Duramax died while driving, what should I check?

Maintenance and Repairs
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Duramax Stalling Issue

I was driving my Duramax when it suddenly died on me. It was running fine, but then out of nowhere, it just stopped. Now, it won’t start back up. I’m hoping to get some troubleshooting tips and advice on what to look into.

Symptoms:

  • Engine stalled while driving
  • No crank, no start after it died

Possible Causes (from my research):

  • Fuel issues (clogged filter or pump failure)
  • Electrical problems (battery or alternator issues)
  • Sensor failures (cam or crankshaft position sensors)
  • Overheating issues

What I’ve Checked So Far:

  • Fuel Level: I checked the fuel tank, and it’s sufficient.
  • Battery: The battery seems fine, lights and radio work.
  • Fuses: All the fuses appear to be intact.

I’m a bit stumped here and could really use your insight. Has anyone else experienced something like this with their Duramax? What steps should I take next? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance for your suggestions!

1 Like
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I had a similar issue last month. My Duramax just shut off out of nowhere! Check your fuel filters; they can get clogged and starve the engine.

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Definitely check the filters. I once had a blocked fuel line, and it caused my truck to die on the highway. It was a hassle!

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Don’t forget to check the electrical connections. A bad ground or loose wiring can cause the engine to cut out unexpectedly.

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I agree! My friend had his Duramax die because of a corroded battery terminal. Make sure those connections are solid!

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Overheating is another culprit. Check your coolant levels and make sure your cooling system is functioning properly.

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True! My thermostat failed once, and I lost power while driving on a hot day. It’s scary!

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8

What about the exhaust? A clogged EGR or DPF can lead to stalling issues. It’s worth checking!

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Good point! I had an EGR valve fail, and the truck completely stopped on me. Definitely check that!

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It can also be fuel quality. Make sure you’re using diesel from a reputable source to avoid issues with your injectors.

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Right! I learned that the hard way. Bad diesel caused my injectors to get clogged, and the truck didn’t want to start.

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I have to admit, when my Duramax died, I freaked out! But it turned out to be a simple issue with the fuel pump. Don’t overlook the basics!

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Ah, the fuel pump! That can be a sneaky culprit too. Glad you got it sorted out!

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I’ve had my truck stop after hitting a bump. It was a loose wire getting vibed out of place! Check for anything loose under the hood.

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Just remember, guys, sometimes it’s the little things! Like, I had a friend whose Duramax just needed a little love—a simple tap on the starter got it going again. Odd, but true!

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First thing you should do is scan for any error codes using an OBD-II scanner. This can help pinpoint specific issues with your Duramax that might be causing it to not start.

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Absolutely! Codes can save you a ton of time. If you see something related to fuel delivery, that’s a red flag.

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Don’t forget to check the fuel delivery system! Make sure your fuel pump is working and that there are no blockages in the fuel lines.

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Definitely agree with that! And while you’re at it, inspect the fuel filter. A clogged filter can totally prevent starting.

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You should also check the electrical components, like the battery and starter. Sometimes, it could just be a loose wire or a battery that needs a jump.