89 2.3 n/a won't start

IndySVODave · Aug 14, 2004

I was sitting at a stop light, and it just died. I cranked it over, but it would not start again. There was no warning, and the car has been running fine for 3000 miles. The only problem it's had is starting. Sometimes after starting, you have to hold the rpms at 2000 for 20 secs or so, or it'll die. Once running though. it ran great.
I checked for fuel pressure at the schrader valve. Got sprayed in face... (I was blocking it, but it ricocheted of my hands!) So I have fuel pressure at the rail.
Checked for spark at coil wire... no spark... Swapped coil from my SVO... Still no spark... I didn't bolt the SVOs coil in though. Does it need bolted in? (for grounding?)
I didn't check fuel pressure with a guage, but it sprayed out pretty good. I think that should be enough to get it to start... shouldn't it?
Battery went dead so it's charging right now.
It's got new plugs, wires, cap and rotor.
Any suggestions on what to check next?

Oh yea, I did a search, but couldn't find anything on this problem.

My80Cobra · Aug 14, 2004

TFI module on the side of the distibutor. Very common on these cars. You will need to get the tool to change it or grind down a socket to do it I think it is like a 1/4 inch or something like that not positive though. It may start back up if it sits for s while but it will do the same thing after it warms up again. Just go to the junkyard and grab a couple off the side of 2.3 distributers them place a spare in the car somewhere with the tool. You will want to coat the used one with some di-electric grease available at the parts store for about a dollar or it will come with some if you buy a new one. Some people will swear by the Motorcraft TFI but it is up to you on that one..

IndySVODave · Aug 14, 2004

It's been sitting since last sunday, and still won't start... I'll replace the TFI module and see what happens.

JamesBaumann · Aug 14, 2004

I agree that you should swap in a new TFI module. If you say it has no spark then you should definitely go more in depth as to why. The faulty TFI may have something to do with the fact that it has no spark. If replacing the TFI doesn't fix the problem then try pulling it for codes and see if it throws anything at you.

IndySVODave · Aug 14, 2004

I've never been able to get any codes from this car. I've tried when trying to diagnose the starting / cold idle problem. Autozone couldn't either... Even though I knew there was a problem, We got no codes. I have no clue why.

ssjmaverick23 · Aug 14, 2004

try the TFI also mine did something simular and it was the coil. you could also check the timing belt it could have snaped that happened to mine and there was no warning.

IndySVODave · Aug 14, 2004

Checked the timing belt... looks OK... I got a new TFI module to put on in morning

DRAGPAK · Aug 15, 2004

wont start

Dave make sure the motor is turning over ,pull the cap and see if the rotor is moving ,belt may be tight but lost the teeth on the bottom crank pully .motor will turn over but wont fire .my 2 cents

IndySVODave · Aug 15, 2004

It was the TFI module... I replaced it and it started right up. Seems to have fixed the dieing problem also.
Alll I have to do now is reset the timing, and it'll be better than new.
Thanks for the help everyone!

89 2.3 n/a won't start

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