Does relocating the TFI Module work?
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Does relocating the TFI Module work?
Hi, I have an ongoing problem with the TFI module in my 89 full size bronco XLT.
I have read the post here regarding the TFI problems and I'm curious if anyone has relocated the TFI module away from the heat so the probelm is permanently fixed.
I love my bronco, but I am so tired of it dying when the TFI gets hot and I want a permanent solution, not a quick fix of merely replacing it. I want to move it someplace else away from the heat so it doesn't get hot and cause the engine to die.
BTW, It only has about 40,000 miles on a new engine that was put in about 4 years ago.
Any input and advice is greatly appreciated : )
Regards
I have read the post here regarding the TFI problems and I'm curious if anyone has relocated the TFI module away from the heat so the probelm is permanently fixed.
I love my bronco, but I am so tired of it dying when the TFI gets hot and I want a permanent solution, not a quick fix of merely replacing it. I want to move it someplace else away from the heat so it doesn't get hot and cause the engine to die.
BTW, It only has about 40,000 miles on a new engine that was put in about 4 years ago.
Any input and advice is greatly appreciated : )
Regards
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Hi RLKBOB,
What is a dist stator? I apologize, I'm not familair with car parts : ) Just a gal who loves her Bronco and I'm tired of it dying on me.
If I do this will I still need to relocate the TFI to get it away from the heat or will this permanently fix it?
Regards
What is a dist stator? I apologize, I'm not familair with car parts : ) Just a gal who loves her Bronco and I'm tired of it dying on me.
If I do this will I still need to relocate the TFI to get it away from the heat or will this permanently fix it?
Regards
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Elder User
Joined: Mar 2004
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From: Buffalo, NY
the stator is a module inside the dist. Pop off the cap and the stator should be on the left. My bronco used to die on me as well. Changed the whole distributor. Problem Fixed.
Jeff
Jeff
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Tuned
Joined: Mar 2004
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From: Petersburg, MI
The stator is inside the distributor and it's pretty involved replacing it but it's a step in the right direction. And you definitely can't go wrong relocating the TFI module, I'm gonna move mine when I get my motor swap done.
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Hi Jeff and Bob, thanks for your replies : )
Can you explain very simply how replacing the distributer will prevent the TFI module from overheating and causing the vehicle to die? I apologize for my lack of knowledge in this area.
Thanks for your help : )
Can you explain very simply how replacing the distributer will prevent the TFI module from overheating and causing the vehicle to die? I apologize for my lack of knowledge in this area.
Thanks for your help : )
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2004
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From: Buffalo, NY
replacing the dist. just fixes the problem of stalling when the engine warms up. A new dist comes with a TFI ans stator already installed. New dist is about 120. Stator is 35 and TFI is 25. Moving the TFI is a more permanent fix. It's also just easier to replace the dist instead of trying to relace the stator which requires tearing the dist completely apart.
Moving the TFI away from the heat will definitely help though. you just need to make sure the Stator is working. Otherwise you will still have a problem.
Jeff
Moving the TFI away from the heat will definitely help though. you just need to make sure the Stator is working. Otherwise you will still have a problem.
Jeff
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Hi Jeff,
Thanks so much for the information, I really appreciate it : )
I do want a permanent fix. I read here somewhere that relocating the TFI to somewhere near the master brake cylinder will get it out of the heat. Is that correct for the 89'?
Also, since the TFI is in the distributor, do you relocate the whole distributor, or do you remove the TFI and just relocate the TFI?
Any special intructions I need to give to a mechanic? None have ever been able to diagnose the problem, just ripped me off. I can't tell you how many alternators, starters and batteries I've replaced after having the problem. Thanks to this forum, I'm wise to it now ; )
I'm looking forward to being able to drive my Bronco again without worrying about this : )
Thanks,
Jackie
Thanks so much for the information, I really appreciate it : )
I do want a permanent fix. I read here somewhere that relocating the TFI to somewhere near the master brake cylinder will get it out of the heat. Is that correct for the 89'?
Also, since the TFI is in the distributor, do you relocate the whole distributor, or do you remove the TFI and just relocate the TFI?
Any special intructions I need to give to a mechanic? None have ever been able to diagnose the problem, just ripped me off. I can't tell you how many alternators, starters and batteries I've replaced after having the problem. Thanks to this forum, I'm wise to it now ; )
I'm looking forward to being able to drive my Bronco again without worrying about this : )
Thanks,
Jackie
Tuned
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 281
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From: Petersburg, MI
No you can't relocate the dist just the TFI module. What area of the country are you in? Around here (SE Mich) you'd be pretty hard pressed to find a mech willing to do a mod like this (basically rigging up a harness extension from junkyard parts). It would be easy to do and VERY CHEAP but I bet they would try and tell you how labor intensive it's gonna be and rake you over the coals. If you know anyone somewhat handy under the hood you may want to ask them, or ask a local mechanic if he'd be willing to do it for you under the table. I guarantee it would save a lot of money. I could actually do mine for free. Just go to the junk yard and "look around" and grab an old TFI mod off a truck and the part of the wiring harness needed and go. Maybe even give them $5(max) for the piece of harness I needed. Please don't let some moron in a shop take advantage of you on this.
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From: Buffalo, NY
Jackie,
The stator is inside the Dist. The TFI is the gray mod on the side of the Dist. when you relocate the TFI you may want to just get a new one from the auto parts store and use the old one and a junk yard harness to do the relocation using the instructions in the link that _GEEZER_ posted. I would get a new TFI now to make sure the problem isn't the TFI if you still have a problem after the relocation. it also is one less thing you have to get from the junkyard. Also make sure all your connections are good and tight. You don't need a wire coming loose going down the highway, beach or the trail.
Jeff
The stator is inside the Dist. The TFI is the gray mod on the side of the Dist. when you relocate the TFI you may want to just get a new one from the auto parts store and use the old one and a junk yard harness to do the relocation using the instructions in the link that _GEEZER_ posted. I would get a new TFI now to make sure the problem isn't the TFI if you still have a problem after the relocation. it also is one less thing you have to get from the junkyard. Also make sure all your connections are good and tight. You don't need a wire coming loose going down the highway, beach or the trail.
Jeff
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Hi Bob : )
Thanks so much for your reply. I appreciate it.
I'm in California and my stepfather might be able to do this. If not, how many hours labor do you think it should be?
Do you have to get the old TFI module and harness at the junkyard off the same type of vehicle?
Jackie
Thanks so much for your reply. I appreciate it.
I'm in California and my stepfather might be able to do this. If not, how many hours labor do you think it should be?
Do you have to get the old TFI module and harness at the junkyard off the same type of vehicle?
Jackie