I have a '96 2.3 runs great for about 35- 40 minutes, quits just like you turned the key off. If you let it sit about five or ten minutes it starts up and runs like nothing is wrong and runs five or tens minutes and quits again. If you let it sit overnight, its good for the 35-40 minutes. I get the same two codes everytime it quits, P103 and P1121, I replaced the MAF senor assy and the PCM no help.

I've fought this problem for about a month, even took it to Ford dealer.... other than costing me too much money, nothing changed.... ideas anyone???

 

the p1121 is for the throttle positioning sensor. what was fords reason for not checking that out..................I also would clean the IACV and the TB as maintenance and pull the vacuum hose of the fuel pressure regulator and make sure no gas is going into it. you might also suspect the ICM....they are prone to failure when they get hot

 

If your Ignition Switch is loose or won't lock, you may have to replace it. My '94 with 75000 miles was quitting on me and I would have to turn the key to the off position then back to start and it would fire up. Just a suggestion.

 

Thanks for the replies, I went back and checked what Ford replaced.... TP sensor was one of the items replaced. Fuel pressure regulator is also new. Dumb question.... where is the ICM located on a 2.3 ??? On the F150 I had it was on the fender well.

 

The ECM is located behind the kick panel on the passenger side of the cab interior.

 

I think the ICM is right behind the AC compressor. if it is Metal it is probably the original and it could be your issue. even if it is plastic it could still be your issue. you can take it off and have it tested at the stores. have them test it a bunch of time. make sure you put every screw back that you take out they are grounds. also next time it will not start spray starter fluid into the TB if it fires up it is a fuel issue. if it does not fire up check for spark.

 

Ranger update....... truck quit, this time would not start back up even after sitting overnight. Thought about replacing ICM......'96 2.3 it's built in the PCM, so I replaced the crank position sensor...... about the only thing I haven't replaced. Ran great, drove around about forty five minutes no problems.... started home and it quit again about fifteen miles from home. After the three of the normal five minute rest stops on the side road, it decided to run again...... after about an hour of short trips close to home I called it a day.....

 

the ICM is not built into the PCM on a 1996 2.3. It is a separate component The ICM was incorporated into the PCM in 1998...........you should test or replace the ICM

 

Powersmoked, I looked behind the AC compressor.... not there, one parts place told me it was built in.... O'reilly say they have one in stock, think I'll take another short drive and check it out, thanks.

 

Some of the ICM's were located on intake manifold and subject to fail due to heat.

| Repair Guides | Distributorless Ignition System | Ignition Control Module (icm) | AutoZone.com

 

maybe they moved it off the intake manifold(behind the AC compressor) in 1996........look on the fender wells away from the engine. see f you can follow the wires from the coil pack or else post a new thread asking "were is the icm on my 1996"......I know you have one........good luck..........it could also be a bad coilpack you can test them also........i

 

Thanks, great idea on the new thread...... still haven't found it.

 

I'll say this much. I have a 95 B2300, and I'll be derned if I can locate anything that looks like the ICM pictured on the parts store websites. I've looked everywhere under the hood, and if that thing is under the hood, it's VERY well hidden.
I dunno where it is, but I know where it ain't, and that's on the intake behind the A/C compressor. Had that off just a few days ago.......

 

Yes Sir, I agree with the very well hidden part.......... I'll try again tomorrow. I went to Motorcraft's web site, put in the VIN number.... according to them it has one, no clue as to where.