Died in interstate traffic and then came back to life

[jft7032]

Hey, Folks:

Had a strange interstate experience with my 1990 S-10 4.3L manual trans, 6-six cylinder this past weekend.

Truck ran well the first 600 miles of an 800 mile trip. Then on way back home on I-40, truck cuts out and I pull over on side of interstate, but it comes back to life and I continue on. 70-80 miles later, while going up long 3% grade, the truck dies again. I pull over on side of interstate and attempt to start it, but nothing....not a sound. So I wait 10 minutes thinking about my hike to next exit to phone help. But before I get out I decide to give the ignition another go. I cranks up and I am able to drive the remaining 100 miles home with no problem.

Any suggestions of what's going on here? What do I need to check out here?

Thanks, folks. Newbie Joseph

[Will2]

"But nothing...not a sound". Does this mean the engine is not even turning over. If so the problem is probably electrical. I don't know about the S-10 but on the positive battery cable on my Nissan there is a complex of electrical wires in a block just before the battery terminal connection. If the terminal connection is bad(dirty post, bad cable etc.) no juice(electricity) is going to get to the vehicle. Check both cables. Remember your fuel pump is electronic.

[jft7032]

Originally Posted by Will2

"But nothing...not a sound". Does this mean the engine is not even turning over. If so the problem is probably electrical. I don't know about the S-10 but on the positive battery cable on my Nissan there is a complex of electrical wires in a block just before the battery terminal connection. If the terminal connection is bad(dirty post, bad cable etc.) no juice(electricity) is going to get to the vehicle. Check both cables. Remember your fuel pump is electronic.

Will2:

Yea; the engine would not turn over. The battery is fine, free of corrosion, so I don't think it's that. The fuel pump, however, may be the problem.

Thanks for the feedback.

[Will2]

If the engine won't turn over it sounds like you possibly might have 2 problems

[corning_d3]

nah, it's not the fuel pump thats causing the no crank condition. Check all the grounds, because they can cause an intermittent problem like the one your describing. One question, when it died while still moving, did everything lose power, or did the intrument panel lights/radio still work?

[jft7032]

Originally Posted by corning_d3

nah, it's not the fuel pump thats causing the no crank condition. Check all the grounds, because they can cause an intermittent problem like the one your describing. One question, when it died while still moving, did everything lose power, or did the intrument panel lights/radio still work?

I saw no lights; I didn't have on my radio, so I don't know if it still worked. But everything seemed dead; no lights on the instrument panel, etc.

I will take it tomorrow to Advance Auto Parts; they tell me they can do a free diagnostics check to zero in on the problem.

Thanks for responding.

[corning_d3]

That's a good idea. I'd say you have a bad connection on the battery, or even a ground working loose. Have you checked the both battery terminals?

[jft7032]

Originally Posted by corning_d3

nah, it's not the fuel pump thats causing the no crank condition. Check all the grounds, because they can cause an intermittent problem like the one your describing. One question, when it died while still moving, did everything lose power, or did the intrument panel lights/radio still work?

HI, Corning_d3:

Sorry to take so long in getting back to you; too much on my plate in the lead-up to Thanksgiving.

I am uncertain if all electrical died, but I saw no panel lights nor would the engine turn over until I sat beside the interstate from 10-15 minutes. Then it started right up.

I am so busy that I can't diagnosis myself; will likely put it on the diagnosis machine at a local garage if you guys can't give me a solid lead to begin my solution to the problem.

Thanks---joe