areas inaccessible. I've replaced most of it and always replace more when I'm in there changing plugs or the air filter.

It's probably something I'll get soon. It would be nice if the truck would throw a definitive code (last time- way too many) and not die completely right away (this time).

 

Amazon yourself a bluetooth code reader and download torque app and keep the reader in your glove box. Best investment i ever made.

 

hey I am interested in that bluetooth code reader. please tell us which one you use. There are lots on Amazon.

 

So, with the help of good diagnostic equipment, the shop determined that the pins in the connector going to the crank pos. sensor were burnt somehow and the sensor that I put in last year was toast too. With new pins and a new sensor, all is okay again. Three new o2 sensors are next on my list to replace and hopefully I won't have any more problems.