Random power loss

[delfin]

Sometimes when I'm driving at around 3800-4500 RPM the car will give a sharp jolt like i just slammed on the brakes and then it will continue to go on it's merry way just fine.

Any ideas what this might be? Go ahead and ask me any other questions

[deansbimmer]

Check the temp sender on the radiator (3 wire connector). Sometimes those connector housings break and the wires short temporarily.

[delfin]

If that's what you're talking about all the wires seem to be in good working order

[deansbimmer]

Yes, thats it and it looks ok from the picture.

Does the tach drop to zero or jolt when you notice the power loss? Any other electrical anomalies when you see this? Can you determine if it is a fuel cutoff or loss of ignition?

[delfin]

The tach doesn't change at all and the rest of the car is fine, I think it might be a fuel issue because it really only happens at wide open throttle

[e30s52]

im pritty shure a fuse wouldnt do that

[deansbimmer]

If it happens ONLY at WOT, check/adjust the TPS, and inspect the injector harness for loose connections. Also check the connections/wiring for the ignition pickup at the front of the crank.

You might pull the plugs and see if one or two cylinders appear to be different than the others. You might only notice a difference in plug condition if this occurs frequently. If you see discoloration, one cylinder or injector may be running lean or failing completely.

[delfin]

will do, thanks

[houstonh]

could also be the AFM. I had a shitty MAF and it did all sorts of oddities like that.

As for that sensor on the Radiator.. are you sure that's not just a fan switch? My connector there is complete shit.

[deansbimmer]

Yeah, temp switch. The senders for the ecu and the guage are on the thermostat housing. Mine was crap too, I held it together with some CA glue, and dipped the assembly in a can of some liquid tool handle insulating junk. Its holding up well and looks good.