Ignition module?

[Eracsder]

My 94 Explorer sport continues to intermittantly start and not start. When it does start it runs fine. Fuel pump comes on (I can hear it) the battery is strong. The ignition module sits in front of the battery so it's not part of the recall. The dealer, of course, has never heard of the problem. I think the problem must be electrical so I'm thinking of changing the module anyway.

Any help would be appreciated. My next stop will be the Toyota dealer.



Gene

 

[Blaine122300]

Is it hot or cold when it doesn't start. If it is hot, it could be the starter. when the wires get hot, not as many amps flow through the wires, not getting enough to the starter. A bad starter won't turn if it gets too hot.

 

[Eracsder]

Thanks Blaine, it doesn't seem to matter hot or cold. I've driven in the mountains, deserts and all points in between. It is so random I think only a computer glitch can be possible. I had a 92 that had a similar problem (engine would shut off when shifting into neutral)it was replaced under the California lemon law. Going to give the dealer one shot at diagnosing it. At 7 years and 104,000 miles I doubt they will give me another one

 

[Blaine122300]

To think again, My old F-150 had to have its ignition module replaced. I replaced it in about an hour. It was just hard to get to. It was on the side of the distributor. I had an 87 F-150. Anyway, I would be driving down the road, and the engine would just shut off. It would be runing fine, then just quit. All electrical was great. Fuel pump, battery, everything. Then just one day, it just wouldn't start. As soon as I put in the new module, it ran perfectly. It cost me about 40 bucks for the module. I guess Fords are netorious for Ignition modules at about 100,000 miles. especially older ones with an actual distributor on them. I remember one time, I was going down the road, and It started running real rough, and we pulled over and the whole exhaust was glowing red hot all the way back to the cats. Needless to say, I had to replace my exhaust. If this is what yours is doing, replace it. It should be real easy if it is right in front of your battery. Do it yourself and save time and money from taking it to the shop. Sometimes the engine would start, then I would have to crank it about 10-15 times to get it to go again. Then it would just die. Ignition module fixed it all!!

Andy

 

[ol_ben]

I have a 93 xlt which had an intermittent starting problem.

With the key on - and the check engine light on - the engine would not start. Turning the key off/on repeatedly the check engine light would finally go out and the car would start. Along with the check engine light going out a click and whir could be heard.

It ended up being a relay contained under the hood in a "box" on the drivers side with other relays. Tracked it down with the hood open while listening over the relays while someone turned the key on/off. It was only a couple of bucks to replace. The relay either controlled the fuel pump or the starting circuit. (can't remember).

P.S. I later had 1 of 2 ABS relays (in the same "box") go bad. The symptom was the ABS light on the dash would stay on.

-Ben

 

[Eracsder]

Thanks Ben, problem sounds similar but different. My engine cranks strong every turn of the key but there must be no spark. Anyway I gave it to the dealer today and since I'm going out of town for a couple weeks I told them to keep it until they find and fix the problem. My ABS light also stays on and has for a long time. Guess I'll have them fix that too as long as it's there. I never go to the dealer for service but in this case I'm at my witts end. Even their price is better than a new car payment.

I'll post the results when I get them.

Gene

 

[Eracsder]

Update

Picked up my truck and all seems ok now. Turned out to be an ignition module sensor.

 

[Eracsder]

ooops, make that the fuel pump relay sensor.