Last night when trying to get to Lakeside, I had a bit of a nightmare as I was stuck in traffic for 4 hours.Once through the Dartford Tunnel I decided to give it a miss as the traffic to Lakeside was static so I headed for the next junction to turn around, but the other side of the carriageway was blocked as well so headed to the Blackwall tunnel.
When I got to Ilford I stopped at some lights and the car went craaazzzyyy! Temp guage jumping about, revs all over the place and it was over fueling as I received a very strong smell of petrol. drove for a bit with it spluttering, it seemed OK (ish) under acceleration until 40mph and then refused to go any faster. I pulled into the next garage I saw. Revved it up for a while (5000 revs for 15 seconds). Car seemed to return to normal. Filled up with petrol as I only had 1/4 tank. And managed to get home without any more problems.
I know the battery is a bit flat and sitting in traffic for 4 hours with lights, stereo and heater on is not going to help. I also left it for 5 days without a drive prior to this. I will be charging up tonight.
1) Is it possible the engine management reset and is now correctly set?
2) Water in the tank?
3) Fuel Block?
4) Low battery power screwing up the spark?
Any ideas?
BTW, 1990 325i Automatic, Cabriolet
Engine Management Reset? Or just Strange?
Moderator: martauto
The symtoms certainly sound similar to when the battery has been disconnected and the ECU is 'relearning'. I think its normal to leave it running at tickover for 10 minutes to do this.
However, I think the best thing is to get a new battery. If its playing up at all under the conditions you mention then its only a matter of time before it dies....
However, I think the best thing is to get a new battery. If its playing up at all under the conditions you mention then its only a matter of time before it dies....
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Brianmoooore
- E30 Zone Team Member
- Posts: 49358
- Joined: Mon Jan 10, 2005 11:00 pm
I'll go with the dud battery theory. Nothing like a low voltage jumping up and down around the electronics's threshold operating voltage, with a few spikes on it for good measure, for thoroughly confusing a computer.