1996 GMC Sierra 1500 Sudden Stall Issues

[Down in Cowtown]

I am the second owner of a 1996 GMC Sierra 1500 with 90,000 miles on it. Not a problem in the world until recently, when it took to occasionally and unexpectedly performing instantaneous shut downs. Not a stumble or two for warning, but the engine quits right now, no lights, warning buzzers or gongs, no electricity anywhere. Come to a stop, into park, ignition key to off, attempted restart, not a sign of life...repeat once or twice, restart successfully and move along. It happened the first time while attempting a left turn after passing through a major rain and hail storm, and the engine checked out halfway through the turn, to the passing amusement of oncoming vehicles. So far I can't recreate the problem...obviously the vehicle can't be driven this way - thoughts?

 

[Molson02536]

I am the second owner of a 1996 GMC Sierra 1500 with 90,000 miles on it. Not a prblem in the world until recently, when it took to occasionally and unexpectedly performing instantaneous shut downs. Not a stumble or two for warning, but the engine quits right now, no lights, warning buzzers or gongs, no electricity anywhere. Come to a stop, into park, ignition key to off, attempted restart, not a sign of life...repeat once or twice, restart successfully and move along. It happened the first time while attempting a left turn after passing through a major rain and hail storm, and the engine checked out halfway through the turn, to the passing amusement of oncoming vehicles. So far I can't recreate the problem...obviously the vehicle can't be driven this way - thoughts?

Inspect your ignition switch and wire harness. This is the classic signs of the ignition switch going bad or the wire harness to the switch has a break in it. Most likely the ignition switch and you can pick up a new switch from Auto Zone or Napa with the step by step instructions to get the job done.

The ignition switch it self is not just a switch for the starter, but also is a switch for all the electrical functions to your Sierra. Like running the PCM to run your engine and you fuel pump ECT: When the electrical connection in the ignition switch it self starts to go bad, different things can happen like the lost of the function of the engine, or just the transmission ect.

Good luck and replace the Ignition switch if you find that the wire harness is 100% free of damage. Keep us posted and we can go from here.

http://gmcowners.com/gmc-forum/showthread.php?t=14946

 

[Down in Cowtown]

So Far So Good

Based on an inspection that revealed no obvious causes, we went ahead and replaced the ignition switch on spec, which comes with the harness attached. So far everything is working as it should. An inspection of the old switch and harness removed indicated no visible problems...so hopefully the fix we tried is the one needed. If not, back to this forum! Thanks for helping out.