Hello everyone,
I was driving at 40 MPH today and the truck died as if it had run out of fuel (but didn't) and will not start again. I had it towed home. I understand carbureted vehicles better than my diesel so I humbly ask questions out of inexperience. I have had the truck since new and it has run flawlessly until today. Is there a guide somewhere that I can read so that I can troubleshoot this problem? I would like to try as much as I can myself before I send it to a mechanic. No offense to mechanics, I am poor but clever so that's 2 good reasons for me to try first. First thing that comes to mind is fuel pump. The weather here has been low 50's in the day and low 30's to upper 20's at night. I should be very grateful for any advice, suggestions or input anyone has to offer. Please forgive me if I have posted in the wrong place, I will accept re-direction if needed.

 

what year and model of truck?

 

Hello comptz,
Hmmm, I made it a point to put that information in my signature before posting but it is not showing up. This is a 1999 2500, standard trans, 4X4, quad cab, short bed, stock, no mods, 63,000 mi. Thank you for asking.

 

Do the key on,off,on,off,and on to pull any codes. They will show up on the odometer. Pray that 216 does not show up

 

Ok w.tx iceman, I'll try that. This all happened late in the afternoon and it was too dark and rainy to begin an investigation so I will begin tomorrow. I'm afraid to look in my Haynes to see what code 216 means.....
The tow driver hauled the truck backward and threaded the seat belt through the steering wheel and cranked the seat back to tighten it. Is this common practice nowadays? I've never seen it done before. The steering wheel lock won't lock anymore - it might be broken. Gee whiz.

 

the key trick won't work on 99's .all you will get is p1693 you'll have to use a code reader, checker auto has one for around 70 bucks..............
i'll bet you get p1688 and p1689 ...... be prepared to replace the injection pump

 

Thanks for your input johnh, this is the first vehicle I have owned that relies on computer chips for diagnosis. In the back of my mind I figured I would some day have to buy a decoder for this truck and I guess the time has come. I was told by a mechanic that $155.00 is his price for a 2 hour computer diagnosis so I guess buying a code reader is a good investment. Injection pump - sounds intriguing. I have the feeling I am about to begin a great learning adventure. Thanks so much for your help everyone, I may get this resolved yet.

 

I had the same problem with my 91, it turned out to be a loose wire on the fuel cutout sol. not sure what the 99s had for an ip. but it might be worth checking into.

 

Thanks a lot for your suggestion saggonwaggon91, I will definitely check that out. I bought a code reader yesterday and hopefully my truck will tell me its innermost secrets. Any and all suggestions and ideas that are offered are greatly appreciated!

Regards,
littlebuddie

 

If you're truck won't start I would suspect the injection pump, but start with the simple stuff first. Are you getting fuel to the injection pump? You can check this at the schrader valve at the inlet of the IP while someone is cranking. If not, check your fuel filter and make sure the lift pump is working. If so, you then need to check to see if you are getting fuel at the injectors, for that crack a couple of injector lines at the head (19mm) while someone is cranking once again. Let us know how that goes and we can take it from there.
mishkaya

 

Alrighty my friend. First is first you need to check the fuel pressure after you check for codes. You should have anywhere around 10-13 psi at idle and no less than 7 at WOT. If you fall below these numbers get a new fuel pump..an airdog will be a good replacement. Once you reached there and the truck will not start i will post on what to do from there.