Car question

[tw]

Originally Posted by glatt

Wouldn't the radio have cut out if the battery cable was loose?

No for at least three reasons. Current required to maintain engine operation means voltage can drop too low to maintain the engine. Current required to keep the radio running would be so small as to not cause the same voltage drop. Radio will also operate for a short period of no power without interruption.

Of course that means the cable is loose only to the point that is it disconnecting (partially) with higher temperatures. However, by the time this question was posted, that suspect could have been identified or eliminated. This suspect only discussed to demonstrate how many more reasons could create your symptoms.

Suspects are not limited to fuel. Also as likely are problems with the ignition system. Or with a MAP. Significant number of suspects quickly diminish if the problem trips a check engine light. If you cannot, that also diminishes the number of suspects.