Have a problem with my 1990 L98 loading up and shutting down. Just started doing this. Last week while idling in tne garage, the car just stumbled and shut off. Restarted and seemed OK. A couple days later after drivng a short distance, less than a couple of miles, it did it again.

Last year I had it checked and was told I needed at least one new injector because of low resistance, so I assumed that this is what was causing the problem. I checked all the injectors and #1 was reading 3.7 ohms, so I ordered and just finished installing a complete set of Ford SVO 24# injectors and an AFPR. The car started right up, ran for a short while, then started the same thing again! :sad:

It seems like it happens as soon as the car starts to warm up, does this make sense to anyone? :confused: Additionally, it seems to run OK as long as the A/C is on or the climate control is in the "auto" position. As soon a I turn the climate control to "off" , after about 1 minute it just stumbles, the service engine light starts blinking like a strobe light and it sounds like the ignition is getting "hit" by something. The whole thing starts "clicking" I was wondering if it could possibly be the ECM?? Has anyone experienced anything like this? Any info is greatly appreciated, because if I can't figure it out, I guess I just have to take it somewhere, probably by tow truck! :cry Thanks

 

hm.

check your fuel pump? or fuel filter?

 

I'm not sure what you mean by "loading up" in the beginning of your post.

I would check the fuel pressure if you have a pressure gauge just to see if the problem is fuel related after all.

For what it's worth, I once had a problem where my 90 would just die once it got warm, there was no warning - it just died all of a sudden (no missing or anything else beforehand). That problem turned out to be the ignition module under the distributor cap. I can't tell you if it had anything to do with the AC though as mine hasn't worked for years.


[Modified by Red 90 L98 Coupe, 9:01 PM 8/31/2003]

 

Unfortunately....you may have to start replacing things until you find the problem. I did the same until I found it was a fuel pump. But, my engine light never came on. Hook it up and see if it throws a code. I am sure it will since the engine light is coming on. Good Luck.

 

By the way, I never got a check engine light when my ignition module went.

 

Sounds like a problem a friend had(not a vette).
It had something to do with an aftermarket fan switch.
Watch your temperature guage & see if it always happens at the same temp.
That could indicate that the problem is a temp sendor.
But my guess is youve an ECM issue.

 

Thanks for the replies. This is exactly what mine is doing. I think it is just coincidence about the A/C. As soon as it starts to warm up, it shuts off. Rather than just replacing things by trial and error, I just had it picked up and it's in the shop now.:sad: I figured it's better to pay the tow and get it fixed right than try to get it hit or miss. Thanks again for the responses :thumbs:

 

My friends '91 is doing the same thing. If you find out what it is, be sure to post it so we will all know. :seeya

 

Well, still don't know what's up with this! Replaced what I think they called the thermostat position sensor. It was throwing a code for that which apparnetly was telling the computer it was overheating when it really wasn't. Thought that fixed it, and the next day it shut down again!! It's doing exactly the same thing as before this was changed, shuts down and loads up running rough, obviuosly rich and stalling. Now we replaced the ignition module. Within 30 seconds, it did it again, strike two. Going to order and replace the ECM, as when it started doing it, tapping on the ECM changed it, either stopping or starting the condition. Hopefully this is it? :skep:

 

By tapping on the ECM and that causes a change in engine performance, you have a computer problem or a bad wire connection at the ECM. Just my $.02 worth.

 

Since my friend is having the same exact problem, he ask Gordon Killibrew at the Museum a week ago. Gordon said that it was either the ECM or a bad wire in the injector harrness. He told him where to look on the harness (somewhere behind an inner panel) and look for a wire that has rubbed through or had the insulation wore down and making contact gounding out the wire. This would cause the injector to fire and flood the car he said. If you are interested and think you might be having the same problems, I'll ask my friend to give me the exact instructions Gordon gave to him. :seeya

 

My ECM failed the tap test as well and had to be replaced.

 

Finally....it seems to be fixed! :party: We replaced the ECM and it seems to be running great...so far! :hurray: It now starts fast, idles were it should and runs well when I hammer it. I think I am going to have to change the plugs again though because I think they got really fouled from all the problems, but at least so far everything seems OK. Thanks again for all the responses. :D

 

Goody: Help me here, what did you mean "Failed the tap test" - education of vette 101.... thanks vinnie

 

Take a screwdriver or something and lightly tap on the ECM while the car is running, if it causes changes in the operation of the engine, good or bad, you probably have a bad ECM unit. Mine was all over the place every time we tapped on it.