2001 2500HD 8.1 Ltr erratic no starts

[crobar1]

My crew cab 2001 has 75K miles and is well maintained and garaged. Every once in a while the engine will just quit while driving just as if the key was turned to neutral all dash indicators light up but just quits running. Turn the key to start and hear the engine cranking but won't start. Sometime in park it just cranks however I noticed that when I move the shift lever into neutral and depress the brake it will crank and start sometimes.
I don't believe it's a fuel problem. Could it be a loose wire in the column?
I don't have a manual so have no idea what is under the covers.
All ideas are appreciated!!

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by crobar1

My crew cab 2001 has 75K miles and is well maintained and garaged. Every once in a while the engine will just quit while driving just as if the key was turned to neutral all dash indicators light up but just quits running. Turn the key to start and hear the engine cranking but won't start. Sometime in park it just cranks however I noticed that when I move the shift lever into neutral and depress the brake it will crank and start sometimes.
I don't believe it's a fuel problem. Could it be a loose wire in the column?
I don't have a manual so have no idea what is under the covers.
All ideas are appreciated!!

hello crobar.

I am not a diesel mechanic . I am guessing that with this failure the crank sensor would be what needs replacing.

when these heat up they do fail to provide a good signal.

since the dash lights and cranking work correctly I doubt a ignition switch. with the low miles also.

the crank sensor would be affected more by age. also check the wires / connector for any damage.

[bayview]

I had the same issue with my truck a few years ago, a couple of times I was on the highway! I also noticed that the head lights would flicker when I stepped on the brake to shift from park. I took it to a dealer and they said they could not find the problem but they updated the computer and it has not happened again. I feel that it may have been a grounding issue. I was later contacted by the NTSA and they asked me specifically about the problem with the vehicle suddenly stopping running. there may be a service bulletin and you may get the truck repaired foc. good luck. btw my truck is also a crew- 8.1