Shut off while idling with the transmission in park and will not restart

Hi,

Either we lost fuel or ignition spark to the engine. Don't worry, we figure out what is happening.

The first thing I would like you to do is check for diagnostic trouble codes. This truck will have an OBD1 system that doesn't require a scanner to retrieve codes. All you will need is a short jumper wire or even a paper clip.

Follow the directions in this link and let me know what you find:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/buick-cadillac-chevy-gmc-oldsmobile-pontiac-gm-1983-1995-obd1-code-definitions-and-retrieval-method

If no codes are found, then we need to see if spark or fuel was lost. Try this. See if the engine starts for a couple of seconds using starting fluid. If it starts and then stalls, then we know it's related to a fuel issue. If there is no change, likely we lost the ignition spark to the spark plugs.

If there is no change, follow the directions in this link to check for spark.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-an-ignition-system

Let me know what you find. Also, let me know if you have questions.

Take care,

Joe

Thank you, Joe, for your response. I'm not anywhere close to a car mechanic but here goes. I ended up having to have my truck towed to a local mechanic. When he got in the truck it didn't start for him at first. Then he said he checked the fuel pump, and it was fine, and it was getting fuel. He said he moved the switch from tank to tank (I have dual tanks) and it started. He also said he drove it and it was fine. That's really odd because it's been running rough and seems it has no get up and go and cutting out and missing. So, they told me to come to get it and they didn't charge me. Well, bringing it home it done the same thing, ran rough and it seemed it was going to shut off. It also backfired. Luckly, I got home. We called back the next day to tell them and we asked if he tried to do the OBD1 codes and said no. That's a real bummer because we asked if they could do a Diagnostic and they said they would. We really trusted these guys. I really like to know what's wrong with the truck. I'm afraid I'm going to be stranded one night because of it. Anyway, I looked at the site you gave me and also watched some videos online about the OBD1 but when I went to my truck there's no A and B letters mine have other letters and they are very hard to see but it looks like mine has M and N letters. So can you tell me what Port I should put the wire in? I don't want to just put it in anywhere don't want to burn something up. I put a picture of what I think the OBD1 is. So, please let this 64-year-old lady know any information you can and if this is the right place to put the wire and where if possible. Thank you for all your help, it's so nice to have this site.

Hi,

No problem. Based on the positioning of your link, it appears the top two on the right are the A and B connector pins. I copied your pic and circled them.

Pic 1 below shows the connectors and directions.

Let me know if this helps you or if you have other questions. Note, you can turn the key to the run position with this connected. But it's not recommended to start the engine without first disconnecting it. Once running, it can be reinstalled.

Take care,

Joe

Hello Joe, not good news. I did exactly what you said and put the paper clip in the above 2 ports, turned the key but not to start and nothing ever happened. I did this three times to make sure of the placement. What did I do wrong or why didn't it work?

Hi,

Chances are you did nothing wrong. Tell me, when you first turn the key on, does the check engine light turn on at least for a short time?

If it does, let's try it a different way. Turn the key to the run position then install the jumper to see if it works.

Also, let me know if you have a multimeter and a test light. There may be an issue with the wiring to the connector.

Take care and let me know.

Joe