1998 Blazer died while I was driving

Hopefully somebody here can offer some advise.

Today I was driving to school and heard a rattling noise when I stepped on the gas. When I left school it was gone, but the service engine soon light came on. Later in the evening I was on my way to work and stopped to get gas. When I tried to start the Blazer again it gave me some problems and I had to rev the engine and the rattling came back when I accelerated. About 2 miles down the Interstate at 60mph I started losing speed even when I pressed the gas all the way down. Then the battery light came on and about 10 seconds later the Blazer completely died and I coasted to the side of the road. When I tried to start it again, it sounded like it was trying to start but couldn't. I couldn't press the brake down or switch gears (I wanted to put it in neutral to get over off the road more). I could still use my power windows, locks, and seat, so it obviously isn't the battery. I'm thinking maybe it could be the timing chain, I had a similar experience with a Cavalier when the timing chain went out, however when the chain went out on the Cavalier it was a lot louder and was more of a chatter than a rattle.

what is your battery voltage? test it?

have you ever changed the fuel filter?



Hopefully somebody here can offer some advise.

Today I was driving to school and heard a rattling noise when I stepped on the gas. When I left school it was gone, but the service engine soon light came on. Later in the evening I was on my way to work and stopped to get gas. When I tried to start the Blazer again it gave me some problems and I had to rev the engine and the rattling came back when I accelerated. About 2 miles down the Interstate at 60mph I started losing speed even when I pressed the gas all the way down. Then the battery light came on and about 10 seconds later the Blazer completely died and I coasted to the side of the road. When I tried to start it again, it sounded like it was trying to start but couldn't. I couldn't press the brake down or switch gears (I wanted to put it in neutral to get over off the road more). I could still use my power windows, locks, and seat, so it obviously isn't the battery. I'm thinking maybe it could be the timing chain, I had a similar experience with a Cavalier when the timing chain went out, however when the chain went out on the Cavalier it was a lot louder and was more of a chatter than a rattle.

Honestly, I don't know. I am one of those females who use to think that all you ever had to do was put gas in a vehicle. After getting royally skrewed when I had the timing chain on the Cavalier so called repaired, I have been taking more interest in learning about my vehicles. I got the Blazer about a year ago from my mother, she brought it to the dealership and had them do a thorough check up and make sure everything was good and fix anything that needed to be fixed. Since then I have had one oil change, I used Amsoil, they say it would last 1 year so I still have time, I have also had to replace the front wheel bearing, and realign the drivers door.

How often does the fuel filter need to be changed?

mcw1280 (http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/member.php?u=379993)
Did the truck ever start back up or run? If it runs.
The first thing you need to do is go to any autozone and have them Scan any stored code's in the computer, Tell them your service engine light is on. They will Scan them for you free of charge, and report back here with the findings of the codes.
Also how many miles on the truck? when was the last complete tune up?

When you try to start it, does it engine "turn over" easier than b4 you had the problem. Like there is less strain for the starter to turn the engine?

Sounds liek the Catalytic convertor is shot.

You will probably getting a Cat convertor below efficiency threshold code.

Get the code checked though at Autozone for free.