We were driving home from Colorado to California and had made it all the way to Truckee when all power went out in the truck. We limped to the side of the road, without steering or brakes and turned the ignition off for a couple minutes. When we tried to restart it was VERY rough and wouldn't idle. We did manage to start and stop a few times and get off the offramp, barely. Called AAA and waited about 15 minutes and tried the truck again. At that point it started and acted as if nothing was wrong. We are at a loss. Ideas? I should note that my parents owned this truck for about 10 years and has never had this problem.

 

It could be any one of a hundred things from a loose electrical connection to a little charge of water in the gas.

If you've got on board diagnostic have someone download any error codes off the PCM. That might give you a clue as to what happened if the code is stored in memory.

 

A friend mentioned replacing the 3 (?) sensors on the truck. Do you think this would be beneficial if it has never been done?

 

Even a blind squirrel occasionally finds an acorn. You might hit it lucky or end up wasting your money.

Your best bet is to start doing diagnostics.

ie: Let's say your friend thought it was the EGR positioning sensor. Run a diagnostic on it first to verify that it actually is bad before replacing it.

If it turns out to be good then go on to the next thing on your friend's list.

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There's always a chance that it was a "one off" kinda thing.

Is the truck running alright or is it still bothering ?

 

It seems to be running ok now. But there was clearly something wrong and we don't want to be towing and have that happen again.

 

I know , when something like that happens it leaves a doubt in your mind.

Jeez ... these machines are very complicated. You could chase it for days or weeks trying to find an answer.

Maybe just blame it on God and call it good ?