DME computer
 

Hi, I had this problem for the last 5 months, it was an intermittent problem, checked sensors, ignition coil, cables, fuel pressure, injectors, ignition switch, DME relay, and at last the DME computer (ECU?), first I hit it with a rubber hammer and it started inmeadiatly, after like a month and a half, so it worked fine for like 7, 8, times and again, nothing, I hit it again and worked again, so, yesterday I took out the computer, open it to check it and I couldn't find anything wrong with it, I mean no broken connections, solderings or so, so I decided to clean it a bit, installed it and it didn't start the first time, I hit it with the hammer and the car started inmeadiatly, right now it's working perfect, 8, 9 times, no problem..., do you think I should change the computer anyway?

There has to be problematic solder joints as it works after a strong jar (hit it with a hammer). There was a thread here that pointed to one on Rennlist. It outlined the three connections at the large coil trigger transistor. Many are having problems with these three solder points. The thread even had a couple of good close up pictures of the area.

Also check the plug. Wiggle the cable to the plug next time rather than hitting the DME. If no start then you know that it is the DME. Getting another DME will not necessarily fix the problem unless the DME has been "rebuilt".

I had this problem for a year. After testing and replacing some stuff I ended up driving with a piece of pvc pipe in the passenger footwell so I could smack the damn thing.

I had 2 expert solderers re-solder all the connections and it got somewhat better but never went away. Finally I bought a new DME from George at Ecology and its been running great ever since. So my advice is once you are sure its the DME and not the cables, get a rebuilt DME from someone you can trust.