1998 4.2 xl. About a month ago my truck just died while driving, no warning or hestitation it just shut off. I replaced my fuel pump and at first it did not start up. I hooked up a OBD2 code reader and it would show no reading only "error." I then proceeded to disconnect the terminals on the battery for 10min. After reconnecting them it restarted and has been working fine until today. Today same thing no warning no hesitation it just shut off. I haven't had a chance to check it out, but could it be my computer?

 

or maybe just a lose wire...but, wondering why the scanner would not communicate with the computer...is you OBII port fuse good ? it shares a fuse with the Cig lighter.

 

Right, that's whats puzzling and its a 98! Ahh, maybe that was just a fluke.

Something isn't making the connection IMO. The alt may going out or the fuse holder. The fuse holder inline with the alt harness can have intermittent problems. I've seen that happen here and there. They get old and sometimes the fuse will half way slip out under the cover. They will eventually short out every now and again. That can kill the engine.

 

Update. All fuses were good and tight. I removed computer and examined it. I found three pins a little corroded (greenish color). I cleaned it off and truck started fine. Also now scanner communicates with computer. I hope that was the solution.

 

Sounds like your issue.

Did you check the grounds?

 

yes I did. I just wonder if moisture Is getting in connection and that is why there was corrosion.

 

Water, or maybe road salt, got in sometime over the last 17 years. It might be it happened a while ago and took till now to corrode enough to become an issue. If it got in the connector, it might also have wicked up the conductors inside the insulation too. I wouldn't worry if things are working, but do check for it next time you pull that connector apart.


Might be a good time to find some oxidation-removing electronics cleaner and dielectric grease for any time you pull a connector apart.



P.S> I love that series of pictures your avatar comes from