Ignition missing out, stalling, when humid

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Dec 11, 2001 | 10:02 AM

WHOHOO

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From: USA

Ignition missing out, stalling, when humid

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 11-Dec-01 AT 11:38 AM (EST)]Hi all again!
I just signed up and already the second question...LOL!

Ok, here it goes...since about 4 month my 89 Bronco (302EFI) developed the following problems when it is humid outside or when it rains...same thing if engine is cold or hot...absolutely no problems in dry weather conditions:

1. At idle, RPM drops down, sounds like one or more cylinders dont get a spark, sometimes stalls completely

2. Driving at constant speed, engine looses power for fractions of seconds, rarely stalling tho.

3. Braking to a stop, engine stalls often.

4. Accelerating out of low RPM engine makes sometimes almost pinging noise (timing checked - OK) and tach needle "jumps" according to the noise.

What i did so far: Replaced spark plugs, rotor, cap, wires and the ignition modules failed about a year ago and was replaced then.

Someone can think of more? Would be nice to get that fixed before the big winter mess outside starts...LOL!

Thank you so much,
Marcus.

Dec 11, 2001 | 10:51 AM

adelyser

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Ignition missing out, stalling, when humid

Have you pulled the trouble codes from the PCM yet? They may lead you directly to the problem. On the other hand, the PCM may indicate that everything is okay. It is a quick and simple check, and cheap too.

Aaron D.

Dec 11, 2001 | 04:42 PM

Mil1ion

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Ignition missing out, stalling, when humid

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 11-Dec-01 AT 05:54 PM (EST)]I think your problem is related to Fuel.
I suggest getting a code reader,besides screwing things up,that's what the computer is for.

Dennis

78 F-150 429CJ C6 ,Silver w/Explorer Pkge
641/2 Mustang,Pre-World's Fair Car #8092
64 Fairlane S/C waiting for a 390-4spd.
68-Mustang.Sunlit Gold 80,000 miles

Dec 11, 2001 | 07:33 PM

JBronco

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From: Loveland, CO.

Ignition missing out, stalling, when humid

This may be grasping at straws, but it might help you. I was listening to those Car Talk guys the other day. A lady called in with a Honda that would not start when it was humid. It turns out there there is an ignition control module under the dash that is notorious for doing this on older Hondas. The cure was a few bucks and a module that simply plugs in. Anyway, I don't know if this is the case with a Bronco. But it may give you some ideas.

Dec 11, 2001 | 11:14 PM

restorit

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Joined: Jul 2001

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From: Bismarck, ND

Ignition missing out, stalling, when humid

Your tach jumping along with the humidity bringing out the problem is indicative of something in the ignition. I know you said you changed out the ignition wires a while back, but did you use a quality set? Your symptoms sound exactly like a bad set. Try this on a warm, dry night..... take a squirt bottle and, in the dark, mist water over the wires. If they're bad, you'll see them arcing. (Humidity will make the problem worse). Good luck!

Dec 12, 2001 | 10:48 AM

adelyser

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Ignition missing out, stalling, when humid

I would also check that ignition module again. I had an '88 F-150 with the 302 EFI, and when I went to replace the module, I had them check the new module at the auto parts store, and 2 out of 3 were bad right out of the new box.

Aaron D.

Dec 14, 2001 | 02:29 PM

WHOHOO

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From: USA

Ignition missing out, stalling, when humid

Ok, short update from my side...and thank you so much all for your replies!!!

Because we have wet weather up here in the NE since a couple days, I had the chance to try different things. One thing I did was trying to spray certain things with WD-40 to try to get the moisture out. Today, after a quite "bumpy" ride again in the morning and rain and fog the night before, I took off the lil cap of the distributor-cap and sprayed some WD-40 in there...and...the car ran fine for the afternoon! So, now I guess even that it is a new cap, there is somehow moisture getting in there. Anyone had any experiences like this before? Try another new cap? Try to somehow seal the cap with something?

Thanks for all your help so far,
Marcus...;-)