Bump in the road causes engine power to drop

Post Mon Jul 11, 2011 8:07 am

I have an '83 e30 323i, and has been a sound car for the 10 years I've had it. But recently, when I'm driving along, I may hit pot-hole or bump in the road and my engine power drops to nearly nothing. To even maintain a city traffic pace, I have to feather the pedal. Of course the problem is corrected if I manage to run over another bump. Then the car picks up and drives as if there were no problem. The "shake" to the car makes me think a loose electrical connection, possibly to the MAF causing the ECU to incorrectly adjust the fuel feed. How would you suggest I test the MAF or are there more likely causes?

Post Sun Jul 17, 2011 3:43 pm

I had a similar problem which turned out to be a bad battery connector, it was slipping over bumps. even though they were tight when the car was stationary. start simple and then try engine connections.

Post Sun Jul 17, 2011 3:52 pm

Bad earths can cause that too, happened on a different car of mine turned out to be main battery link to ground had corroded so was crap connection, replaced and never did it again.

Post Tue Jul 19, 2011 11:48 pm

I appreciate both of your replies. I'll be sure to look into your suggestions. At the very least, it'll eliminate a possibility.