Car cut out while going down road

the tach went to 0 because the ignition stopped firing.
how long does it cool down before it will run again?? i would check the ignition module. they are very heat sensitive and will cutout when going bad.

the fuel pump isnt going to constantly run. its going to come on long enought o build pressure in the system then once the car is running it will kick on and maintain pressure. and as to why its cuting off i will have to think on that one.

the fuel pump also needs a signal from the ignition to run. if i recall, the signal goes to the PCM and that turns on the fuel pump (when the car is running).

I would agree with looking into the ignition module. A new TFI (Thick Film Integrated) ignition module from the local autoparts store doesnt cost too much if I recall. I replaced mine and had a noticable better idle. Hopefully this can help ya out...

Description and Operation
Notes

PURPOSE
The Thick Film Integrated (TFI) ignition module supplies spark to the distributor through the ignition coil and calculates the duration. It receives its control signal from the Electronic Control Assembly (ECA) Spark Output (SPOUT) .

CONSTRUCTION
The ignition control module is a thick film integrated design. The module contains a ceramic substrate thick film assembly and three output drivers mounted on a metal base plate and potted in a plastic housing.

OPERATION
The ignition module has six connector pins at the wiring harness that supplies the following signals:

* Run
* Crank (start)
* Tach (coil)
* PIP (crankshaft position to ECA)
* Spark output (SPOUT from ECA)
* Internal ground from the ECA to the distributor

OPERATION
The TFI module receives the PIP signal from the crankshaft sensor, the CID signal from the camshaft sensor, and Spark Output (SPOUT) signal from the ECA. During normal operation, PIP is sent to the ECA from the crankshaft timing sensor and provides base timing and RPM information. The CID signal provides the ignition control module with the information required to synchronize the ignition coils so that they are fired in proper sequence. The SPOUT signal contains optimum spark timing and dwell time information. Spark angle is determined by the rising edge of SPOUT, while the falling edge of SPOUT controls the coil current "ON" or "DWELL" time. The dwell time is controlled or varied by varying the duty cycle of the SPOUT signal. This feature is called Computer Controlled Dwell (CCD) .




© 2007 ALLDATA LLC. All rights reserved.



REMOVAL

1. Remove distributor cap and position it and attached wires aside so as not to interfere with work area.
2. Remove Ignition Control Module (ICM) harness connector.
3. Remove ICM attachment screws.
4. Pull RH side of module down distributor mounting flange and back up to disengage module terminals from connector in distributor base. The module may be pulled toward flange and away from distributor.

INSTALLATION

1. Apply a 1/32 inch coating of silicone grease to metal base of module. Position module on distributor mounting flange.
2. Carefully position module toward distributor bowl and securely engage the 3 module connector pins.
3. Install 2 module attaching screws.

o Tighten to 15-35 lb. in. (1.7-4.0 Nm) .

4. Install distributor cap.
5. Check ignition timing. Adjust if necessary.




© 2007 ALLDATA LLC. All rights reserved.

One more pic...

the one i used is, i believe, a 7/32 socket with the outside tip ground down to fit. it's been a long time since i changed one so i may be mistaken.

edit - autozone may have the socket, they rent tools for free

it sounds like your fuel filter might be clogged to me.

I just had the same problem with my car, it was the PIP sensor in the dizzy. If the fuel pump primes but it wont start that is probably it. My car would run for about 20 minutes and then shut off, no fuel, no spark, cooled off...it would start. It turned out it was the PIP sensor.

Anthony

if the armature is rubbing it's time for a new distributer

PIP is Profile Ignition Pickup and is created by a tab on the Rotary Vain Cup passing through the Hall Effect Switch.