'88 F150 stranded
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,344
Likes: 1
I had the same problem with my '88 several years ago. Driving home and it just quit running. Let it sit and it started right up. My problem wound up being the TFI module AND the computer decided to go belly up at the same time.
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 291
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When the same thing happened to me (on a very busy road with almost no shoulder) the first thing I checked were the battery cables. It happened to be one of the tail wires from the ground had a splice come loose. I felt lucky to find it so quick.
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 118
Likes: 0
my old ranger had theexact sameproblem...would drive fine..then just stalland not restart..wait anywhere from 15 min to 3 hours would start again......
i replaced the distributor nothing...
then replaced the tfi module...
worked fine ever since....
but man,wasit ever frustrating.......
cheers,
Paul
i replaced the distributor nothing...
then replaced the tfi module...
worked fine ever since....
but man,wasit ever frustrating.......
cheers,
Paul
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 292
Likes: 0
From: Kansas City
The TFI is about $50, so you'ld know if it was new. For the cost of the tow, you could just take it with you and put it in up there. If the mechanic puts it in he'll charge even if it doens't fix it.
Some auto stores can test the TFI, if it's dead they can tell you. If it's only mostly dead, they can't always tell.
Some auto stores can test the TFI, if it's dead they can tell you. If it's only mostly dead, they can't always tell.
Last edited by clstrfbc; Jan 31, 2005 at 09:47 PM.
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Cross-Country
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 65
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Originally Posted by clstrfbc
The TFI is about $50, so you'ld know if it was new. For the cost of the tow, you could just take it with you and put it in up there. If the mechanic puts it in he'll charge even if it doens't fix it.
Some auto stores can test the TFI, if it's dead they can tell you. If it's only mostly dead, they can't always tell.
Some auto stores can test the TFI, if it's dead they can tell you. If it's only mostly dead, they can't always tell.
Temporarily Deactivated
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,859
Likes: 2
I wouldn't take it to the same place, they are just parts changers and not mechanics. Clean your battery terminals and check your grounds. Check your fuel pressure and check for codes. For $250 you could have bought all of the tools you need to work on this yourself.
'88 is an EFI, right?
'88 is an EFI, right?
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 2,420
Likes: 3
From: Langhorne, PA
Here's a tip..intermittant electronic problems can be simulated by heating and/or cooling suspected components. If you get your hands on the truck, try kiiling the engine at idle or induce a "no start" condition by carefully using a heat gun(not a blow torch) to warm individual parts up. If the engine is dead, you can cool parts using an aerosol cool-down spray which can be purchased at Radio Shack.
Your intermittant problem may also be related to loose or corroded electrical connectors, try going thru them one by one and cleaning them with electrical contact cleaner and an acid brush.
PS/ hasn't anyone pulled any diagnostic codes yet??
Your intermittant problem may also be related to loose or corroded electrical connectors, try going thru them one by one and cleaning them with electrical contact cleaner and an acid brush.
PS/ hasn't anyone pulled any diagnostic codes yet??
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Cross-Country
Joined: May 2003
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It's the TFI, stupid!
Just got word from the garage that they believe they've fixed the truck. Replaced the TFI and it's been running well, and starting consistently, ever since. There went another $60 of beer and pizza money, but I hope the saga is over.
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 292
Likes: 0
From: Kansas City
If it makes you feel any better, Probably 80% of shops would replace more than one part for this ignition system. 300$ is pretty good considering. It's pretty hard to find a shop that can fix an intermittant problem, unless you just loan them the truck for a couple weeks. 
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