Truck Quiting while driving

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Mar 7, 2002 | 02:16 PM

mtodd101

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Truck Quiting while driving

Hi all...My '79 F150 is dying while I'm driving and then won't start back up. After waiting awhile it will start again. I've recently replaced the starter and battery cables and had the battery tested and it's good. All connections seem to be good. Any help would be great. Thanks Matt

Mar 7, 2002 | 02:31 PM

thelonerangerxlt

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Truck Quiting while driving

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 07-Mar-02 AT 03:37 PM (EST)]Matt, dollars to doughnuts, this is one of two things. Either the ignition control module (bolted to the fenderwell), or the pick-up coil (inside the distributor, not to be confused with the ignition coil). My guess is the pick-up coil. They will give symptoms like you describe when they go bad.

One thing to check, before you start changing out parts. The black wire going from the module to the distributor is the ground wire for the system. Make sure it has a good connection, where it screws into the distributor base.

Welcome aboard

Mar 7, 2002 | 04:09 PM

77ranger

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Joined: Feb 2002

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From: Boise, Idaho

Truck Quiting while driving

i had an ignition module that did the exact same thing. but like Lone Ranger mentioned it's probably either of the two. I'm not sure which is cheaper, but the ignition module would definitely be easier to change.

Mar 7, 2002 | 04:44 PM

79fordslug

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Truck Quiting while driving

I would suggest the ignition coil. I had the same problem with the truck quitting. It would stall, and then 5 or ten minutes later it would start right up and run like nothing was wrong. You should be able to get a stock coil for $15 at any auto store. It's worth the pice of mind. Electricity problems can be hard to diagnose, Good Luck.

Mar 7, 2002 | 05:11 PM

bluechow

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From: south east

Truck Quiting while driving

My money is on the ignition coil. I had the same problem. When the coil is on the way out this is the symptoms: works fine until the engine compartment gets hot. For me it was usually around 6 miles of city driving on a 80 degree day. Then you lose all power. Set around scratching your head for a couple of minutes and start it up and go. I usually made a B-line to a safe place so it never happened to me twice in one trip. Replaced the coil and it never happened again. It could be something else as mentioned, but the coil is a good place to start due to price and ease of replacement. To test, drive it and be sure to be in a safe lane so that you can pull over without panicing just incase it decides to not be the coil.

Jeff