Suddenly the truck juddered a bit, then stalled?

SHELLEY748

MEMBER
1998 DODGE RAM
V8
2WD
AUTOMATIC
90,000 MILES

We started the truck this morning and it had just a little above E on the fuel. We filled up and drove about 9 miles, then suddenly the truck juddered a bit, then died, the check engine light came on briefly before it died.

We pulled over and then waited a few minutes, turned the ignition and it started and then died after about 30seconds. Did this about 3 times and then called for the AAA roadside assistance to be towed.

Hubby lifted the hood and checked the battery leads, one of which was slightly loose, wiggled it and then shut the hood again.

We decided after 10 minutes to try again. This time it started and we were able to drive the 2 miles back the other way to home.

The only thing we could think of is sediment from the tank fuel level, being so low and then when we filled it up, it disturbed the sediment.

It did this about 2 months ago, but the fuel level was not as low as it was this morning.

Any idea's, and where can we get a service manual online?

1 Reply

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
42,787 POSTS

I don't think it is a fuel issue, it sounds more like the battery cables are causing the problem, if they are loose, they can cause the electronics to overheat and shut down. Let's try load testing the battery and cleaning the cables to see what happens.

Here are two guides to help us fix the truck:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-battery-load-test

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/everything-goes-dead-when-engine-is-cranked

Please run down these guides and report back.