Volvo: Engine stopped driving down the road, brief hesitation, car mechanic

Question
1994 Volvo 850 4 door sedan. 185000 mi.  Well maintained.  Driving down the road at 40 mph about 5 min after leaving home... check engine light came on for 2 seconds and then the engine shut off.  3/4 gas. temp ok. oil/filter done 2500 mi ago, battery ok.  I pulled the car over and cranked the starter a couple of times but the engine was dead.  A passing guy who was a car mechanic stopped to help.  He reset the computer by shorting the battery leads after taking them off.  The car started on first crank and since gone for 40 mi with 3 starts no problems. This had happened 5 months before about 5 min after leaving home but the light came on and then went out and the engine kept on running with brief hesitation (whole thing took 5 seconds).  I thought it was bad gas.  What is wrong?  Bad computer?  Something that causes the computer to kill the engine?  Any ideas?  Thanks in advance.

Answer
Hello! Your problem could be caused by a number of things. I would first check all wiring from the battery throughout the engine compartment. There may be a loose or corroded connection somewhere. That is the best place to start. Let me know what you find and I will help you further.


Jimmy
www.jlcarclinic.com