[T3] car died on way home

[Bryon Garvin]

Hi all -

I wasn't sure if this message went thru.  I never got a response and maybe
that's because no one has ideas on what to check.  But I just thought I'd
ask again since I'd like to determine what likely happened on my ride home
Thursday.

Thanks,

  - Bryon, '71 Fastback FI/MT
 On Mar 8, 2012 7:05 PM, "Bryon Garvin" <spinningrooves at gmail.com> wrote:

> So, a nice day (63 & sunny)....kinda put my foot in it on the way home
> with the windows down.  Was cruising down the road and went over a speed
> bump about 5 mph faster than I usually do and after the bump, I got both
> idiot lights and the engine died.  I immediately pulled over with a stalled
> engine.  Got out and opened up the engine compartment and looked around.
>  Nothing glaring.  Tried to start the car a few times and it turned over
> fine but would stay running.  I thought about the bump and crawled under
> the front to check the fuel pump.  Connector was still on but I wiggled it
> anyway just to see if got loose or corroded connections or something.
>  Tried to start again, nothing.  Road was busy with traffic/noise and so I
> had trouble telling if the 2 clicks for FI were happening.  I shut the
> door, rolled up the windows and tried to listen.  I felt like I heard 2
> clicks but couldn't be totally sure.  I ran Jim's pump primer and heard
> bubbles.  That was weird.  So it told me (I think) that I lost pressure at
> some point in the fuel ring.  Hmmmm.....so I held the button down and
> turned the key.  Bam, the car started.  I held the button down and drove
> away.  When I let go of it, it started to stall again.  In the end, holding
> the pump primer button down the whole time got me home.  I felt victorious
> to have gotten home without too much trouble and was also pretty sure what
> the problem would be.....a fuel pump relay, right?
>
> Went back outside an hour later and tried to start the car.  It ran
> perfectly WITHOUT the primer button being held down.  So....what does this
> tell me?  I looked at the wires on the relay under the dash and all were in
> place.  Should I check them for corrosion and re-seat them?  I am sure that
> I heard clicking from under the seat so that relay is working I believe.
>
> Where should I go from here?  I can't help but think that the speed bump
> jolted something but now that all is "well" I'm confused.
>
>  - Bryon, '71 Fastback FI/MT
>
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