any idea why my truck is shutting down?

Question

i have a 1998 dodge ram with 180.000 km,my problem is when i am driveing on the street or hiway with out warning it just shut's down stall's out. i have changed the fuel pump and did a compleate tune up on it but still have the same problem.when this happens i pull to the side of the road put it in park turn the key and it start's up rightaway put it in drive and away i go but the next day the same thing happens it just shut's down.   any idea or sugesstion will be appricated.  pat

pinelake302 · Accepted Answer

It may be the electronic ignition...the pick-up coil in the distributor. 

I had the exact same problem only on my Ford truck. I ended up putting a new distributor in and have had no problems since.

Another very long shot is a burnt intake valve. this can cause the same thing.

I would look at the distributor first.

Anonymous · Answer

I had the same thing happen to a Chrysler Van a couple years ago.  Turns out I had a bad seal on an axl and the transmission fluid was leaking.  When it had critically low pressure the sensors told the computer and the computer killed the engine.  The shop hooked it up to a diagnostic computer and told me it was the tranny, but it wasn't.  Luckily the axl broke before I did the tranny work.

Basically, all you can do is hook up the computer to a diagnostic to find out what kind of signals its been logging and then go through whatever system shows the trouble signal until you find what is causing it.  Also it may just be a bad sensor somewhere.

Eric H · Answer

Impossible to say with the info provided. I would start by checking spark when the vehicle wont start. It could be a cam/crank sensor issue or a coil issue

Does this issue normally happen in rainy or wet conditions?
That would indicate a spark plug wire breaking down.

It could also be a fuel issue. If you have a fuel pressure gauge it would be a good idea to check fuel pressure when it wont start.

ccrocket · Answer

I have a '98 Town and Country that started giving my the same trouble. Found out that it was a faulty Cam timing sensor. 
I read that you replaced the fuel pump, did you also replace the fuel filter?

team48 · Answer

If you have a numerical oil pressure gauge,  I would make certain at cruising speed you have AT LEAST 30 psi oil pressure.
The other problem could be the fuel filter (if it was not changed at the same time as the fuel pump)  Have a shop test your fuel pressure regulator.

? · Answer

the yank truckers are suffering and that they'd desire to bypass on strike, so do maximum workers and not only interior the States . money ability does not understand any border nor any limits . respectable human beings disadvantaged of a respectable existence for the sake of income would desire to do comparable to economic company managers ; a worldwide alliance of the staff seems to be the acceptable reaction .

Anonymous · Answer

low battery maybe?

any idea why my truck is shutting down?

7 Answers