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TFI IV module problems?

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Old Jun 3, 2015 | 10:53 AM
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TFI IV module problems?

Does anyone have experience or knowledge of the TFI IV module (thick film ignition) failure due to heat? There was a ford recall that these things go bad and cause stalling and engine to quit when get hot even at highway speeds causing loss of control of vehicle. I have been fighting multiple stalling issues on my 1990 5.8. Just had distributor replaced with aftermarket and looks like a
New TFI module. The problem with mine is the plastic connector going into the module is failing. I can push the red wire on the back of this connector with my hand and the engine will die??? When I drive I get sputtering and hiccup like I'm out of gas but it looks like this thing is the cause??? Please share thanks!
 
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Old Jun 3, 2015 | 11:31 AM
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Like any electronic component, they don't like getting too hot so yes they can fail due to that. That's why Ford moved them to the fender in later years. But if you have loose wire you need to fix that before troubleshooting further. If you can't find a new connector then get one from the junkyard. Whether you get new or used make sure to SOLDER the new one on and if there is foil shielding around any of the wires make sure you twist it back together where you break it to do the solder job.

Also... if your TFI module fails you won't lose control. Just the engine will die so you won't have any hydraulic pressure for the power steering, and if you use the brakes more than a couple times you won't have any vacuum to power the brake booster either. But you can steer and brake without power assist... just takes a little more effort.
 
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Old Jun 3, 2015 | 12:29 PM
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Originally Posted by dixie460
Like any electronic component, they don't like getting too hot so yes they can fail due to that. That's why Ford moved them to the fender in later years. But if you have loose wire you need to fix that before troubleshooting further. If you can't find a new connector then get one from the junkyard. Whether you get new or used make sure to SOLDER the new one on and if there is foil shielding around any of the wires make sure you twist it back together where you break it to do the solder job.

Also... if your TFI module fails you won't lose control. Just the engine will die so you won't have any hydraulic pressure for the power steering, and if you use the brakes more than a couple times you won't have any vacuum to power the brake booster either. But you can steer and brake without power assist... just takes a little more effort.
Thanks sounds good! Is it
Possible to get new connectors rather than junk yard and to replace involves splicing wires to new connector?
 
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Old Jun 3, 2015 | 02:55 PM
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Originally Posted by garagegods
Thanks sounds good! Is it
Possible to get new connectors rather than junk yard and to replace involves splicing wires to new connector?
Verify with Napa if this is the correct connector for $25.00. Probably has to be ordered and it does require splicing

 
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Old Jun 3, 2015 | 04:14 PM
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Originally Posted by F150xlt
Verify with Napa if this is the correct connector for $25.00. Probably has to be ordered and it does require splicing

Sure looks like the right one thanks for the info!
 
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Old Jun 3, 2015 | 04:24 PM
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Ford differs from aftermarket

So what I'm being told it that the original ford connector is slightly different from aftermarket TFI on new distributor put in. The connector doesn't make a solid connection and is intermittent???? Anyone heard this ?
 
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Old Jun 3, 2015 | 10:07 PM
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Originally Posted by garagegods
So what I'm being told it that the original ford connector is slightly different from aftermarket TFI on new distributor put in. The connector doesn't make a solid connection and is intermittent???? Anyone heard this ?
Who is telling you that line of BS?
 
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Old Jun 4, 2015 | 11:43 AM
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Originally Posted by rla2005
Who is telling you that line of BS?
Another master mechanic lol everyone of them
Comes up with something different. When I looked at it I can make the truck stall by pushing on red wire coming out of connector telling me there is a loose bad connection inside connector, this guy says ford and aftermarket differ???and won't fit together properly???
 
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Old Jun 4, 2015 | 01:48 PM
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Originally Posted by garagegods
Another master mechanic lol everyone of them
Comes up with something different. When I looked at it I can make the truck stall by pushing on red wire coming out of connector telling me there is a loose bad connection inside connector, this guy says ford and aftermarket differ???and won't fit together properly???
So what do the master mechanics recommend you do?

Does Ford sell the connector pigtail and if so what is the cost?

Napa has the connector on sale 10% off until July 10th if you order on line and pickup at the store.

 
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