Stop stalling and get on with it

[87grandmarquis]

I've been having a problem lately with the Merc.

My car will not run unless it sits for a few hours between uses. It starts up fine in the morning, gets me to work. After sitting for 8 hours it starts up great. But if my car sits for only say, an hour, I go to start it, it starts, stalls almost immediately, and then cranks but won't start, and I have to let it sit for a few hours before it will start.

I thought this problem was related to a vacuum leak I had (one of those little plastic lines broke), but I fixed that this weekend and am still having the problem.

I'm taking the car to my Uncle's (he's a mechanic) later this week and I'd like to have some ideas before I take it in. Any ideas on what the problem could be would be greatly appreciated!

[gadget73]

TFI module getting hot and breaking down maybe? See if it has spark when it does that next time.

[87grandmarquis]

I think that might be it. I just googled for "TFI Module" and found out that there was a lawsuit against Ford, which resulted in a settlement, regarding faulty Motorcraft TFI Modules. Unfortunately it's a few years past the deadline for filing a claim, but I think that this is the problem. The problem described in the lawsuit is exactly the problem I'm having. Thanks for the help, gadget!

EDIT: Any recommendations for replacement (Brands, etc.)?

[Grand Marquis GT]

Either a motorcraft or GP Sorensen (advance brand)

DO NOT get a wells.

[Paul_]

Either a motorcraft or GP Sorensen (advance brand)

DO NOT get a wells.

:stupid:

[87grandmarquis]

Update: Advance Auto has a GP Sorensen module for $30. The dealer wanted $131 for a Motorcraft ! I'm picking up the part after work, and my uncle is coming over tomorrow to help me install it! :banana:

[gadget73]

$131 WTF?! Thats way too friggin much.

Next time I'm at my local parts place I'm going to price one just for s&g. They usually provide me with Motorcraft stuff, so it would be interesting to see how thier price compares to a dealer's.

[Blaze86Vic]

LOL, I can tell you what it compares to the dealer. It will be much cheaper! It's so bad on some items, that even though my dad works for Ford Motor Company and gets all parts at cost, he will still get most of his parts from NAPA. Lets not even think about retail!! I bought Motorcraft 11" drums for my rear end a year and a half ago. It is unusual that I got it cheapest at the dealership.
NAPA $90/per
From the Dealership:
Ford $155/per
Motorcraft $185/per
At cost:
Ford $85/per
Motorcraft $65/per

Confused?? I bet you are...LOL

[Lincolnmania]

suspect the tfi or the pickup inside the distributor

[88grandmarq]

Any progress on this?

I think scott is on the money, either a bad TFI or PIP module.
also check the ECM for codes.

BTW.. I have an account with a wholesale distributor for Motorcraft stuff, I can get parts dirt cheap.

PM me if you need something.

[87grandmarquis]

Update:

TFI Module was replaced, I thought the problem would be solved. But then last Wednesday I was going down the highway and the car stalled again So on Thursday I dropped it off at my Uncle's shop, they couldn't get it to stall, they checked the fuel pressure and a whole bunch of other things... I'm going to talk to them today to find out exactly what they checked.

I want this to be fixed now because if it keeps stalling I won't be able to go to ScottFest :cuss:

[88grandmarq]

Take to scott fest anyway... scott will fix it.

check the ECM for trouble codes.

[87grandmarquis]

I'm sure scott would have it figured out in two seconds... But my car would probably stall before it got there

[88grandmarq]

so?.... let it sit, take a break, restart it and continue. might take you longer, but you will still get there.

[Grand Marquis GT]

:stupid: