Something is shorting out???

dylansword · 08-06-2011, 04:32 AM

I have an 87, 5 speed. I just bought it today, and drove it 300 miles home. When I got it, it would rev up to 4k (while driving) and then cut out. We figured it was the maf. It has a new tps. On the way home while going up a fairly steep hill, it got worse, fairly drasticly. To the point of only going to 2k. I pulled over and disconnected the battery and reconnected and started it. It ran better but never as good as when I got it. I had to be sure not to boost it at all or it would cut out. When I was almost home it started acting up again, now, when I turn the headlights on and off, the dash lights flicker and it misses just for a second, as well as when the brake is applied, windows rolled up and down. Also it was ideling at 1500, and now at 1k.Got home and now when I turn the key on, nothing happens, no power at all. Due to all of this, I am now thinking it may be the ecu. Let me know what you think. Thanks

btwilson86 · 08-06-2011, 07:24 AM

ECU won't cut power to the dash or anything for that matter when the key is on. Sounds to me like part of the problem could be a bad battery connection. Check to make sure the terminals are tight/clean, and that the battery has a good charge (note: having SOME power does not mean it has a good charge, take it out and get it load tested)

dylansword · 08-06-2011, 06:28 PM

So this mourning I came out and it started up just fine. I cleaned up the connections on the maf, and took it up to the store. It is back to runing just fine up to 4k and then cuts out. I pulled into the parking lot, and came back out, and now it is crankig but no start. Doesn't even seem to try. Everything seems to be working tho, lights, starter, etc. Please help! Any sugestions?? Thanks

El Supracabras · 08-06-2011, 06:48 PM

If it is cranking but not running, check the basics. Does it have spark? Does it have fuel? Finding out which one is missing will help you locate the problem.

dylansword · 08-06-2011, 06:53 PM

I will as soon as I get get tools, I'm still stuck at the store. It has an hsk fuel cut off, anyone had any problems? Could it cause this?

El Supracabras · 08-06-2011, 06:59 PM

You mean a fuel cut defensor? Take it off anyway, fuel cut is not a bad thing ...... unless BHG's, rod knock and melted pistons are good?
Are you getting any codes?

dylansword · 08-06-2011, 10:12 PM

Okay, so I disconected the battery and reconnedcted it, and now it starts. Any ideas on what may be the cause? The maf would make sence for the cutting out, but not for all the other stuff it is doing.

El Supracabras · 08-07-2011, 01:05 PM

You're going to have to do some diagnostics when the problem comes back. Does (or did) the car have an aftermarket alarm?

dylansword · 08-08-2011, 03:37 AM

It does not have a aftermarket alarm. So the car came with the translator pro, and I installed it today, and took out the hks fuel cut off. It is still cutting out, buth not as bad. It does sometimes and sometimes it doesn't. But when it doesn't cut out, it hesistates in the higher rpms.

Also, the car does have a new tps sensor.

08-06-2011, 04:32 AM	#1
dylansword 3" Exhaust Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: boise id Posts: 50	Something is shorting out??? I have an 87, 5 speed. I just bought it today, and drove it 300 miles home. When I got it, it would rev up to 4k (while driving) and then cut out. We figured it was the maf. It has a new tps. On the way home while going up a fairly steep hill, it got worse, fairly drasticly. To the point of only going to 2k. I pulled over and disconnected the battery and reconnected and started it. It ran better but never as good as when I got it. I had to be sure not to boost it at all or it would cut out. When I was almost home it started acting up again, now, when I turn the headlights on and off, the dash lights flicker and it misses just for a second, as well as when the brake is applied, windows rolled up and down. Also it was ideling at 1500, and now at 1k.Got home and now when I turn the key on, nothing happens, no power at all. Due to all of this, I am now thinking it may be the ecu. Let me know what you think. Thanks

08-06-2011, 07:24 AM	#2
btwilson86 Super Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Location: Billings, Montana Posts: 1,034	ECU won't cut power to the dash or anything for that matter when the key is on. Sounds to me like part of the problem could be a bad battery connection. Check to make sure the terminals are tight/clean, and that the battery has a good charge (note: having SOME power does not mean it has a good charge, take it out and get it load tested) __________________ 1989 7MGTE R154 Targa Top White Package w/Blue Interior Driftmotion 57trim CT26, Upgraded Intercooler, 2.25" Hard Pipes, 3" Turbo Back Exhaust with Test Pipe, HKS VPC w/GM 3 bar MAP sensor, APEXi S-AFC, Walbro 255lph fuel pump, ProSport EVO Series Boost / Fuel Pressure / AFR gauges, Lotek a Pillar Gauge Pod, HKS Type 0 Turbo Timer, Eibach Lowering Springs, Tokico Illumina II TEMS struts, custom powder coated Motegi Racing TrakLite wheels

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08-06-2011, 06:28 PM	#3
dylansword 3" Exhaust Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: boise id Posts: 50	So this mourning I came out and it started up just fine. I cleaned up the connections on the maf, and took it up to the store. It is back to runing just fine up to 4k and then cuts out. I pulled into the parking lot, and came back out, and now it is crankig but no start. Doesn't even seem to try. Everything seems to be working tho, lights, starter, etc. Please help! Any sugestions?? Thanks

08-06-2011, 06:48 PM	#4
El Supracabras 3" Exhaust Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Chicago Posts: 240	If it is cranking but not running, check the basics. Does it have spark? Does it have fuel? Finding out which one is missing will help you locate the problem.

08-06-2011, 06:53 PM	#5
dylansword 3" Exhaust Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: boise id Posts: 50	I will as soon as I get get tools, I'm still stuck at the store. It has an hsk fuel cut off, anyone had any problems? Could it cause this?

08-06-2011, 06:59 PM	#6
El Supracabras 3" Exhaust Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Chicago Posts: 240	You mean a fuel cut defensor? Take it off anyway, fuel cut is not a bad thing ...... unless BHG's, rod knock and melted pistons are good? Are you getting any codes?

08-06-2011, 10:12 PM	#7
dylansword 3" Exhaust Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: boise id Posts: 50	Okay, so I disconected the battery and reconnedcted it, and now it starts. Any ideas on what may be the cause? The maf would make sence for the cutting out, but not for all the other stuff it is doing.

08-07-2011, 01:05 PM	#8
El Supracabras 3" Exhaust Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Chicago Posts: 240	You're going to have to do some diagnostics when the problem comes back. Does (or did) the car have an aftermarket alarm?

08-08-2011, 03:37 AM	#9
dylansword 3" Exhaust Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: boise id Posts: 50	It does not have a aftermarket alarm. So the car came with the translator pro, and I installed it today, and took out the hks fuel cut off. It is still cutting out, buth not as bad. It does sometimes and sometimes it doesn't. But when it doesn't cut out, it hesistates in the higher rpms. Also, the car does have a new tps sensor.