Cummins isc gremlins

Discussion in 'Heavy Duty Diesel Truck Mechanics Forum' started by Sam Wisecup, Apr 4, 2026.

  1. Sam Wisecup

    Sam Wisecup Bobtail Member

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    Apr 4, 2026
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    I have a 2006 Pete with an ISC 260. Starts and runs great for about 3 minutes then shuts down. Even with idle control on. Mechanic looked at it, scanned it, says "lost power". Checked harness, plugs, connectors, resettable fuses etc. Found no problem. Is my ecm bad? Feed yard truck, 127xxx miles, 22xxx hours.
     
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  3. khurmiDiesel

    khurmiDiesel Bobtail Member

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    Apr 5, 2026
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    If ECM lost power, you will see multiple counts of inactive code 1117
     
  4. Sam Wisecup

    Sam Wisecup Bobtail Member

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    Apr 4, 2026
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    So, what usually causes them to lose power? 2 new batteries, terminals cleaned, fuses checked. Stereo, interior courtesy lights, dash lights, gauges all stay on. Engine just dies. Crank it over and it fires right back up.
     
  5. khurmiDiesel

    khurmiDiesel Bobtail Member

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    Sounds like your engine idle shutdown feature is enabled…check parameters on INSITE and see how many seconds it shuts the engine down on
     
    blairandgretchen Thanks this.
  6. Sam Wisecup

    Sam Wisecup Bobtail Member

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    Apr 4, 2026
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    I have used the cruise to override the idle shut down numerous times. Engine running from 1000 to 1500 rpm on cruise. Still shuts down.
     
  7. khurmiDiesel

    khurmiDiesel Bobtail Member

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    Perhaps try to disable the idle shutdown feature in parameters and see if that makes a difference?
     
  8. Sam Wisecup

    Sam Wisecup Bobtail Member

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    Apr 4, 2026
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    Ok, when my mechanic has time to look at it again I will have him do that. Just trying to avoid buying an ecm until I'm sure mine is bad.
     
  9. Goodysnap

    Goodysnap Road Train Member

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    I would begin by load testing the ECM powers and grounds with load pro or a sealed beam light. Rubs, green wires or bad connections in ECM power circuits are common.

    Could be the ECM. But how many times have we all changed an expensive part and no go.
     
    blairandgretchen and AModelCat Thank this.
  10. Sam Wisecup

    Sam Wisecup Bobtail Member

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    Apr 4, 2026
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    Yeah I don't want to buy one unless I have to. I will split the loom and look for bad wires next chance I get. Thank you for the info and suggestions.
     
  11. Lennythedriver

    Lennythedriver Road Train Member

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    Doesn’t sound like an ECM to me. If it runs clean for about 3 minutes every time and then shuts off with a “lost power” code, that’s almost always a power or voltage issue to the ECM, not the ECM itself. common stuff is bad grounds (Petes are known for it), lose or corrode battery cables weak ignition power feed, bad relay, or even an alternator not holding charge.

    Watch your voltage while it’s runnin if it drops before it dies, that’s your answer. Iclean all grounds, check battery connections, and swap the ECM relay before even thinking about an ECM. 9 times out of 10 it’s something simple in the power side.
     
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