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Electrical Crank-no start ... no spark ... no injector pulse, was it something I did? (redux)

  • Thread starter Thread starter 85gtCOBRA
  • Start date Start date Oct 28, 2025
8

85gtCOBRA

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Oct 18, 2025
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Oct 28, 2025
#1
  • Oct 28, 2025
  • #1
Have a similar thread posted here - it seems to have burnt itself out.

I have new information since so trying this again.

'87 GT

Crank no-start (no spark or injector pulse):

12V at coil +&- (key in run)
12V at injector + (key in run)
Fuel pump primes (key in run)

At TFI module:

Run power in - 12V
Start signal in - 2.2V (in run), 1.7V (cranking) ... I don't get this
Coil negative - 12V (in run), 9.3V (cranking)
Ignition ground - 12V (in run), 8.8V (cranking)
PIP out - 8.1V (in run), 6.3V (cranking)

The start signal voltages I do not understand - the starter cranks normally
I measure the same thing (2.2V) at the start signal wire going to the solenoid (connector off, measuring at connector (key in run).

The PIP (hall effect sensor) voltage does not switch from 0-10V, it's stuck at around 8V, drops when cranking from starter current draw I assume.

When I bypass the PIP and ground the wire I get spark and injector pulse. So the coil is good, the module is commanding the spark, computer is firing the injectors - when I artificially generate the signal.


Logic would lead you to the PIP being the problem.

Now here's the "by the way",
The car was running very well, I was getting set to put it into winter storage.
Figured I would check timing & idle speed because, why not.
I have a hand-held tach that I wanted to use (it's more accurate and convenient).
I back-probed the coil negative connector to get a signal - it was not working.
Wiggled the wires and connectors a bit, no luck, figured there was a problem with the tach.
Shut car off, disconnect everything ... car won't start and hasn't since.
I have to assume it's something I did but for the life of me I can't remember anything weird happening.
No spark, no flash, no smoke, no smell.

Any ideas?
 
Last edited: Oct 29, 2025

AeroCoupe

lube between the nut and the face. I know my lubes
Founding Member
Oct 28, 2001
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Oct 29, 2025
#2
  • Oct 29, 2025
  • #2
I’m still it’s either the ECU has an issue or it’s wiring but the whole wiring thing is tough for me to trouble shoot without actually working on it. You may want to work through this if you have not already.

Thread 'Cranks OK, but No Start Checklist for Fuel Injected Mustangs'

May 22, 2006
Cranks OK, but No Start Checklist for Fuel Injected 5.0 Mustangs model years 1986-1995

A word about this checklist before you start: it is arranged in a specific order to put the most likely failure items first. That will save you time, energy and money. Start at the top of the list and work your way down. Jumping around will possibly cause you to miss just what you need to see to find and fix the problem. Don’t skip any steps because the next step depends on the last step working correctly.


Revised 26-Jul-2017 to add fuse link diagram.

All text applies to...
  • jrichker
  • Replies: 93
  • Forum: Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
 
8

85gtCOBRA

Member
Oct 18, 2025
23
7
13
Canada
Oct 29, 2025
#3
  • Oct 29, 2025
  • #3
I hear you about the computer. I've been through most of that crank-no start checklist but as the man says, you have to go through it all, in order. Of course, human nature had me hoping to find an obvious (simple) answer (pickup coil, TFI module etc.)
 
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