I'm new to the site and had a question for the experts .My 1988 SSE kept dying on me and didn't figure it out until i was in my driveway and heard it happen. Compressor went on when I was in my driveway to adjust the shocks, and as soon as the compresor turned off, engine shut down like i turned off the key (even though i didnt touch it). Today my dad and i decided to pull the fuse to the ride height system and hasn't died since. Just wanted any input to what may have caused it and and how i may fix it so i can get use of my compressor back. Thanks in advance.

how does your voltage look?

Voltage dips a little but stays near the middle....it seems to be an electrical problem if this is the case...so does anyone have any tips or links to guides on the electrical systems on these cars?

When the compressor shuts off, the engine just dies immediately, not stumbling or anything just instant death correct? Does anything else shut off? Like are the gauges still function, radio, ECC, etc..? Or is it just the engine that dies?

Yep....compressor shuts off.....engine instantly dies....no stuttering. Radio and all other electronics work. I hear a clicking come from under the front right of the dash as well, which is where a relay is for the compressor....i think....correct me if im wrong. May there be some other safety sensor that may turn the engine off when the compressor turns off?

As far as I know, there is no relation to the two whatsoever. Except they both draw power from the battery and both have grounds [different grounding blocks actually]. That makes no sense as to why that'* happening.

Little bit of researching here... the only relays in the relay center [located right behind the glove box] are for accessories like the A/c and horn, except.... the fuel pump. Again, the compressor doesn't have anything to do with the Fuel Pump, HOWEVER the engine immediately shuts down so it isn't fuel related [can't be the fuel pump relay tripping causing the engine to shut off]. but the ECU controls the fuel pump, and of course through the fuel pump relay. It sounds like the compressor is killing something in the ECU. Here'* what we can do.. this may sound dumb to some but this should work good in testing.

Put the compressor fuse back in. Then go to the airbox and find the plug for the IAT sensor [it'* not too hard to find, it'* the only connector located inside the airbox]. If you need further help finding it, hit me up, and i'll shoot some pics or something. This will cause the SES light to emit [I know, it'* annoying]. When the car shuts off, see if the SES light shuts off right when the car dies. And if it comes back on after the car dies or whatever. Pay close attention to that light. This will help with further diagnosis.

Ok this may make me sound like a real idiot, but when i find the AIT sensor, i unplug it and let the car run right? Then i watch the SES light until it dies.....i think thats the directions....i'll let you know as soon as i try it...thanks again

Yep, that'* right. With the IAT sensor unplugged the car will have the SES light on, and it will most likely get annoying [i apologize for that]. As soon as the IAT sensor is plugged back in, the SES light will go off, and all will be back to normal [except that annoying engine kill].

Ok i did that and when the car died the SES light stayed on the entire time. This was yesterday night and tomorrow when i get a chance to drive it i'll find out if its all back to normal and let you know. Thanks for the help.