Shuts off - then will restart.

[VF1000R]

I'm 10 miles into a 20 mile drive to work.


running 65 on a flat highway.

Engine just shuts off.


Coast to stop.


turn key off , wait 30 seconds , turn key on and then restart.


Less than 1 year old MSD New OPTI. Fairly new ICM. No check lights and no DTC's.

and returned Ignition to stock , got rid of the Mallory 685.

any thoughts ?

[kiddpitt]

It could be so many different things. Read throught the many threads on here & start making your list of things to check.

fuel pressure, icm, coil, & opti harness just to name a few

And yes, I saw you have a fairly new ICM. Did you use the heatsink compound with it? If not, I would start there.

[SimplyTheBeSS]

Probably Spark or Gas related. If it was me.

1. Get a fuel pressure gauge and check your line pressure. See if you start seeing it drop off etc...

2. Clean all your ground connections (can't hurt) especially by the battery

3. Change fuel filter if it has been awhile (can't hurt)

4. Put in a can of Seafoam or approved equal (can't hurt)

5. Check to make sure your Opti is dry and that the Waterpump hasn't been leaking on it.

[impalassdude]

next time it dies.you shouldn't have any fuel pressure if its the ICM.also it usally take several min to cool down. then it will restart.the opti will give the same signs but start right back up.if you can have it scanned and see if your getting a weak signal from the opti.if so its ether your new opti or the cable going to it.

[VF1000R]

None of the above suggestions have proven to be an issue.


It almost has to be electrical.

The MSD opti has abuilt in cable that eliminares the old plug in cable issue.


If it was fuel , the car would at least run rough for a few seconds,


This is happening like the key was turned off.

All engine grounds were repaired last year , after it was found several leads were broken at the cylinder head.

so , the search goes on.

[55belairgasser]

Mine is doing the same thing. I put new CIA headers on and new 3" pipes all the way back and got rid of the cats. I had PCM reprogramed without the EGR and not using the rear O2's. I can drive the car and not have any problems for a couple of days and then...it just turns off. I don't have any stutter it just cuts out. If I leave it for a min. or two it restarts and runs fine. I have checked the fuel and it reads fine at both idel and in gear. The plugs are new and so are the wires. I have not checked the grounds yet. If I find it I will let you know. Good luck VF1000R.

[kiddpitt]

Originally Posted by 55belairgasser

I can drive the car and not have any problems for a couple of days and then...it just turns off. I don't have any stutter it just cuts out. If I leave it for a min. or two it restarts and runs fine.

In June, I had the same symptom, shutting off with no stumble. Troubleshooting led me to the ICM, but I also replaced the coil at the same time. If I remember what I read on here at the time, a bad coil can fry a new ICM fairly quickly.

[atlantadan]

Ignition coil or MAF.

I know that there are those on here that say that your car will run with the MAF disconnected, but mine won't - and wouldn't do so even with the stock engine and ECU in perfect running condition. I think it is an issue specific to the 96 engine/ECU.

I JUST had this same issue last week and posted a thread about it. Replaced the coil and MAF and I was back on the road. I see that you've replaced the coil recently, so change out your MAF and see what happens

[VF1000R]

Originally Posted by atlantadan

Ignition coil or MAF.

I know that there are those on here that say that your car will run with the MAF disconnected, but mine won't - and wouldn't do so even with the stock engine and ECU in perfect running condition. I think it is an issue specific to the 96 engine/ECU.

I JUST had this same issue last week and posted a thread about it. Replaced the coil and MAF and I was back on the road. I see that you've replaced the coil recently, so change out your MAF and see what happens

Ok, Anybody got a 3" F-Body MAF laying around ?

[55belairgasser]

VF1000R, let me know if the MAF clears it up. I have another two used stock ones around my shop somewhere, and a 3" when I am ready for it. I have the 4 coil Northstar setup and have already switched them around twice so I know it should not be them. I will try the ICM also. Thanks for the input. - Lance