Engine dies without warning
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
Engine dies without warning
I have an 84 and from time to time the engine will just die. It has happened when I came to a stop the other day and today when I slowed down to make a turn. The dealership did not find any codes in the computer and I am puzzled. I have read other threads about the Lock Out Seloniod and wanted to know if anyone was able to perminently fix the issue if they had it? Like I said it is an 84 and the engine was rebuilt 10,000 miles ago and the transmission has 5000 miles on it. If it was a grounding issue what would I look for? Thanks for the help! 
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 8,753
Likes: 9
From: Louisiana
One easy thing to do is to take the ignition control module out of the distrubitor (bananna shaped). Take it to Autozone and have them test it for free. The ICM usually fails when the engine has gotten to operating temps.
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Heel & Toe
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 15
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Was it a stock rebuild? I.E. stock cam, heads, etc. If not, then you probably have a tuning issue. The 1984 crossfires (well actually all CFs) are well known for there loading up problems which means they go rich when coming to a stop and it kills the motor. This can be compounded when you put a different cam in, or make other changes away from stock
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2004
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,599
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From: Grand Rapids Michigan West Michigan Crew
2015 C5 of the Year Finalist
St. Jude Donor '07-'08-'09
I had this same problem on my 96. It would die as i came to a stop at a traffic light and either not start or have trouble starting. Turned out to be a computer failure and had to be replaced! It only happened when the engine was at opperating temp. when it cooled down it would start right up with no hesitation. The computer going bad isnt very common but just thought i would throw my expeirence out there. Good luck!
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,327
Likes: 5
From: 2010 C6 Grand Sport Convertible
hmmmmm...just for giggles, do you have a fuel pump cut off switch? If so, I would suspect that. They are inertia controlled in case of crashes and rollovers. If is out of whack, it would explain the deceleration and cornering cut-off.
Mike
Mike
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 138
Likes: 0
From: Round Rock texas
I am having a similar issue with a 85 Chevy 5.0 l pu. It was running fine and then it just up and died while running.
The cap and rotor were in need of replacement and the coil tested out to be marginal, so all 3 pieces were replaced. The ignition module was also checked at Advance Auto and was good. Unfortunately still cannot get any fire in the cap.
The cap contacts and rotor have no marks of any spark being created.
The distributor is turning when the engine is cranking.
There is voltage coming into the distributor when the engine is cranking and when the key is in the run position.
The pickup coil has been visually inspected and there are no missing teeth and it is well within specs using a ohm meter.
Even went as far as doing a substitution test with the ignition module, installed a new, tested part. But still cannot get any spark.
The cap and rotor were in need of replacement and the coil tested out to be marginal, so all 3 pieces were replaced. The ignition module was also checked at Advance Auto and was good. Unfortunately still cannot get any fire in the cap.
The cap contacts and rotor have no marks of any spark being created.
The distributor is turning when the engine is cranking.
There is voltage coming into the distributor when the engine is cranking and when the key is in the run position.
The pickup coil has been visually inspected and there are no missing teeth and it is well within specs using a ohm meter.
Even went as far as doing a substitution test with the ignition module, installed a new, tested part. But still cannot get any spark.
Last edited by 03blackburb; May 28, 2007 at 12:51 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 3,696
Likes: 1
From: MA
they die with no notice
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,694
Likes: 0
From: Beaverton Oregon
I have an 84 and from time to time the engine will just die. It has happened when I came to a stop the other day and today when I slowed down to make a turn. The dealership did not find any codes in the computer and I am puzzled. I have read other threads about the Lock Out Seloniod and wanted to know if anyone was able to perminently fix the issue if they had it? Like I said it is an 84 and the engine was rebuilt 10,000 miles ago and the transmission has 5000 miles on it. If it was a grounding issue what would I look for? Thanks for the help!
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
Dying without warning
Okay well my first atempt didn't work and the engine died again. The dealership replaced the Ignition control module and so far the problem has gone away. I reply back if the issue happens again!
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
84 Engine Dies without Warning
Finally the problem is solved! I bought the car with the Dakota aftermarket display dash. I just had it replaced with the orginal one. Apparently when ever the Dakota was installed the installer hot wired the Dakota by cutting the wires. I also replaced the ECM while I was having the cluster replaced. So far the car hasn't died! Most happy especially with the original look of the instruments!
