Doesn't Start When Hot

Jan 02, 2004 4 Replies

I just had a problem come up with my 1990 F-150 302 where the engine will start when it's been sitting over night. If I drive it and let the engine warm up though, it will cut out or if I've stopped somewhere, it won't start. I tested the coil and it seems to be OK. All resistances are in line with spec. and voltage is getting to the coil 12.4V. I also tested resistance and voltage from the coil harness to the ICM harness and I think it's OK though the voltage from VTAC on the coil harness to Pin 2 on the ICM connector only reads 1.5 volts. Pins 3 and 4 both read 12.4 volts both on Run and Start switch positions. I'm suspectin the ICM though I haven't checked the PIP signal yet or taken the ICM off and tested it. Am I headed in the right direction or could there be something else going on. What's got me confused it the fact that it starts when it's cold and been sitting for a number of hours. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.



Basil...


Sounds like a distributor module overheating and causing the no-start, pretty easy fix and not too expensive. It would cost about $74 for part number LX218 and of course you can get these in cheaper brands that wound be a little over $30. It would be a good idea to replace the pickup coil, the part inside the distributor that connects to the module. The pickup assembly is around $20. JT CarQuest Auto Parts Liberty MS

OK. I pulled the ignition control module from the distributor today and tested it. All readings seem to be in line with specification. I also tested the PIP stator sensor voltage and it was a little high 10.4 AC vs 3-

8.5 per spec. I also tested the PCM module voltage and it too was a little high 12 AC vs the 3-8.5 per spec. Any thoughts?

Basil...

"jt" wrote in news:ZqjJb.530$ snipped-for-privacy@bignews6.bellsouth.net:

A couple more things. I tested the coil for spark and there is none. Also, the computer flashes out codes of 83 and 41. Don't know if this gives any more clues. It didn't for me. HELP! Thanks.

Basil...

"jt" wrote in news:ZqjJb.530$ snipped-for-privacy@bignews6.bellsouth.net:

Code 83? hmmm I'm looking in one code book and it describes that as a Low Speed fuel pump relay circuit failure and as for as the code 41 that is a lean reading from your oxygen sensor. Could your in-tank fuel pump be getting hot and going out? That would help explain the lean oxygen sensor reading too.

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