pcarfan944

1991 C4 with 114k

Putzing out of my neighborhood in 2nd gear at 20 mph, the car suddenly loses all power; engine is still running but nothing happens when you press the accelerator. Engine dies when I shift into neutral like I expected it would.

After a slightly extended crank the motor restarts and the car runs like a champ for the duration of the drive.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but does this seem like a classic symptom of a faulting DME relay?

tfitch03

Mine went out this past weekend. The engine died while doing about 40-45. Never could get it restarted. Interesting that your engine was on but not responding to throttle inputs. I am not sure if that is the DME relay, but I am by no means someone to listen to.

crg53

It could be many things, but change out the DME with the spare one you keep in your glove compartment, and see if it happens again.

David A

Change the DME relay it's cheap insurance. FYI if your relay part No. starts with 944 you have the old version.

http://www.suncoastparts.com/product//99361522701.html

pcarfan944

Motor died again today, 4th gear at 35mph, so both times the engine was kind of lugging below 2k. Took 4-5 sec of cranking to restart.

New DME relay on its way.

vagluv

hoping its the relay for your sake, but to me it doesn't really sound like it. i haven't heard of many, if any, intermittent problems from the relay.

pcarfan944

I don't think it is either.

Any other ideas what the problem could be?

vagluv

I don't have much experience diagnosing my 911, but thinking through potential causes the AFM has come to mind.

Twood

Coils??- low revs high fuel air mixture puts more load on the coils