89 S2 abruptly dies while driving

[Morrie]

I did some searches, DME, Fuel pump, grounds, ICV, sensors, etc.... But usually related to car dying when returning to idle.

I have had my S2, twice now, die on restart after being shut off for a short while (like running into a convenience store for example) It started then sputtered and died. The car restarted after a bit of cranking. Car has about 75,000 miles on it.

Today, I was driving at a constant speed going up a slight incline in 4th gear, not lugging the motor, just crusing. The engine abruptly died and failed to restart. It will spin over quick enough, battery is strong. I replaced the battery ground cables about a year ago, so I will go check to make sure everything is still tight.

We coasted to a stop and after about a minute of on and off cranking the engine restarted and ran fine for the remainder of the trip. Just curious if anyone had seen this cutting out and difficult to restart behavior. When I was cranking, there was no sign of the car even attempting to start, like it was out of gas. Made me wonder about the fuel filter and pump.

So, as you can see, I am all over the map here on ideas. Any suggestions on where to start are appreciated. I am sure my local import shop could figure it out but I would rather fix it myself and keep my pocketbook intact.

[kdjones2000]

Sounds like it could be a flaky reference sensor. Check your connections, and maybe replace it.

Possibly the hall sensor/connection too.

Look for tach bounce while cranking.

[sausagehacker]

I'm facing a similar issue in my 83. All signs are pointing toward either a bad DME or a failed FPR in my case.

When you crank it to start, does it fire and then die? Or not start at all. A good place to start is by hooking up a fuel pressure gage.

[Morrie]

On mine, when I crank it doesn't even fire. No start die, just dead as if the coil is disconnected or no fuel. When it does start, it acts normally. Bizarre. (wanna buy a car? LOL)

[sausagehacker]

I'm about 1.5-2 hours north of you in Waco. If you want to bring it by one day, I'm more than happy to look it over with you. I'm far from an expert but thought I would offer. I have a fuel pressure gauge coming in the next 2-3 days which threads to the 12mm fitting on the 944 fuel rail.

(and if you're serious about selling it, I may hit you up in a couple months.)

[Morrie]

Originally Posted by sausagehacker

I'm about 1.5-2 hours north of you in Waco. If you want to bring it by one day, I'm more than happy to look it over with you. I'm far from an expert but thought I would offer. I have a fuel pressure gauge coming in the next 2-3 days which threads to the 12mm fitting on the 944 fuel rail.

(and if you're serious about selling it, I may hit you up in a couple months.)

Thanks Michael. I may have to take you up on one or both offers. I love this car so much, but just have too many vehicles. It would sure be hard to part with this one though.

Kind regards,
Morris

[sausagehacker]

PM sent.

[Shifter]

Sounds just like the DME relay. Mine did the just same when it failed, it will restart for a while, but will completely fail before too long. When it fails, you won't have fuel or power to the DME.

The relays are only a few bucks, worth picking one up and trying.

[fiily]

Sounds to be a Fuel Pressure regulator . $45 on fleabay or any auto store, make sure it's 2.5bar not 3.0bar, so you don't run rich. Volvo's, BMW, and plenty of other European 80's cars run the same FPR unit.


Let us know your results, good luck!

[Makis]

FPR is unlikely in my opinion as the symptoms are intermittent. It sound electrical issue to me. So DME may be at fault. I would try to go through all the connectors you can see in the engine bay and try to clean them with some WD40 by disconnecting them spray and reconnect. I this way any corrosion in the connector contacts can be cleaned away and thus restoring connection to what it should be.

[Shifter]

Still going with DME relay.

Troubleshooting here.

DME Relay Information and Testing

[914efi]

Something I found recently while trying to solve this type of problem:

I had tach bounce during cranking but when running I noticed the fuel economy gauge would flutter and bounce all over the place. I found my RPM and ref sensors were about 1.5mm from the screw heads. Once these were adjusted properly the gauge flutter went away and I have not had any starting or quitting issues. Not tons of miles, but so far so good.

[mattdavis11]

I don't know if the later cars have ignition switch problems, but it could be just that. I have little knowledge of problems associated with the S2, but it can't be that hard. Where in Austin are you?