Died, then re-started...where do I begin?

[Mike VS]

Hi all, I have a 1990 944 S2 Cab which I have had for 2 1/2 years. Zero problems until last week. I was 7 minutes from home driving normal at 60 mph when the engine died completely. As I coasted for about 1/4 mile, it still was dead until I came to a complete stop, and would not re-start. Being that I am in the country without cell coverage, I was concerned. Looking under the hood nothing stood out as a problem, and after waiting about 15 minutes, I tried starting it at which time it fired up completely normal. I got my butt home, parked it until today. I started it up (perfect) and let it run for an hour without any hickups.
My question is where do I start looking as a problem without randomly replacing parts. Yes, I would like it to die again so the problem would show itself, but until then I am sceptical to take it out for a drive. Remember... I have no phone coverage for miles around here. Thanks

[Gianni at Pelican Parts]

I would check to make sure all the ground cables are connected in their appropriate places and wires are not frayed. Seems to be very odd it died then started again with no issue, and I know the paranoia an intermittent no start issue can cause.

Here is a link to our "How To" Tech Articles for your chassis which may help with troubleshooting.

[jjeffries]

A DME Relay … assumes 968 has one? Others will need to confirm.

John

[mytrplseven]

Originally Posted by jjeffries

A DME Relay … assumes 968 has one? Others will need to confirm.

John

A lot of us carry a spare DME relay as a matter of course.

[Mike VS]

Originally Posted by mytrplseven

A lot of us carry a spare DME relay as a matter of course.

Thanks... Can they be tested for failure?

[Mike VS]

Originally Posted by Gianni at Pelican Parts

I would check to make sure all the ground cables are connected in their appropriate places and wires are not frayed. Seems to be very odd it died then started again with no issue, and I know the paranoia an intermittent no start issue can cause.

Here is a link to our "How To" Tech Articles for your chassis which may help with troubleshooting.

Thanks, I'm reading this today.

[944 Ecology]

Originally Posted by Mike VS

Thanks... Can they be tested for failure?

Yes, they can. You can also open the relay and check the contacts for signs of burning or pitted points.

As an emergency option, you can build yourself a DME relay bypass for about 10 cents, with two pieces of wire and three crimp connectors. You can use the bypass to get the car running in order to make it home if your relay dies on a trip. I carry one in each of my 944 cars.

[Mike VS]

Originally Posted by 944 Ecology

Yes, they can. You can also open the relay and check the contacts for signs of burning or pitted points.

As an emergency option, you can build yourself a DME relay bypass for about 10 cents, with two pieces of wire and three crimp connectors. You can use the bypass to get the car running in order to make it home if your relay dies on a trip. I carry one in each of my 944 cars.

Thanks, I'll probably order a replacement as a backup...
I should say: It's been ordered and on the way.

[kdjones2000]

It may also be due to a marginal speed/reference sensor.

I know a friend with an '89 NA that it would just die and after the engine cooled off it would start right up again. Had a sensor that was going bad.

[Mike VS]

Originally Posted by kdjones2000

It may also be due to a marginal speed/reference sensor.

I know a friend with an '89 NA that it would just die and after the engine cooled off it would start right up again. Had a sensor that was going bad.

Thanks, that will be next if the DME doesn't fix it.

[walfreyydo]

I would start here:
DME Relay Information and Testing

Common for DME relays to work fine when cold but then stall the car out when it gets warm not allowing for restart until the car (relay) cools down.

Highly recommend getting a solid state relay from F9 tech, for peace of mind into the future more than anything.

[Mike VS]

Originally Posted by walfreyydo

I would start here:
DME Relay Information and Testing

Common for DME relays to work fine when cold but then stall the car out when it gets warm not allowing for restart until the car (relay) cools down.

Highly recommend getting a solid state relay from F9 tech, for peace of mind into the future more than anything.

Thanks, that was very interesting reading as well as informative.