1999 Chevy Suburban Engine dies without warning

SAMEJM

MEMBER
1999 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN
V8
4WD
AUTOMATIC
18,500 MILES

Engine dies without warning and is not consistant (moving or still, cold or hot). Second time in a week. Entire electrical system seems to shut down, even the car radio must be reset as if the battery were disconnected. Also the "check engine" light was turned off, that was always on due to O2 sensor code. Sub can be started again with some delay maybe 5 min. And numerous attempts to turn the switch. When running, no appearant problems. Where do you start to look for this problem?

2 Replies

DOCFIXIT

MECHANIC
18,828 POSTS

Maybe needing an ignition switch

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Thursday, December 4th, 2008 AT 2:24 PM

RASMATAZ

MECHANIC
75,992 POSTS

Next time it happens do below immediately to determine if its fuel or spark

Get a starting fluid or ether and spray into the carb or the throttle body on an EFI. Did it start and die? If not disconnect a sparkplug wire or 2 and ground it to the engine -have helper crank engine over-do you have a snapping blue spark? If so-you have a fuel related problem, check the fuel pressure to rule out the fuel filter/fuel pump/pressure regulator and listen to the injector/s are they pulsing or hook up a noid light. No snapping blue spark continue to troubleshoot the ignition system-power input to the coil/coil packs, distributor pick-up coil, ignition control module, cam and crank sensors- Note: If it doesn't apply disregard it