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Engine shut off while driving?

Tiny
DUANE ABERNATHY
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 FORD F-150
  • 5.4L
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 150,000 MILES
Alright, well this is what happened: I was driving down the road at approximately 65-70 mph and everything was fine. All gauges read normal, no unusual noises from engine, and no smoke or weird smells. Nothing unusual. But then I sped up a bit to pass a slower vehicle and as I'm in the on coming traffic lane, I get up about even with the vehicle, and then my truck goes dead. Completely shuts down, no forewarning or any kind of heads up like sputtering or smoke or anything at all. Completely dead silent. I manage to get to the shoulder and ended up having to tow my truck back to the house. I've tried over a dozen times to crank it but ever since it shut off on me, it hasn't tries to crank or turn over at all. And this last time I was trying to start it, the negative battery cable was getting extremely hot. I am at a loss as far as what could possibly be the issue so any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.
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Monday, February 24th, 2020 AT 2:27 AM

12 Replies

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good morning,

Can you give me the voltage at the battery? We need to start with power. If the battery died while driving, it will cause this issue.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-battery-load-test

this guide can help us well

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-stalls

Please run down these guides and report back.

Roy
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Monday, April 26th, 2021 AT 1:03 PM
Tiny
DUANE ABERNATHY
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
It reads 12.52v at the battery.
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Monday, April 26th, 2021 AT 1:03 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Did you clean the cables? Remove them and wire brushes the cables to be sure they are clean.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/everything-goes-dead-when-engine-is-cranked

Roy
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Monday, April 26th, 2021 AT 1:03 PM
Tiny
DUANE ABERNATHY
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
Yes sir, I sure did. And like I said in my original message, the cables would get really hot when I would try to crank the truck. Why would that happen? Now, correct me if I'm wrong (because I probably am), but if the battery all the sudden went dead while the vehicle is running, wouldn't the vehicle stay running off of the alternator until the ignition was turned off, but could not be started again without a battery?
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Monday, April 26th, 2021 AT 1:03 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
No, it will not. The alternator needs the power to run. When you take away power, it shuts down.

Check the back of the alternator and the fuse box for power with a voltmeter. Let us see if there is power anywhere.

Check the other end of the negative cable. Clean that connection and see if it makes a difference.

Roy
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Monday, April 26th, 2021 AT 1:03 PM
Tiny
DUANE ABERNATHY
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
Alright, well my apologies for being so long since I've responded but I got the truck to start finally. I replaced the starter and the battery and redid the whole wiring from Battery to starter and from Battery to switch and cleaned it all up and the truck fired and it ran but it ran really really rough and it had this high-pitched chirp and a small but loud metal knocking sound. It doesn't strike me as a rod knocking and if that was the case I would believe that I would of heard something of the sort when this whole ordeal began. The truck has been sitting for at least a few months so would that be the reason for such rough idle and would it eventually work itself out?
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Monday, April 26th, 2021 AT 1:03 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Can you upload a video of how it sounds?

Roy
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Monday, April 26th, 2021 AT 1:03 PM
Tiny
DUANE ABERNATHY
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
I hope this is adequate enough to help. I am by no means a film maker! LMAO!
Video (Click to make bigger)
Thumb
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Monday, April 26th, 2021 AT 1:03 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
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Okay, thanks.

That is an internal engine noise either from the main or rod bearings.

Sounds like you will either be rebuilding or replacing the engine.

Roy
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Monday, April 26th, 2021 AT 1:03 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
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Did you respond? I got an email but nothing came through.

Roy
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Monday, April 26th, 2021 AT 1:03 PM
Tiny
DUANE ABERNATHY
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
Yes I had, but I don't see it neither. Hmm. That's strange, but it was just me letting you know that I appreciate all the help and info along with me trying to make a lame joke about being the proud owner of a big, red, and useless lawn ornament because I can't afford to rebuild or replace the engine. (And the lack of knowledge is another key factor in the situation) so. Yeah.
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Monday, April 26th, 2021 AT 1:03 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
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You are welcome.

Always glad to help.

Roy
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Monday, April 26th, 2021 AT 1:03 PM

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