1988 740 engine sputtering and shutting off but will restart Topic is solved

Jude · Post by **Jude** » 04 Jan 2005, 16:26

While driving today the engine started to jerk like the ignition coil was failing. I was driving in rain on the highway. After letting the car sit for a little while it would run sporadically, but occassionaly die, indicated by the tach going to zero and all the warning lights coming on. Battery is good, and voltage to the battery seems to be steady around 14V DC.

Any ideas?

I don't have access to an OBD tool, and wouldn't know the codes anyway.

Thanks.

Kmaniac in California USA · Post by **Kmaniac in California USA** » 04 Jan 2005, 21:46

I have a question for you; How old are your spark plug wires? The insulation can break down over time and cause electrical leakage. This can become more pronounced in wet weather. When it is dark, open the hood, start the car, and see if you can find a "light show" on your spark plug cables. If so, replace them. This is just one possibility of a cause. There could be others. Investigate carefully!