96 F250 460 Stalling with no warning
 

All,

I have a 1996 F250 with a 460 that suddenly stalls for no reason. I have been reading all the posts but nothing seems to match my problem. My probelm almost perfectly matches the cam position sensor (CPS) that he diesel guys have, but I don't have a CPS.

Here is the problem: The engine shuts off just like turning the key. It happens hot or cold. No sputter, no nothing. I happens mainly when at stop signs or low speed. I think it also happens at hiway speeds but with everything "spun up" , the engine makes it through and just jumps a little. It will sometimes start right back up , but sometimes it takes ten minutes or so of trying.

Here is what I have done: replaced the ignition control module, replaced the VSS.
It is not the tanks because it happens on either tank.

truck specs: 1996 F250 extended cab, 4WD, 460 CID, 190K miles.

any help would be appreciated.

thanks,

Mark

I would have guessed ignition module but you have replaced that. I would check that the battery connections are clean and tight and same for the grounds. I would then check for any stored error codes.

Have you checked for trouble codes yet?

I would also try the "wiggle test" to see if a connection or bad wire is the problem.

96 F250 460 Stalling with no warning
 

Thanks. Battery connections are tight. I'll check the ground to the block tomorrow.

One more thing: I get no error codes nor do I get an engine light on.

Wiggle test is difficult ....since it is intermittent. It usually starts with in a couple of minutes. That’s the problem with taking it in to a shop. If it only does it every other day and only once a day. It’s hard to trouble shoot.

I agree with a "wiggle test" let the truck idle while you shake and grab wiring and switches until it shuts off like it does when you are driving. Do this both under the hood and under the dash.

Because no warning lights come on I would lean towards ignition switches. If it was just the injectors or something stopping, the check engine and oil pressure lights would come on.

I can't remember the fuse number, but carfully check the large fuses under the hood. soundes like the problem i had, and it tokk three looks at those fuses to notice one was blown but when cool it made contact then hot and no contact. odometer ect. was also effected.good luck...........

I suspect the PIP inside the distributor. But check all the other possibilities first, as you have to remove and disassemble the distributor to replace the PIP. Also, nobody mentioned the coil.

Sounds similar to a problem I had a couple years ago with the fuel pump relay wiring that was corroding and eventually broke off. Inspect this and the EEC relay for wiring issues as well as the ingition switch in the steering column.

96 F250 460 Stalling with no warning
 

Thanks for all the good ideas. That will keep me busy for a week (nights after work !). About six months ago I did take the steering column out 3 or 4 times looking for a speedo problem. Ended up replacing the speedo and everything worked. Maybe I dorked something up there. I'll drop the column and wiggle the ignition wires in there.

I'll let you know if I found anything.

thanks,

Mark

I think your on the right track, good luck.

So after two full years of dealing with this I finally got a OBD code that stayed long enough to read. It was as 88n94 said... PIP.

replace distributor............. works great now.

ADIVCE: make sure you understand when codes are stored and when deleted when looking for intermitent failures... hint.. they are not always stored.

wow someone actually mentioned pip too. that sucks that it took so long to diagnose but im glad you got it fixed