Argh!! Why Won't It Start?

PKRWUD · 01-08-2005, 07:10 AM

If the engine tried to start, but died as soon as you released the key from the start position, then the problem is the TFI module. It has two circuits that permit the engine to run; one when the key is in the start position, and one in the run position. It is common for the run position circuit to fail first, creating the situation you described. It is possible that you have other issues as well, but your initial problem should be corrected by replacing the module.

pepe_la_pew15 · 01-08-2005, 09:55 PM

but now it won't even start at all...it tries too..but it just doesn't seem to work...

it turns over and cranks...but doesn't start up..

i have NO idea...

is it my computer?? perhaps?

thanks!
Erik...

~The Jester~ · 01-09-2005, 12:54 PM

Get your fuel pump issue taken care of first. Then change the ignition module (TFI) on your distributor like Pkrwd said. Make sure you coat the back of the new one GOOD with the supplied white "grease", those things don't like heat at all.

1989GT · 01-10-2005, 12:42 AM

Alright man this may not be your problem but something to think about. A few years back I was having the same problem as you. It turned out to be a wire at the starter relay was broken at the connector. It looked like everything was fine but the wire was broken. I had spark at the plugs, the car would turn over..but the fuel pump wouldn't turn on. So I hard-wired the fuel pump and it still wouldn't start. So I started chasing wires. And that's what I found. I can't remember what exactly the wire does now. But I know that it sends a signal to the EEC. And that goes to the fuel pump. What's weird is that even with the fuel but running it still wouldn't start. Gotta love computers. I know there's also some fusable links in that wiring too so you might want to check those out. I did all the wire shooting with a haynes manual. Hope this helps man! Good luck.
-Ryan

pepe_la_pew15 · 01-11-2005, 07:04 PM

I checked.....nothing..

i have NO idea why it won't start....

DAMN!!!

this is soo frustrating

bigred90gt · 01-12-2005, 05:34 PM

Listen to PKRWUD, he knows his stuff. Take the TFI module off and take it to your local parts store. They should be able to test it for you and it shouldnt cost you anything. If its bad, replace it. They're not that expensive, but can wreak havoc on your frustration levels. And they are notorious for going bad. There was a recall on them for certain years from Ford.

01-08-2005, 07:10 AM	#1
PKRWUD Junior Member Join Date: Mar 1999 Location: Ventura, California Posts: 8,981	Re: Argh!! Why Won't It Start? If the engine tried to start, but died as soon as you released the key from the start position, then the problem is the TFI module. It has two circuits that permit the engine to run; one when the key is in the start position, and one in the run position. It is common for the run position circuit to fail first, creating the situation you described. It is possible that you have other issues as well, but your initial problem should be corrected by replacing the module. __________________ Webmaster: Rice Haters Club Jim Porter Racing Peckerwoods Pit Stop Support Your Local RED & WHITE!

01-08-2005, 09:55 PM	#2
pepe_la_pew15 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: British Columbia, Canada Posts: 25	Re: Argh!! Why Won't It Start? but now it won't even start at all...it tries too..but it just doesn't seem to work... it turns over and cranks...but doesn't start up.. i have NO idea... is it my computer?? perhaps? thanks! Erik...

01-09-2005, 12:54 PM	#3
~The Jester~ Rat Killer Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Cold ass Ohio Posts: 1,143	Re: Argh!! Why Won't It Start? Get your fuel pump issue taken care of first. Then change the ignition module (TFI) on your distributor like Pkrwd said. Make sure you coat the back of the new one GOOD with the supplied white "grease", those things don't like heat at all. __________________ d-Con Racing "Nothing fancy, just 347 inches of RAT POISON!" MICE need not apply.....

01-10-2005, 12:42 AM	#4
1989GT Registered Member Join Date: Apr 1999 Location: Cincinnati,OH Posts: 1,511	Re: Argh!! Why Won't It Start? Alright man this may not be your problem but something to think about. A few years back I was having the same problem as you. It turned out to be a wire at the starter relay was broken at the connector. It looked like everything was fine but the wire was broken. I had spark at the plugs, the car would turn over..but the fuel pump wouldn't turn on. So I hard-wired the fuel pump and it still wouldn't start. So I started chasing wires. And that's what I found. I can't remember what exactly the wire does now. But I know that it sends a signal to the EEC. And that goes to the fuel pump. What's weird is that even with the fuel but running it still wouldn't start. Gotta love computers. I know there's also some fusable links in that wiring too so you might want to check those out. I did all the wire shooting with a haynes manual. Hope this helps man! Good luck. -Ryan __________________ 89GT,Pro-Bullet 306, H/C/I and a bunch of other stuff. Sold 00GT, Vortech S-Trim, Steeda Boost Pipe, C&L intake, Mac off-road H-pipe, Flowmasters, B&M Ripper shifter, Eibach Sportline springs, Koni Struts/shocks, MM full length subframe connectors, Cobra brakes, 3.73's. My Car Domain Page

01-11-2005, 07:04 PM	#5
pepe_la_pew15 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: British Columbia, Canada Posts: 25	Re: Argh!! Why Won't It Start? I checked.....nothing.. i have NO idea why it won't start.... DAMN!!! this is soo frustrating

01-12-2005, 05:34 PM	#6
bigred90gt 2 Stangs in the Stable Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Baytown, TX Posts: 1,209	Re: Argh!! Why Won't It Start? Listen to PKRWUD, he knows his stuff. Take the TFI module off and take it to your local parts store. They should be able to test it for you and it shouldnt cost you anything. If its bad, replace it. They're not that expensive, but can wreak havoc on your frustration levels. And they are notorious for going bad. There was a recall on them for certain years from Ford. __________________ '90 GT Under construction Best E.T. = Fast @ High Speeds - OK So I Lie. So What!!! 04 F-150 STX 4.2L 5 spd Rice Haters Club Member #128

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