Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting My Beater Keeps Dying...

I would change the fuel filter as a matter of course, but grab a cheap Ford code reader from a jobber Should be less than $30, and will pay for itself witht he first repair. I got one for my 89 T-Bird SC, and it proved invaluable the two times I needed it. Very simple to use, and you'll have an idea where to start at the minimum. Eliminates some trial and error. By the way, does the 2.3 Turbo use a MAF sensor? That could be it.

Symptoms of ignition module/stator problems are the same as if you were running out of gas. Usually after the engine cools off the engine will start again. But I agree with the above posters in that you should scan the codes and test the fuel pressure. Just beware that there are other ways to test the ignition module as the computers sometimes don't store codes for them. You use a heat gun and some other paraphernalia which I can't remember the names of. You might want to get a Haynes or Chiltons manual for the car too. They've got step by step diagnostics for stuff like this.

Karl

Yeah, all of these crossed through my mind. The ignition module might be it, as the Merkurs are known for these problems. The car now runs horribly even when it's not so hot. I'll be able to get to it next week. Got finals and SZ (yes baby!!!) first, and then I'll roll up the slieves!

BTW, thanx a million for all the tips. I knew that you guys wouldn't let me down!!

symptoms of the beater....i'd install a baseball bat into my hands and let it rip on the "car"....but that's just me...

I see what you mean, but I just love it too much...