hello I have 1995 e150 van that has burnt out 3 ignition modules. when you put a new module in the van runs great for about 400 miles then it will just randomly die but then start right away and every time it dies it takes longer to want to start eventually will not start at all.. Van has been to 2 different mechanics and of course it never dies in there care. But after spending $900 plus dollars on replacing everything we could think of the van is still doing the same thing. unable to drive as its dangerous cause can stop running at anytime.. any help or information would be greatly appreciate. thanks

 

Are they installing black ICM's?
Are they using heatsink compound on it or dielectric grease?
Dielectric grease is an insulator so it's totally wrong for this application, and unfortunately that is what is included with many ICMs. Do not use it, buy heat sink compound separately.
Aftermarket ICMs have a terrible reliability record but Ford modules are hard to impossible to find these days so you may not have much choice.

 

thanks for the info. And yes have installed black ICM's and other brands as well. is there any black ICM's brand that is recommended? or that you recommend? could it also be a problem the the computer sending to much power to icm? thats what one mechanic told. thanks again. cheers

 

I will share with you my own experiences with my 94 e350 5.8l as I have dealt with this non-start issue in one form or another in the almost 9 years I have owned my van

The ignition system on this van is a package of the (ICM+coil+ Distributor pick up coil+ fuse in the power distribution box) and maybe fuel but more on this at the end of my post, working together. Proper testing, will eliminate the unnecessary replacement of good working parts.

Here is a link to a video related to how to troubleshoot the ICM on Ford trucks around the same year

In the event that you need a different ICM.
Here is my approach: I don't buy new ICM from any supplier for some of the reasons you have already mentioned in your post. I went to a junkyard and collected about 2 or 3 Motorcraft ICMs. I think I have only used one of those junkyard ICMs in about 5 years.

The distributor pick-up coil. It happened to me once a few years back. I was experiencing long cranks or non-start at all sometimes on hot days. Without proof, I thought it was the ICM but when I did my tests everything was pointing to the pickup coil, and sure enough. I have not had any more issues in about two years. I have s pictures of this if you ever need some guidance on how to go about it.

The coil: once you experience a non-start check the coil for spark. If you have spark, most likely all your other components are in good working order

The fuse: One time my truck died while driving on the freeway. I had the truck towed to my place and when I was checking I found out the fuse was blown. If you ever experience a non-start, replace the fuse. Sometimes an old fuse that has been in the box for years can intermittently fail

And last but not least, and without any intention to derail your diagnosis approach to the problem you are trying to solve, but when your cranks but does not start do you know if the fuel pump is working? I will share with you my own experience since I have a fuel pressure gauge in my dash. I was at the parking lot ready to leave and the van was cranking but not starting so I looked at my fuel pressure and it reads 0. I opened the hood removed the relay from the cruise control and stick it on the fuel pump relay and that was my problem.

Good luck.

 

1995 E150 Power Distribution Box (Plug In Diode)
I have a 1995 Ford E150 Conversation Van, and have a question about the, Distribution Box. I see on the diagram, L is for, Plug In Diode. I am in the process of replacing all of the Relays and Fuses, but I searched everywhere, and cannot find the Plug In Diode anywhere to replace the existing one. What are the electrical specs on this Diode, and where can I find a replacement? Can any Mechanic, replace it in the box? Also, what is the part number please? Can it still be ordered through a Ford Dealership's, Part Center?

​​​​​​​Thank You