Engine cutting off
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Freshman User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 46
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From: Chillicothe, OH
Engine cutting off
I have a big problem. My Bronco is really giving me fits lately. Its such a weird problem I almost don't know how to describe it, but here goes;
When I start her up, she is fine. After about 5 min she will spit and sputter, BAD! If I come to a stop, it dies. I put it in neutral and start it and it will idle perfectly but once I put it into gear, it dies. It takes a while for me to get it going to where it won't die. If I am on the highway and it does it, the engine just loses all power and goes to an idle no matter how far down the gas pedal is but if I put it in neutral I can gun it a few times and put it back in gear she will go ok for a few sec before it does it again. Now the funny part, once it warms up after about 15 min or so, it runs great. If I start it and let her run for 15 to 20 min in park and then get in and go, it is great, not a problem in the world.
If anyone has any idea what in the world my rig is doing, please help me out. It is driving me nuts, esp when it dies in the middle of the city street full of traffic.
Thanks to all for the help...
90 302 5.0L
When I start her up, she is fine. After about 5 min she will spit and sputter, BAD! If I come to a stop, it dies. I put it in neutral and start it and it will idle perfectly but once I put it into gear, it dies. It takes a while for me to get it going to where it won't die. If I am on the highway and it does it, the engine just loses all power and goes to an idle no matter how far down the gas pedal is but if I put it in neutral I can gun it a few times and put it back in gear she will go ok for a few sec before it does it again. Now the funny part, once it warms up after about 15 min or so, it runs great. If I start it and let her run for 15 to 20 min in park and then get in and go, it is great, not a problem in the world.
If anyone has any idea what in the world my rig is doing, please help me out. It is driving me nuts, esp when it dies in the middle of the city street full of traffic.
Thanks to all for the help...
90 302 5.0L
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 14,285
Likes: 12
From: Bend,OR
pull the codes and see what the ecu says. it can be done with a paperclip if you go here and read www.fordfuelinjection.com. also when was the last time it had a tune up, with new plugs, wires, cap and rotor. timing could be off to. fuel filter could be clogged . you may also have a clogged catylitic converter it will cause loss of power to . check these things and get back to us
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late
Thread Starter
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Freshman User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 46
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From: Chillicothe, OH
Originally Posted by Kemicalburns
pull the codes and see what the ecu says. it can be done with a paperclip if you go here and read www.fordfuelinjection.com. also when was the last time it had a tune up, with new plugs, wires, cap and rotor. timing could be off to. fuel filter could be clogged . you may also have a clogged catylitic converter it will cause loss of power to . check these things and get back to us
late
late
Thread Starter
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Freshman User
Joined: Apr 2004
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From: Chillicothe, OH
Originally Posted by Jdenninger
could also be the TPI on the side of the dizzy. Have you checked the tranny fluid level?
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 9,182
Likes: 12
From: Gateway to the West
Um, its TFI and it is the abbreviation for Thick Film Integrated circuit module. They are notorious for dying especially on models that still have them mounted to the distributor. If you can't get any codes from the PCM (Powertrain Control Module) though, you are going to be on a wild goose chase. Honestly it sounds like a compound problem. MAP (Manifold Absolute Pressure) sensor and IAC (Idle Air Control) solenoid perhaps but without codes you could guess as well as anyone.
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Elder User
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 573
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From: Medina, Tn.
On my 89, the TFI module seems to be the culprit every 2 or so years. Make sure that plug wires #7 & #8 are not crossing each other since that is proven bt Ford to cause problems and has hel[ped quiet a few on this forum. IF you replace your TFI for less than $30., you will need a special tool to take the screw out and you will also have to loosen the distributor so make sure you mark it 1st or have a timing light ready. If you do retime it, make sure to take the spout off. Get a Haynes manual and it will walk you through all of these procedures.
Good luck,
Good luck,
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Thread Starter
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Freshman User
Joined: Apr 2004
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From: Chillicothe, OH
Originally Posted by fcarruth
On my 89, the TFI module seems to be the culprit every 2 or so years. Make sure that plug wires #7 & #8 are not crossing each other since that is proven bt Ford to cause problems and has hel[ped quiet a few on this forum. IF you replace your TFI for less than $30., you will need a special tool to take the screw out and you will also have to loosen the distributor so make sure you mark it 1st or have a timing light ready. If you do retime it, make sure to take the spout off. Get a Haynes manual and it will walk you through all of these procedures.
Good luck,
Good luck,
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 149
Likes: 0
From: Saint Charles, MO USA an
I had a problem that was similar except the engine just died. I had a loose connection going to the distributor and then had to replace the control module(brain box). Although I have a 78 probably not as complex.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 139
Likes: 0
From: West Texas
you completely described a problem i had before, change the fuel filter, check all of your idle adjustments on the carb and pour a can of chemtool into the gas tank. your main problem is the carb.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 139
Likes: 0
From: West Texas
i pulled the brain box and took it up to the ford house and they wanted 80 to test it. they told me it had to be in the truck. i asked the guy, "if i could drive the truck up here do you think i would need to test this damn thing?" so i called vatozone and they told me 100 dollars for a new one. so whats a better idea? spend 180 to test it, find out that its crap and then replace it? or just buy a new one cause the damn thing is 20 years old to begin with?