A couple of months ago I was driving my 1983 944 and the motor just died going down the road. It started back before I could get pulled over. I continued on my way. It does this occasionally but not every time I drive it. A couple of weeks ago I was leaving work and started it up and was letting the car warm up when it died before I pulled out. I did notice at this time it wasn't just the motor that died, I lost all electrical when it died (or as it died). It did start right back up and I was able to continue home. I have a friend that suggest it is the ignition switch. Anyone out there have any ideas? I enjoy working on and restoring this car, but I have to come clean. What mechanical experience I have is with Fords and Chevys late models. Thanks for any help on this issue.
Tony

 

Sounds like it could be something as simple as loose or corroded battery terminals. Just a guess, but this might send you down the right path.

Good luck,

Kevin

 

Hey Kevin
I was hoping that would do it, but not. Post are clean and tight. Also checked at the starter, clean and tight there to. Its puzzling b/c the car runs great. It doesn't give you any warning when it is going to shut down, jsut does it. It isn't every time I drive it either. It doesn't appear to be a day or night thing nor does it seem to be temperature related....
Thanks

 

Tony,

Gremlins like this are very frustrating. I remembered that I had a 1990 Nissan 240SX that would do the same thing. You would be driving down the road with everything running great, and then it was like I shut the ignition off. I'd pull over and it would fire right back up again, just like your car. This wont be comforting, but it turned out to be a bad distributor. I replaced it, and it was fine for about 6 months till it started doing it again, which is when I decided to get rid of it.

Sorry I can't help you more, good luck,

Kevin

 

Kevin is right. Maybe you need to start reestablishing your car's power components. One last thing, check on your starter. It could be the problem. Two years ago my old car experienced that kind of problem too, but not as severe as yours. It turned out be the Cadillac SRX starter who had the defect. There's no harm in trying.