Odd engine problem, please help
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Jun 2024
Posts: 114
Likes: 4
Odd engine problem, please help
I had a very strange thing happen with my engine today. I have a 97 f250 HD with the 351 Windsor. It was idling just fine and then all of a sudden, it dies. It didn't sputter and slowly shut off, but it was instant. Almost as if I took the key out and shut off the truck. I then started it back up and it struggled to start, but it did. but then it died soon after. It only would stay running if I gave it gas, so basically it wouldn't idle. After doing that a few times it wouldn't run at all. It would crank and not run. It seemed like it wasn't getting fuel. I let it sit for probably about 10 minutes and it started right up with zero problems. I let it run and idle for an hour and nothing happened. Any ideas what the problem could be? Where should I start and what should I check?
Switching the tanks made no difference, they both did the same thing. I had one of my tanks and the sending unit replaced a year ago. Along with a full tune up. Spark Plugs+ wires, distributor, etc
Switching the tanks made no difference, they both did the same thing. I had one of my tanks and the sending unit replaced a year ago. Along with a full tune up. Spark Plugs+ wires, distributor, etc
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Jun 2024
Posts: 114
Likes: 4
not sure if it was replaced, but I'm sure the fuel filter is fine. Last year when all the work was done, my mechanic also inspected the fuel system because I was getting no power from one of my tanks, he checked for anything clogged so I'm sure he checked it. Also as I said switching tanks didn't change anything so I doubt it's a filter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Jun 2024
Posts: 114
Likes: 4
nope, I always alternate using tanks when one gets to a quarter. The other tank was at half too. And changing the tank didn't make a difference so I doubt it's a problem with anything in the tanks
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Jun 2024
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Likes: 4
i got a code reader and it is throwing code 212. the code says "loss of ignition diagnostic monitor signal/SPOUT circuit grounded.
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Jun 2024
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i got a code reader and it gave me the code 212. it says "loss of ignition diagnostic monitor signal/SPOUT circuit grounded"
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From: Central Mississippi
Your ICM/ignition control module mounted on the inner fender in an aluminum heat sink is what color?
Grey or black? Embossed with motorcraft or not?
Your diagnostic connector is inside cab/under hood?
Grey or black? Embossed with motorcraft or not?
Your diagnostic connector is inside cab/under hood?
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Jun 2024
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it's black and it says motorcraft on it. I have read forums about people saying aftermarket ones suck. Maybe mine isn't working because it's old? I have no knowledge of it ever being replaced
FTE Chapter Leader
Joined: May 2006
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From: Central Mississippi
There's a testing procedure that I don't have at my finger tips, maybe one of the folks here can post.
The ICM is one of 2 items that have history of die-cool-work.
The remote type w/heat sink don't often do it, but not un-heard of.
The other is the PIP/profile ignition pick-up (in distributor), which is supposed to give a code, but doesn't always.
Motorcraft PIPs are all but unavailable these days sadly.
The ICM is one of 2 items that have history of die-cool-work.
The remote type w/heat sink don't often do it, but not un-heard of.
The other is the PIP/profile ignition pick-up (in distributor), which is supposed to give a code, but doesn't always.
Motorcraft PIPs are all but unavailable these days sadly.
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 2,258
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From: Maryland
I'm not 100 percent sure this covers '97's but read through it. What Does The PIP Sensor Do? (Ford F150, F250, F350) https://easyautodiagnostics.com/ford...-pip-sensor-do
It's a pretty good troubleshooting guide.
It's a pretty good troubleshooting guide.
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 10,519
Likes: 2,654
From: Near Salt Lake City
I had a very strange thing happen with my engine today. I have a 97 f250 HD with the 351 Windsor. It was idling just fine and then all of a sudden, it dies. It didn't sputter and slowly shut off, but it was instant. Almost as if I took the key out and shut off the truck. I then started it back up and it struggled to start, but it did. but then it died soon after. It only would stay running if I gave it gas, so basically it wouldn't idle. After doing that a few times it wouldn't run at all. It would crank and not run. It seemed like it wasn't getting fuel. I let it sit for probably about 10 minutes and it started right up with zero problems. I let it run and idle for an hour and nothing happened. Any ideas what the problem could be? Where should I start and what should I check?
Switching the tanks made no difference, they both did the same thing. I had one of my tanks and the sending unit replaced a year ago. Along with a full tune up. Spark Plugs+ wires, distributor, etc
Switching the tanks made no difference, they both did the same thing. I had one of my tanks and the sending unit replaced a year ago. Along with a full tune up. Spark Plugs+ wires, distributor, etc
Do a few things to diagnose it
Drive it around with a fuel pressure gauge taped to the windshield
Have a spark tester on it while you do that
There is a no start checklist in the book
It starts with the "BIG 3" testing "compression, fuel and spark"
Check the codes in there somewhere too, in case of a TFI failure or stator in the distributor problem, EEC trouble etc.
One of the best trucks made, buy a spare processor for it before you cannot and replace the caps in yours
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