Hello all,
New here and I had an incident I'm hoping someone here can shed some light on. I have been posting this around hoping to find anyone that has heard of this happening.

A few days ago while hauling some equipment back from Wyoming, my truck engine stopped. After pulling over and getting out we noticed a strong electrical burning smell from engine. We grabbed the fire extinguisher and popped the hood. Flames jumped 5' high. We put out the fire and hauled the truck to town.

Only out of ordinary thing that has happened in last while is twice in last 2 months when starting the starter motor would grind when turned over. Turn key off and retry and it worked fine.

I have attached some pictures of the damage.



Fire Damage (http://pictures.jimerickson.org/album02)

Looks like fire originated in the control box.

Anyone seen anything like this? Possible defect?

Any ideas on where to go from here other than just to take it in and see how much damage was done?

Thanx,
Jim

Wow that is pretty ugly :( , can't say I have seen that happen to a Duramax before!

Dude that truly sucks!!!!
Have you done any aftermarket installs as far as stereo,lighting or other accessories?
A direct non fused short is the only thing I can think of that would cause an electrical fire.
Good luck on finding the cause and getting your truck back on the road quick.

I'm with NWDmax. If you have an aftermarket electrical that is a likely cause. Done properly you will not have problems but when people don't know what they are doing the end result can be ugly.

Check with your insurance company. If that doesn't work, get a fire investigator. If he see something out of line, get a lawyer.

Seeing that there is a brushgard style bumper on there I'm with the "lighting' clan and a short.

No aftermarket wiring on the truck. No lights on the brushguard.

Truck is completely stock except for the brushguard and the cage in bed.

Jim

Wow sorry about your truck, man. So far no electrical problems on my '01 Dmax.

I would guess either p/s fluid or brake fluid leaked onto the exhaust manifold then caught the wiring on fire.

File a claim with your insurance co., they will investigate the fire. Goodluck.

I am with SID, looks like it was concentrated on that side for sure. A fluid leak on a hot manifold...really hot if your towing...

I agree with that, I've seen hot exhaust flare up when some brake fluid drips on it before.