Car goes dead for a few seconds

[skytim]

Yikes, I was driving on the highway and the engine just went dead for a few seconds then restarted. Has happened several times now and tonight while idling at a stoplight the engine stopped and there was no reaction to turning the key. The lights and radio still worked.

I've checked the battery cables and fuses, nothing wrong.

Any thoughts?

1986 325

 

[Tom]

Could be your alternator going bad and not charging your battery. Is it an automatic or manual?

I ask that because if its an automatic, did you return the car back to neutral or park before starting?

 

[Doughnut]

Classic "fuel pump on the way out" symptoms...
First try replacing your fuel pump relay with a brand new one (or known working one), and also replace your fuel filter incase there is a blockage... Just incase it is as simple as that.
If the problem continues, or gets worse, expect a faulty fuel pump.

 

[E30m42cab]

Classic "fuel pump on the way out" symptoms...
First try replacing your fuel pump relay with a brand new one (or known working one), and also replace your fuel filter incase there is a blockage... Just incase it is as simple as that.
If the problem continues, or gets worse, expect a faulty fuel pump.

I was going to say all the exact same things. Might want to take a look at your ground cables too.

 

[skytim]

Thanks everybody, I'll definitely check those items. Its an automatic and doesn't seem to have any problem charging. The engine just stops and then restarts (usually) just like normal. Then I drive it around town a bit and suddenly it goes dead again , just th eengine, not the lights, radio , etc.

So, I'll check the fuel pump. Is that a big job?

 

[Doughnut]

Not sure how you "check" the fuel pump, make sure it has power going to it (maybe check the wire with a multimeter for possible resistance)
But I'm sure your problem is going to be the pump assembly itself, Under your left rear door (right before the front of the rear left wheel arch) you will see the ugly fuel pump assembly with associated fuel lines and yukkyness (Scottys e34) etc...

Order the pump unit (ebay, dealership, pelicanparts.com, etc....) and replace it yourself!!