My truck decided to die on Monday, of all days, and now I can't get it to fire up again!

After the truck had stalled, I tried to start it up again, and it ran rough for a few seconds then died. I looked under the hood and saw nothing outta the ordinary (so loose wires, broken belts, small fires <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/scared.gif" alt="" />), so I tried again and got the same result! I tried to start it again this afternoon (in vain) and all it does is crank. Starter works great, btw!

I went up to check out my truck today (it's about a mile from my house on a dirt road in the middle of no where) to see if, Godforbid, the timing belt had broke, but luckily that isn't the case.

It seems that SOMETHING has to crack, seize or fry during this time of the year! Don't think my rig likes the cold weather that much... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> I haven't had one fall/winter w/out something needing replaced or fixed!

Thanks for any responses!

-kuso <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shiner.gif" alt="" />

Has the fuel filter been changed ever? I had this last year.

It sounds like it ran out of fuel.

Assuming the gas guage is accurate and it didn't run out of gas in the tank, turn the ignition on and listen for the electric fuel pump to kick on. You may have to stand back by the fuel tank or even hold your head up against the fuel filler door.

I can't remember if the fuel pump only kicks on for a few seconds before the engine starts like on my Honda or if it stays on, so you may need have someone turn the ignition on while you listen.

If that's working, then check for spark. Someone else will have to chime on the safe way to do that on the V-6.

If you have a good spark, fuel pump is working there is definately gas in the tank, and all the fuse in the cab and engine compartment, including the ignition and ECU fuses are good, then it could be something like a plugged fuel filter.

If you have no spark, then assuming the fuses are good, it's probably related the coil/igniter assembly.

Try the fuel pump test jumper to see if that is working OK. Without the jumper the fuel pump won't run unless the engine is running.

Also check the air plumbing between the air filter/AFM and the throttle body for cracks or leaks.

If you don't have anything to make a jumper for the fuel pump, I found a neat trick a few years ago...

If you hold the ignition in the "start" position without depressing the clutch (or activating the override, or trying to start in "Drive" for autos), the fuel pump turns on. It is audible enough to hear from the cab of the truck with the doors open.

Thanks all!

Well, I checked out my fuel pump (thanks Roger) and it's working properly! It's lookin' more and more like the fuel filter, which would be the best case scenario! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/notooth.gif" alt="" />

As far as my fuel filter goes, it was changed after I had bought the truck back in 2003. However, the jerk who replaced it overtightened the bolt that goes on the OUT part of the filter, and, in doing so, warped the threads so that one side will only fit on the current fuel filter! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/angry.gif" alt="" /> Found this out last year when I tried to change filters!

-kuso <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shiner.gif" alt="" />

The more and more I think about it, I don't really think it is the fuel filter after all. I've never ran the tank bone dry because I usually fill 'er up when my needle reaches the 1/2 way mark or, at the most extreme, 1/4 of a tank! If there was an accumulation of 'gunk' and build up in the filter, wouldn't the trucks performance have started to show signs of a problem w/ lack of HP, horrible MPG, running rough, etc?

Plus, I kinda forgot to mention in my original post that I heard a POP before the adventure to my place of employment could really get goin'! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/scared.gif" alt="" /> Oops...sorry. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/zombie.gif" alt="" /> My bro had almost the same experience w/ his rig when his ignition coil went out, so maybe this is what's goin' on here. I'll have to test it out tomorrow when there's some time!

Thanks for all the responses! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

-kuso <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shiner.gif" alt="" />

My 22RE would backfire/pop when I had problems with air leaks between the air filter/AFM and the throttle body. Happened a few times before I got my relocated air filter working right.

this sounds like the exact same problem i had with my truck. i was driving home after a school football game, when out in the middle of nowhere, the truck died. i replaced the fuel filter, checked for spark and everything else i could think of. finally i got so exsasperated that i took the truck to the shop. they checked the whole thing over, and found that stress, temperature changes and just plain age had made a crack on the UNDERSIDE <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/angry.gif" alt="" /> of the intake tube, about where my K&n intake met the stock tube. the crack was letting un-measured air past the MAS, confusing <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> the computer, and not allowing the truck to run. all in all, they charged me 5.95 for a roll of duct tape and told me to get a new tube <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/scared.gif" alt="" />. next time i think ill save the money and look the whole truck over a little better. but at least i dont have to replace the fuel filter for a while...

Well, as suggested by 4crawler and 250kyotameister, I checked the air passage between the throttle body and AFM and all appears to be in tact!

I also changed my fuel filter this afternoon and the old one was pretty clogged w/ some rusty lookin' liquid! Oh, the new filter (Bosch brand) went on w/out any trouble! Guess I miss judged that shade tree mechanic. Shame on me. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/scared.gif" alt="" />

Now, however, the truck STILL WON'T FIRE UP!! It's got spark and fuel, so I'm gonna go over my fuses, check the distributor cap and look for any loose grounds or frayed wires! Let the hunt begin! Ugh! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" />

-kuso <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shiner.gif" alt="" />