Power Loss problem HELP!

[gregp]

I have an intermitent problem with power loss in my 96 LC with SC. Occasionally, I lose power, sometimes to the point where the tach drops to zero and the check engine light comes on for a second, then power is restored, and I can continue driving. At one time the check engine light came on and stayed on. The code read as a problem with the cam sensor, so we put in a new distributor kit, thinking the problem was electrical. That didn't solve the problem. The check engine light still flashes when power is lost. The truck experiences quite a jolt when this happens. Doesn't matter if engine is hot or cold; it happens at 60 mph as well as 10 mph. Doesn't seem to matter whether conditions are dry or wet. Truck idles fine and will run great sometimes for days at a time, then this power loss happens. My tech says he's at a loss, because it doesn't happen when he drives it. I need to get this fixed, because winter is quickly approaching here in CO.

 

[Ebag333]

Battery, loose/bad belts, or alternator. After checking those (in that order) I'd move on to checking connection, fusible links, etc.

 

[CreeperSleeper]

Did the kit you installed include a cam sensor? Ususally when they go out the vehicle is dead in the water, but sometimes it does exactly as you are discribing until it eventually quits all together.

 

[gregp]

Yes, the kit incluses a new cam sensor and distributor. Any other suggestions?

 

[blzrfn]

Are you still getting a cam sensor trouble code? If so then I would follow the wiring all the way back to the computer and see if there is a short.

 

[gregp]

I haven't run a code since replacement of the distributor kit, because the check engine light is intermentent as well. Thanks for the tip though; I'll pass it on to the tech.

 

[corsair23]

If the CEL is tripped then the code is probably stored and could be pulled, even if the light goes out...I think

 

[Ebag333]

If the CEL is tripped then the code is probably stored and could be pulled, even if the light goes out...I think

That's why I was thinking that it was power related (battery, alternator, etc).

The only way the code will clear is if the ECU gets reset. The ECU only gets reset if it looses power. If the CEL is going away, then something is resetting the ECU.


FWIW, I had similar symptoms when my battery went south (I did not get a CEL however).

 

[cruiserdan]

Read this thread: https://forum.ih8mud.com/80-series-tech/193157-real-time-help.html

Maybe you could be having the same problem.

 

[gregp]

Dan - Thanks. I read the thread, but don't think its the same problem. My truck doesn't stop; it just loses power for a second and the CEL flashes for an instant. It'll sit at idle all day.

 

[gregp]

I'm still looking for some wisdom out there, so thought I'd move this to the top of the heap. Thanks to those who have provided some suggestions already, and to those who might add some now.

 

[corsair23]

Just out of curiousity did you try scanning for codes?

 

[gregp]

Could it be...?

The EFI relay causing this problem? We checked wiring from the battery all the way to the ECU, and everything seems fine, including the fuseable links.

Thoughts?

 

[CreeperSleeper]

It very well could be... Relays can do some interesting things!