Frequent Stalling/Problems Starting

[MrMarquis]

The starting issue started sometime last month. I'll turn the key and the engine will crank but not fire over. It takes a good couple tries before she wants to fire up. Scott suggested the TFI module was going bad. How do I remove such and find a part number so I can grab a replacement? Asking the guy at AutoZone, he kinda gave me a look when I asked for a TFI module, and said I meant an Ignition Control Module. Are these the same thing?

Secondly, she's stalling quite frequently. Between shifting gears, or just when coming to a start. She stalled on me once in stop-and-go traffic, then backing into a space at the bank, and finally at a red light down the street from home. Not having fun unless I get a fairly straight shot to work...idle is kinda low at times, especially when using the A/C, but the IAC is good. Should I be searching for vacuum leaks?

[gadget73]

You're sure the IAC is good? Low idle and lots of stalling, along with hard starting are signs of an IAC thats not working properly.

TFI in generic terms is an ignition module. TFI is just Ford's official name for it.

[91grandmarquis]

I just got a brand new moroso coil for $50..... granted it is performance, the guy at the parts store will know when you give him the engine. I'm not saying this is the problem, but motorcraft TFI's should be pretty cheap.

[MrMarquis]

You're sure the IAC is good? Low idle and lots of stalling, along with hard starting are signs of an IAC thats not working properly.

TFI in generic terms is an ignition module. TFI is just Ford's official name for it.

Did a little more research and actually found the meaning for TFI, "Thick Film Ignition" module. Makes sense to me now.

The IAC kills the engine when unplugged and does so fairly quickly. May just need to take it off and clean it up some. But I'll probably replace it anyway.

[MrMarquis]

Update...

I noticed that when I turn the key on, the fuel pump buzzes and cuts off, and the car starts when I try.

When the car has trouble starting, the fuel pump constantly buzzes and never shuts off...

Fuel pump is new as of last year...

[Ringting]

Mr. Marquis,
I have a 4 page PDF file called "Tech Tips, Service Tips for the Automotive Technicians", 3rd Quarter 2000. On page 3 there is an article titled "Ford Vehicles - Idle Problems". Hope it helps you.
Thank you,
ringting

[Ringting]

Two Other TFI Items (focus is Lincoln Mark VII):

Service Bulletin Number: 89-25-10
Bulletin Sequence Number: 061
Date of Bulletin: 8912
NHTSA Item Number: SB010325
Make: LINCOLN
Model: MARK VII
Year: 1990
Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
Summary: "PINPOINT TEST" FLOW CHART ON PAGE 8 IN INSTRUCTION BOOK IS INCORRECT-INSTRUCTIO N
BOOK(ROTUNDA #2490-786) COMES WITH "TFI/EEC-IV INTERMITTENT IGNITION ANALYZER" MODEL HK453-USE
REVISED STEPS, THIS INFORMATION SHOULD BE INSERTED IN INSTRUCTIO N BOOK PAGE 8 FOR FUTURE USE-ALL
1987-90 LINCOLN/MARK VII/TOWN CAR/AND CONTINENT ALS GM


Service Bulletin Number: BC6577900329
Bulletin Sequence Number: 049
Date of Bulletin: 9003
NHTSA Item Number: SB020638
Make: LINCOLN
Model: MARK VII
Year: 1990
Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
Summary: INTERMITTENT HIGH IDLE-RADIO FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE TO TFI WIRES-ALL FORD RC

[import convert]

that just sounds like the pump is trying to keep pressure in the lines but at the same time if its taking a few cranks to get it to start the injectors are gonna squirt fuel into the cylinders and the pump is gonna keep the pressure steady. all that means is that youre not getting enough air to get the car to start.

this may sound stupid but you can do like a quarter turn on the throttle screw and see if it gets easier to start. if it does then id say your IAC is bad and/or you need to clean out your throttle body. if you replace the IAC then turn the screw back the quarter turn

[MrMarquis]

Okay, little update.

I replaced the IAC, the idle seems better; but the A/C stills drops the idle lower. No stalling while running on the highway or redlights though.

I guess I need to turn my attention to the TFI and vacuum hoses now? How do I remove the TFI?

[sly]

very carefully

should be the two screws that hold it on the distributor and maybe have to lift the distributor up some to get the prongs to let go from the module. do mark positions and all on the distributor before lifting it out just in case so you can line it back up afterwards.

[Glen]

I think you will have to remove the distributor to replace it.

[sly]

oh yeah... don't forget the thermal grease - like for computer processors (not dielectric grease) between the module and the dist.

[91waggin]

Removing the TFI usually requires a special tool that has a special narrow-wall socket in the neighborhood of 7.5mm. They have them at most auto parts stores known as an "ignition module removal tool."