spontaneously "restarts"

[kaspr]

I have '95, and it has just started to spontaneously "restart" once or twice per trip, where the engine will almost die, but revive before it completely shuts off and all of the panel lights come on as if I just turned the key to the "start" position. So it appears it's getting a signal to restart. Could that be the start switch in the key lock cylinder, or the computer? It's obviously electrical. This has happened both while driving down the road as well as while parked. I believe it has happened while the car was in "Park", and the starter did not activate, so does that mean that it can't be the start switch sending an erroneous signal? Would that mean it's the computer, then, and just needs to be replaced? I'm thinking out load. Any input would be appreciated!

[HotZ28]

Look at the obvious things first, like corrosion in between positive battery cables, battery under load & alternator output. If all that checks good, you may have a vacuum leak, MAF, CKPS, or ICM problems. The symptoms you described, do not sound like a PCM or lock cylinder.

[kaspr]

Thanks, HotZ28! What causes the dash lights to come on when the key is in the "run" position and the engine is off, and what causes the dash lights to shut off after a few seconds of "bulb check" when the engine starts running?. Something is telling the PCM that the engine had shut off and then turned back on again, even though in reality the engine did not shut off, though sometimes it will hesitate for a split second. If I could know what this mechanism is that sends the signal to the dash lights, that would help me diagnose.

[HotZ28]

Originally Posted by kaspr

Thanks, HotZ28! What causes the dash lights to come on when the key is in the "run" position and the engine is off, and what causes the dash lights to shut off after a few seconds of "bulb check" when the engine starts running?. Something is telling the PCM that the engine had shut off and then turned back on again, even though in reality the engine did not shut off, though sometimes it will hesitate for a split second. If I could know what this mechanism is that sends the signal to the dash lights, that would help me diagnose.

Momentary power interruptions, or the BCM has a fault. You need to have the BCM & PCM scanned for codes.; however, that may not reveal anything if the problems are instantaneous.

[Jrs3800]

Being that this is a 95, check all of the Grounds first, once that is done make sure the positive cable is clean... Make sure these 2 things are the first things you do..

[kaspr]

There was a lot of corrosion on the positive battery cable. We'll see if that takes care of the problem - I think it will. It's funny how that can cause intermittent stuff.