92 Tempo 3.0 V6 Won't fire

Just yesterday on my girlfriends car and for the first time the engine was slow to start, it did and ran fine. This morning it started without a problem however getting out of work the car would not start at all. It turns over but otherwise dead.

To be honest I have not started checking anything yet but since this engine is new to me I thought I would get some advice.

Thanks

Reply to
jfcorcoran
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"jfcorcoran" wrote in news: snipped-for-privacy@rogers.com:

If it's a fuel injected engine with a distributor, see if you hear the fuel pump run for about 2 seconds when you switch on the key to run (not crank) pos.

If so, check for spark by removing one of the plug wires and holding it near metal - better to take an old plug and lay it on metal, spark should be brisk snap and blue.

- if no spark, the age of car indicates problem may be the ignition module (TFI). USUALLY mounted on dist base. requires a $5 tool (any parts store) to remove.

You may find the white stuff on the back to be fairly hard and caky.. this is what causes that failure. The TFI overheats because it cant dissipate internal heat. Periodically (about every 5 years) replacing this heat sink grease before it dries prevents this problem.

Be sure to clean off all the old and apply new when you replace the TFI

OTOH if it has been raining there, and the engine is wet from condensation, the problem is often the coil arcing to it's frame. This would have been pre-indicated by car being hard to start on wet mornings.

If you dont hear fuel pump run, make sure the inertia impact cut-out hasnt been tripped, located in trunk usually on back or side rear... often access hole through panel. Push button on top.

If still no FP run, then you will have to troubleshoot relay, Check engine light on mean the Computer relay works, the comp in turn switches the FP relay. _or your Fuel Pump may have failed.

Reply to
Backyard Mechanic

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