Loss of acceleration, now no start

[vmhlbjorn]

Help!

I got on the highway for a short jog (in my '88 924S) and suddenly lost acceleration while at speed (just started slowing down)... step on the gas, but no reaction. It would sputter, but no reaction until I dropped into neutral and gunned it... after that I could go for a few seconds to stay at speed. I nursed the car home on back streets, but almost stalled at stops. When I parked everything seemed fine (of course!) although I thought I heard a 'crackling' noise coming from the fuse/relay area.

My car sat for a few days, and then would not start (turned over just fine). Replaced the DME/fuel pump relay with a new one, but no luck. The fuse is intact. I have not run through any ignition or fuel pump checks. The DME was replaced a 3 years ago.

Before I go too far chasing ghosts, has anyone experienced a similar problem, or can anyone recommend a best place to start? THANK YOU!

[SoCal Driver]

Check the fuel pump. Have some one listen at ground level behind the passenger tire for the fuel pump. It will run a half second or so after you stop cranking.

If it's running check that you have injector pulses -- noid light.
Note that spark and injector pulses are generated by the DME reading the same sensor -- reference. Lenght of injection and timing are from the speed sensor. So you can pull a wire, stick a spare plug in and check for spark.

Check fuel pressure.

Check the vacuum lines to the FPR and damper.

Check that the sensors connectors (speed-reference) are tight. Chec the wires a round the sensors for bending and cracking. Check the sensors adjustment.