I was driving home last night when my truck suddenly spit, sputtered, and then died, all within about 10 seconds. Prior to that, there was indication that anything was wrong. I've been ignoring the P0455 for quite awhile now. After it died, I did the self-diagnostic check and saw the P0420 code that indicates something is wrong with the catalitic converter. I do have a small exhaust leak, so perhaps that code can be attributed to that. So I guess the question is: Where do I start???

I should have mentioned that the cat was replaced less than a year ago. Could/would the oxygen sensor make it die like that???

Fat_Mike,

I found Chrysler Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) here:

http://www.wjjeeps.com/faultcodes.htm#DTC

Check it out!

Good Luck,

Dan

screw out the front o2 sensor or unbolt the exhaust in front of the cat and see if the truck fires. if it does then the cat is plugged. p0420 means the cat is not doing its job it could cause a runability concern. but not always. if the truck still does not fire then back to basics check spark if good spark try spraying some carb cleaner through the throttle body and see if it trys to start.

420 is a common code. Could be computer program issues or a bad rear o2. I don't see how it could have anything to do with dying... Check sprk and injection ticking and fuel pump. If no fuel pump, try banging on the bottom of the tank while cranking. Another possibility is crank sensor if there is no spark/injectors.

Thanks for the replies! I tried a number of things to include checking all the fuses, checking for spark, looking "obvious" stuff under the hood, and disconnecting the battery to clear the codes. As a last resort, I put a few gallons of gas it just to see if maybe my guage was off. It read about 1/16th full (still well above the red), and I don't recall ever running that low before. After cranking it, tinkering around and cranking again, it finally fired. I'm still not 100% convinced that's the problem. I guess my next step will be to address those codes. I'll just have to keep it out of the woods until I regain my confidence in it. Anyone know if the gas guage in this era truck is inherently off???

My 96 Ram and 2000 Durango will both go all the way to the E line . Glad you figured it out!

Mine has run out showing 1/16th before and I have driven it below the e line. I don't know if they stick sometimes or what happens. My 94 trans am has done this too.

actually the FIRST step is to address the codes--they are cat and emission codes--you needa freind with scanner that can monitor 02 sensor operation--just becuase it spits out an o2 code doesnt mean its a bad 02 sensor--My 98 ram will go for about 10-12 miles after teh low fuel light comes on (318 also).the codes could mean either a failing cat,a toor rich or too lean condition,an emision leak(evap line or hose) or a failed 02 sensor/cat monitor sensor.If you dont have any freinds at dealerships with the equipment--make one! a scanner is a must on todays cars.good luck!