Truck stops while driving

KENNARD

MEMBER
2008 DODGE TRUCK
V8
2WD
AUTOMATIC
33,500 MILES

What would make our 2008 dodge ram engine shut down while driving. It did not start this until we had a tuneup. We purchased the vehicle 02/10/11 and had no problems with it until the tuneup. We have had it checked at dealership twice. They kept it for a week and said they could not find a problem. We picked it up yesterday and filled the gas tank, drove about 1/4 of a mile and it died as we turned into a parking lot. Please give us some idea of what could be causing this problem. It could be very dangerous. Thank you.

4 Replies

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,743 POSTS

Was the battery recently disconnected or run dead? When you start the engine, does it give you a nice "idle flare-up" to around 1500 rpm for a couple of seconds, then come back down to around 800 rpm? When it stalls, can you immediately restart it or do you have to wait a half hour or more for it to cool down?

It also sounds like the crankshaft angle sensor is letting you down. Check for spark when the engine stalls.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-an-ignition-system

Here is what you are in for when replacing the crankshaft sensor.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/crankshaft-angle-sensor-replacement

Please run down this guide and report back

Cheers

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Friday, April 29th, 2011 AT 4:11 PM

KENNARD

MEMBER
3 POSTS

It idles fine. We don't know if the battery was disconnected or run down. It will restart after the key has been turned off a minute or two.

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Friday, April 29th, 2011 AT 5:17 PM

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,743 POSTS

This sounds like a classic cranks senor issue. Here is the sensor and component location for your car.

Images (Click to make bigger)

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+1

Friday, April 29th, 2011 AT 6:57 PM

KENNARD

MEMBER
3 POSTS

I took the truck down the highway, about 10 miles, there was a momentary hesitation when I got to 60 mph, it went on up to 70 mph. I live in a rural area, don't drive out everyday. I replaced the crankshaft sensor today so I won't be able to tell if the problem is actually fixed until I have to go into town. I will get back to you after my next trip if the truck is still doing it. (May be in a week or so.) Thank you for your help.

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Saturday, April 30th, 2011 AT 4:22 PM