engine control module gets hot
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Joined: Jan 2004
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From: Merced, California
engine control module gets hot
I have a 1977 Ranger XLT 2wd auto 460 C6. I'm having trouble restarting after running for awhile and sometimes it just quits running. I've noticed that the control module is hot and needs to cool down before the engine will restart. I've replaced the module before but the problem has returned again. What causes the module to get hot and what does it do? Do I need to buy a certain brand or make control module?
Last edited by RangerRider460; Oct 2, 2004 at 05:24 PM. Reason: more truck info
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Many aftermarket modules will only last for a few months to a year. If you want a good module get a Motorcraft (OEM type) unit. Many modules have lifetime warranties but that does not pay for a tow bill or decreased fuel mileage. There was a TSB out from Ford on using 1/4" spacers under the ignition module to help keep it cool.
Any electronic device will get hot if it is handling any power. The ignition module gets a signal from a pickup device in the distributor and fires the coil which makes a spark for the plugs.
Any electronic device will get hot if it is handling any power. The ignition module gets a signal from a pickup device in the distributor and fires the coil which makes a spark for the plugs.
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From: Merced, California
Originally Posted by Mil1ion
Are there spacers under the mounting screw holes?
These should raise the module up away from the fender to allow for cooling.
These should raise the module up away from the fender to allow for cooling.
Thanks for the info you guys.
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From: Cincinnati
I have never had to test the module in my truck, but have had others checked by Autozone. They seem to do a fair job.
John24255
John24255
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From: Damascus, AR
I just went through something similar in my truck. It would start and run fine and then not restart, and sometimes would die for no apparant reason and not restart.
The first time it happened I assumed it was the ignition module so I just changed it. Of course all the parts stores were closed at the time so it was the next morning before I was able to purchase the module and change it. It started fine so, of course, the ignition module must have been the problem.
That is until it started dying for unknown reasons and not restarting until it had cooled off. I took the module, formerly thought to be bad, to the store and it tested out fine. So thanks to several posts that I read here, I began to suspect the pick-up coil in the distributor.
I replaced that little device a couple of weeks ago and now I have my dependable truck back. If your module tests OK, I'd suggest you replace the pick-up coil, it's the likely suspect.
Clark
The first time it happened I assumed it was the ignition module so I just changed it. Of course all the parts stores were closed at the time so it was the next morning before I was able to purchase the module and change it. It started fine so, of course, the ignition module must have been the problem.
That is until it started dying for unknown reasons and not restarting until it had cooled off. I took the module, formerly thought to be bad, to the store and it tested out fine. So thanks to several posts that I read here, I began to suspect the pick-up coil in the distributor.
I replaced that little device a couple of weeks ago and now I have my dependable truck back. If your module tests OK, I'd suggest you replace the pick-up coil, it's the likely suspect.
Clark
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From: Cincinnati
CCotten,
I had to replace mine last year, it was the original equipment. I didn't have to replace it because it went bad, it seems Ford must have put tasty wires on this module, for a mouse climbed into my engine compartment, and chewed all the wires off of it!
Replacing it wasn't such a bad deal, but you do have to mark the rotors location before removing it.
John24255
I had to replace mine last year, it was the original equipment. I didn't have to replace it because it went bad, it seems Ford must have put tasty wires on this module, for a mouse climbed into my engine compartment, and chewed all the wires off of it!
Replacing it wasn't such a bad deal, but you do have to mark the rotors location before removing it.
John24255
