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Well, you know the ignition coil has to be good. then the ignition control module inside the distributor has to be good. It controls the ignition coil firing times. This module can be tested at a parts store. And then, also in the distributor and attached to the ICM is the pick-up coil which tells the computer crankshaft position, so the computer knows when to signal the Ignition Control Module that it is to cause spark out of the coil. These are the components of the ignition system, so you know how to check them. Ignition coil, ICM, pick-up coil, and the pcm, computer.
First, check that power is getting to the coil when the key is turned to on. The coil must have battery voltage applied to it before it can cause spark. If there is power there, test the ignition coil, test the ICM, then the pick-up coil. If your wiring is good, one of them components may have failed. And of course, the last thing to suspect is the computer, the pcm. Hope you don't have to get that far.
Car won't start? First thing would be to check all your fuses. Most fuse boxes are located under the driver side dash panel. Some cars do have an extra set of fuses on passenger side kick panel (foot area on door side)
If all fuses are good, then next thing would be to test your relays with an ohmmeter.
If all your your relays and fuses are good, you will want to check for fuel and spark. A car needs air, fuel and spark to run.
To check for spark, you can purchase and use a spark tester. If you cannot obtain a spark tester, then the next best thing would be an ohmmeter. You can test the power coming from your coil packs or distributor depending on what you have. On distributorless vehicles (one with coil packs) the coil pack are attached to an ignition module. This module is powered by the Crankshaft Position Sensor. This sensor can be tested with an ohmmeter. The Crankshaft Position Sensor is the first thing to be tested if you have no spark in any cylinder. If you have spark in some cylinders but not all, then check the coil pack (1 pack per 2 cylinders).
If you have a distributor, test the coil that provides the spark.
If you have plenty of good strong spark, then the next step would be to check for fuel. Fuel system consists of Fuel Tank, Fuel Pump, Fuel pump Relay, Fuel Filter, Fuel Pressure Regulator and finally carberator or injectors.
Fuel injected systems have a fuel rail. On the fuel rail is a test port for fuel pressure. If you have a fuel pressure tester you can test how much fuel pressure you have. Or you can place a rag over the valve and press it in to see if there is pressure. If not pressure, check that pump is running. You should hear it run for a few seconds when key is first placed in the ON position. If pump is not running, check fuses and pump relay. If pump is running but fuel pressure is low, check for leaks, plugged fuel filter, or leaky injector.
Pull off the coil ignition cable at the distributor and check for spark coming out of coil when cranking engine over. Use a heavy rag or glove to hold the wire 1/4 inch from a metal ground. Should see a strong blue spark when cranking to verify ignition is good. If no spark, check for battery voltage to coil on the coil primary. If you have current to the coil, suspect a bad coil, ignition module, crank position sensor, or cam position sensor, or pcm. The coil, ignition module, and sensors can be tested before replacing.
It is most likely a fuel problem or a spark problem. Check the fuel using starter fluid. If you can get it to fire with the starter fluid then your problem is with the spark.
Start by removing a boot from a spark plug. Hold it about 1/4 inch from a good ground and have a friend turn it over. If you get good spark then it could be your timing that is off.
If you don't get spark remove the boot from the distributor and do the same thing. If you don't get spark then you could have problems with the coil, the distributor, or the ignition control module. The ignition control module can usually be removed and tested at a parts dealer. A test light can be used to test the coil.
There are 3 possibilities. 1 the coil. 2 the ignition module. 3 the pick up coil. In my experience the ignition module is the most common cause. It is in the distributor held in with 2 screws. The coil and module can be tested at any parts house. Good Luck
I dont know what year and engine you have but sounds like a typical ford ignition module problem.When it will not start,check the spark at one of the plug wires.If there is spark when it is cold but none once warmed up.Replace the module.Your parts house (autozone or advance) can check it for you.But remember it is going to test good when it is cold.They have no way to check it while its hot.If your not sure,have it checked out by a profesional.Good Luck!!!
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