Strange Strange problem Help Please!!!

[evood69]

So heres the story from time to time I will be driving down the road and then out of nowhere my car will cut off, wheel locks up everything. Scary as hell when youre going down the Interstate at 70mph. Usually it will cut right back on even if youre still coasting. Lately it has been doing the samething but not turning back on for up to a hour. I dont have the slightest clue to what it would be. Ive changed spark plugs, and spark plug wires, checked all my fuses, also checked most of my electrical wiring for signs of wear or tears and nothing!! It did it to me again tonight 3 times within 15 minutes of driving. Does anyone have any idea what this could be or maybe give me some helpful information because im in the dark with this.

Thanks, Zach

 

[sonik619]

Hmmm when at slow speeds? That used to happen to me when I didn't have my bov recirculated. It would just die when im about 3 mph.

 

[evood69]

Im not sure if anyone is still reading this but I figured i'd add a little more information. It does have to do with the idle. While I went to work this morning at idle it would be in the range from 700rpm-1500rpm, I havent had a chance to mess around with it any because it has been snowing since 2ish and we have about 5 inches. Hopefully if I can get to my buddies garage tomorrow we can try to work the kinks out.

 

[steve]

Random stalling and not being able to restart the car for awhile is a classic symptom of capacitor leakage problems with the ECU. Have you inspected it yet?

 

[evood69]

Let me give a little update those 5 inches turned into 17 inches, and I just now was able to get my car out today.
to Steve: When I am driving and it cuts off the car will turn back on almost everytime time with no problems. Sometimes when it wont start if i jiggle the terminals on the battery it will fire right back up. I am hoping to get it to my buddies garage tomorrow and finally have the chance to look over it and try to get it back to normal.

 

[diman422]

I'm having the same exact issues with my 96 rs. Just started today out of nowhere, the exact thing you described. When I start slowing down in neutral (5-speed) and the speed gets below 25-30 mph, my rpm drops from 1000 to 700 and then lower, till the engine either dies or there is a sudden spike in rpm and the engine keeps going. Being that im inexperienced, and that there's like 2 feet of snow on the ground, I think ill take it to my mechanic.

 

[GooeyGus]

Do all your accessories still work when it shuts off? Lights, radio, etc etc.

If so, I would put my vote for ECU problem.

If you lose ALL electrical power, I would say battery. But that doesn't sound like that's the case.

When the car shuts off, do you hear a click behind the radio?? Or sometimes just a click behind the radio randomly and the car will give a quick "cough" but keep going?

 

[steve]

When I am driving and it cuts off the car will turn back on almost everytime time with no problems. Sometimes when it wont start if i jiggle the terminals on the battery it will fire right back up.

Then start by looking at the power connections. If the top of your battery isn't clean and corrosion free you should pull the connectors, wash and neutralize the battery (baking soda and rinse), and clean the posts and terminals.

You should pull the ECU anyway and make sure the caps have been changed and any leakage cleaned up. Every single one of these ECUs will have problems with the caps unless they are replaced before they leak.

 

[evood69]

I appreciate it, as far as lights go I havent driven it at night and it actually cut off on me. I know for a fact when the car cuts off the radio is still on, because I listen to it loud as hell and sometimes I dont even realize it has shut off. So to the radio question it is still working when the car shuts off.

Well it cut off on my a few times tonight. Yes my lights still work, radio works, etc.. Hopefully saturday i'll be able to work on things. Around here the snow is still present and it doesnt seem like it will get any better til after chritmas. I appreciate all the info regarding the ECU and battery. Hopefully I will be able to work the kinks out asap

 

[cgmtboarder]

im also having the exact same issue! its seriously making me lose my mind. i cant rely on the car for shit. if someone has any for sure idea let me know. i think im gonna change the idle air control valve and check the ecu

 

[Metalpunk68]

Could Be A temp sensor mine used to do that out of nowhere like it was overheating,i got a new one and no problems