Strange but true

[roadturn]

My 96 K1500 (Vortex) was running great with a fresh tune-up (new plugs, wires, cap, rotor and fuel filter). Then, about 2 weeks later, I noticed it seemed to be stalling out going downhill at highway speed. Next. I was going about 40 in town when the engine (and radio) shut off, but both came back on within a few seconds. Over the past week, it dies (but starts right back up) when I begin to leave the driveway or dies when I am driving, but starts right back up.

The odd thing is that the electrical system shuts down when the engine shuts down--the radio turns off and/or skips stations by itself, and the parking Brake light comes on when the engine dies. I looked around online for similar descriptions and replaced the Fuel Pump Relay, but that didn't help. I have checked for loose wire connections made sure all fuses are tight... but no change.

Any ideas?

 

[Molson02536]

My 96 K1500 (Vortex) was running great with a fresh tune-up (new plugs, wires, cap, rotor and fuel filter). Then, about 2 weeks later, I noticed it seemed to be stalling out going downhill at highway speed. Next. I was going about 40 in town when the engine (and radio) shut off, but both came back on within a few seconds. Over the past week, it dies (but starts right back up) when I begin to leave the driveway or dies when I am driving, but starts right back up.

The odd thing is that the electrical system shuts down when the engine shuts down--the radio turns off and/or skips stations by itself, and the parking Brake light comes on when the engine dies. I looked around online for similar descriptions and replaced the Fuel Pump Relay, but that didn't help. I have checked for loose wire connections made sure all fuses are tight... but no change.

Any ideas?

Ignition switch or the wire harness to the ignition switch has gone bad and needs to be addressed. Start with these simple checks and we can go from there.

Good luck and keep us posted.
Molson02536

 

[roadturn]

Amazing

Thank you, Molson.

On a hunch, I removed the radio (JVC KD-G420). Two days now and no repeat of the problem.

It appears the radio must be wired into the ignition circuit.

 

[roadturn]

ICM fixed it but failed

I finally cured the problem by installing a new Ignition Control Module. A few weeks later, the engine started cutting out again. I took the part back (O'Reilly's), got a replacement and all was well one more time.

Two weeks later, and the problem is reoccurring. Am I getting bad parts, or is something else causing the ICM to fail? One thing I noticed this time is the radio starting cutting out before the engine cut out... and using the turn signal made it cut out as well (although not every time I use the turn signal).

Strange. Your advice is appreciated. I'm afraid O'Reilly's is going to refuse a replacement at some soon point. I haven't gone back yet, but am going to have to. Yesterday, it cut out several times. So far, it always starts back up, though.