Author Topic: what the crap is going on with my car?  (Read 2175 times)

iamcreepingdeath

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what the crap is going on with my car?
« on: February 11, 2010, 07:36:21 PM »
Totally weird thing happened yesterday morning:

'twas cold, around 9 F or so, car starts fine, usual shuddering, power steering whine, etc.  Drove fine, then the car warmed up.  So here is what happened next all of a sudden:

1. TONS of engine braking.  when coasting in gear, WAY more resistance than usual.
2.  Super low idle, actually stalled once.
3.  while cruising, MPG needle at 10mpg, even when going downhill w/ minimal throttle.
4.  no throttle response at all until throttle 1/4 way down, then a pathetic low-power response.
5.  HOWEVER, when floored, the car seemed to accelerate fine, smooth, no apparent misfire.

So I went out again tonight (much warmer, 38 F) and nothing at all went wrong.  Everything operated absolutely perfectly.  I put some Sea Foam in my gas and oil just for good measure.

So anyone have any idea what i experienced?  My car has always had a hard time in cold weather but this was nearly catastrophic.  can it be weather related?

it is also an interesting note that two nights ago (the night before this happened to my car) I replaced the blower motor, did an oil change, and topped off the PS fluid.  I had to move some wiring out of the way and undo my ICV temporarily, but I can't think of one thing that I could have done to cause this.

Thanks guys!
« Last Edit: February 11, 2010, 07:38:28 PM by iamcreepingdeath »

flyinglizard

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what the crap is going on with my car?
« Reply #1 on: February 11, 2010, 09:25:03 PM »
Verify the grounds under the dash,fan motor, at the bat, at the engine mount, at the computer etc. Maybe you'l get kucky. MM
Mike and Michael Ogren/Protech Racing Services, mogren@tampabay.rr.com
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BlueBMW

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what the crap is going on with my car?
« Reply #2 on: February 11, 2010, 09:58:49 PM »
Have you deleted the heated throttle plates?  Is there a chance that some ice got into the throttle causing it to get stuck?
1991 318is (Sold to brother :()
1995 530i (Daily driver til I find another 318is!)


quinn11m20

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what the crap is going on with my car?
« Reply #3 on: February 12, 2010, 08:40:55 AM »
Wow! I had that many years ago. I was in a storm coming out of Houston. The car behind me notice that my car got struck by lightning. Since then my car has run well up until 3 days ago. I have gone through 2 Fuel Pump Relay's and working on a 3rd. One of the other members has informed me that it might be or is to be my CPS. I can't see the relation. Anyways, good luck with your trouble shooting. Also just a bit more, I think what could be wrong is a "short" somewhere. Its going to be a pain in the ass to find it. T. Out.