"low battery charge" and bucking

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greg_atlanta
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3 days ago my car hesitated on start-up and then lost power a few times on the interstate... like maybe it was starved for fuel or there was water in the tank. I filled the tank that day and put in some gas dryer (isoheet) and the problem went away.

Today I started the car (engine was hot) and it hesitated and then briefly flashed a "low battery charge" message and cut off. I got it started again easily. Then it ran OK for a few minutes and then lost power a few more times while driving, but then stablized.

My fuel pump has not been replaced since I have owned the car (about 70K miles) and it is a little noisy in cold weather. I checked the resistance 6 months ago and it was normal (but hard to get a good reading). The battery is 6 months old, was replaced for free since previous battery failed after 2 1/2 years.

Is this a classic fuel pump problem? Or could I have an electrical problem?

:help


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Rex
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If you can hear the HUMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM in the cabin it's the Classic Fuel Pump problem.

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BIONICQ45
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Isn't that battery light a warning that the alternator is on the way out?

greg_atlanta
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I think I found the problem... I've been meaning to replace the negative battery terminal since the battery was replaced. At the time I had to turn the cable upside down to get a snug fit. I just checked it and got a few turns from a 10mm wrench, so it was a little loose. I think that explains the sporadic behavior.

The fuel pump makes very little noise, and only when the tank is 1/2 empty or less. I understand *some* noise is normal, but excessive humming is a problem.

I have a top mount terminal from the parts store, I guess I'll use that. The OEM negative battery cable is around $100.

:)

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Jesda
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When the a similar thing happened to me, it was the fuel control module; the new pump only had a half hour of driving on it.

greg_atlanta
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The battery terminal is fixed. Have only driven it twice since then. Seems to be OK starting cold, but if the car is started warm it hesitates on startup and then bucks a little bit while driving. Will see if that pattern continues.

911/Q45
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Have an auto electric place do a battery/charging system check. My car ran funny and it was a failing cell in the battery.

greg_atlanta
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Good idea. Car has behaved so far today. Perhaps it took a few trips for the battery to fully charge if it was drained from the loose terminal. We'll see.......

stany
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greg,I'm having the exact problems; what was your result? Mine runs pretty good from cold--but after warm start, lots of bucking, etc.

no codes on the ecu.

thx

squeefoo
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If the battery is too big, I think Q calls for 550 CCA, it's hard on the neg. terminal and the alternator. I forget why, but it seemed very plausible at the time; it was at a "battery seminar" given by Exide at my local parts place for their salesmen. Could it be fuel filter? Corroded + terminal/connector at the ALT.? Vacuum leak? Bad engine grounds?

stany
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the dealer never can duplicate the prob. gets same codes as i do, they regrounded the MAF and connector; got a KS code and cleared it (me too).

runs great; but sometimes after warm start; bucks like crazy(around 1550-2000rpm)--sometimes dying.

I slip it in to neutral and rev it; it revs up and down with throttle in steady position. Can rev thru it.

my deville had a similar problem--and of all things, it was ignition wires. Don't see any threads with that problem on the Q.

I'm thinking fuel filter maybe??

any other thoughts.

thx.stan

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elwesso
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I actually have a similar issue on mine... When I start it from a warm-ish (has to sit for about 20 mins or so), I start it up, it hunts and sometimes dies... Start it up again and its just perfect like nothing happened...

stany
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the dealer never can duplicate the prob. gets same codes as i do, they regrounded the MAF and connector; got a KS code and cleared it (me too).

runs great; but sometimes after warm start; bucks like crazy(around 1550-2000rpm)--sometimes dying.

I slip it in to neutral and rev it; it revs up and down with throttle in steady position. Can rev thru it.

my deville had a similar problem--and of all things, it was ignition wires. Don't see any threads with that problem on the Q.

I'm thinking fuel filter maybe??

any other thoughts.

thx.stan

stany
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guess what, I just cleaned the ground leads for my KS's and so far, fingers crossed--so good.

They were quite dirty; sanded up shiny and put the nuts in a vice and wire brushed em.

we'll see.

greg_atlanta
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My car has behaved ever since I replaced the cracked negative battery terminal. Mine was easy to diagnose since I know the plugs and knock sensors are OK (replaced 6 months ago), MAF is OK, injectors are in good shape, etc. etc.

A weak fuel pump or a failing fuel pump control unit could contribute to the problem.

If you have a dealer or a independent shop who can do a BG injector cleaning, do that ASAP. You'll notice a lot smoother start-up and idle. Injector cleaner in the tank is not enough.

squeefoo
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There is WAY too much sexual metaphor involved with any statement now that I know Greg Atlanta is involved ( I feel threatend). He is way too touchie feelie for me to feel comfortable to leave a serious answer. Ask him about the rain forests or something more serious and less sexually threatening. Please GREG stop Harassing ME with your provocative inquiries. He doesn't care whats in a vise or not. Please I beg you STOP!!!!!

DAEDALUS
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squeefoo wrote:There is WAY too much sexual metaphor involved with any statement now that I know Greg Atlanta is involved ( I feel threatend). He is way too touchie feelie for me to feel comfortable to leave a serious answer. Ask him about the rain forests or something more serious and less sexually threatening. Please GREG stop Harassing ME with your provocative inquiries. He doesn't care whats in a vise or not. Please I beg you STOP!!!!!
Strike 2.

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AZhitman
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Squee - Please refrain from posting until you've sobered up.

qship96
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squeefoo wrote:There is WAY too much sexual metaphor involved with any statement now that I know Greg Atlanta is involved ( I feel threatend). He is way too touchie feelie for me to feel comfortable to leave a serious answer. Ask him about the rain forests or something more serious and less sexually threatening. Please GREG stop Harassing ME with your provocative inquiries. He doesn't care whats in a vise or not. Please I beg you STOP!!!!!


am I the only one here confused by this thread? where is this coming from?

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ddrumman
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"runs great; but sometimes after warm start; bucks like crazy(around 1550-2000rpm)--sometimes dying.

I slip it in to neutral and rev it; it revs up and down with throttle in steady position. Can rev thru it."

Maybe it's your "air flow meter". I had the same problem right after I bought the car at around 67,000 miles. It would run great but when I would prepare to come to a complete stop, red light etc. or slow way down, it would want to drop RPMs like crazy and eventyally die.I had to put it in neutral and rev it up, as well.

D.

greg_atlanta
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I'm flattered.

:cuddle

stany
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Joined: Tue Apr 06, 2004 11:37 am
Car: 95 Q ivry/tan 118K- 88 928S4- 97 deville NS (all 48v v8s)

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guys,I went to work and golf and what do I see on this thread?!!

greg, thanks for your response--MAF was already done, but I think the clean grounds makes a big diff.

drumm, thanks for keeping the thread straight.


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