302 ignition HELP

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Mar 2, 2003 | 08:41 PM

powerstroker250

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302 ignition HELP

I know I know it's not a truck but a 1985 Lincoln Towncar. The problem is I only get a spark out of the coil when the key is turned on and then when turned off. There is no spark when the engine is cranking. The coil and TFI module have been replaced and the balast resisitor bypassed. This is my dad's car and I need to get it fixed for him. Any and all ideas are welcomed and appreciated.

Thanks, Les

Mar 2, 2003 | 09:15 PM

pfogle

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From: Oak Harbor, OH

302 ignition HELP

try replacing the pickup in the dist itself...... you may also want to make sure that any and all ground wires are in tact... it could also be a problem in the ignition switch.

Mar 3, 2003 | 06:39 AM

powerstroker250

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302 ignition HELP

I forgot to mention that the ignition switch was also replaced by my father but I think the problem started before the switch was replaced. I'll ask him. As far as I know ALL the parts that were replaced were replaced after the problem occured. Anymore ideas?

Thanks, Les

Mar 5, 2003 | 05:02 AM

55forder

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From: San Diego

302 ignition HELP

You get spark when the key is turned off? Hmmmmm.
I would think that its a problem with the ignition wiring.

Mar 5, 2003 | 05:38 AM

macguyver

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From: Minneapolis, MN

302 ignition HELP

An '85 with TFI? Boy have I been out of it for a while. I thought TFI's were newer. Anyway, sounds like ignition primary circuit. Either pickup coil or control module. The spark when the key is shut off says that the coil is getting juice and the magnetic field in the coil is collapsing (like it does every time it fires) and it sparks once. This is normal. What's not normal is the coil isn't getting a signal to fire in time with the engine.
Also, around that year there could be an extra ground wire that grounds the ignition module. Look for a square grey connector with a black wire near the solenoid/battery area. If this wire is corroded or broken you won't get spark.
Hope this helps.
Greg

Mar 5, 2003 | 07:40 AM

powerstroker250

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302 ignition HELP

Thanks for the responses, I haven't had time to do anything yet but hope to get to it this weekend.

Les

Mar 9, 2003 | 10:33 PM

Merlin 306

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302 ignition HELP

My '89 Lincoln LSC had a similar problem, the wiring harness that plugs into the switch came loose. Would fire when cranking then when the key was released it would shut off. Cleaned the connection and secured the plug so it wouldn't come off again, problem was solved.