Starting Problems

Tiny
TEXASTURKEY
  • MEMBER
  • FORD F-150
Gentlemen,
I have a 1991 Ford F-150 with the 4.9 and a 5 speed that has a problem. Since Nov of 2005 I have replaced the TFI Module 6 times. This seems a little excessive to me. I have also changed the coil 2 times in this period. What should I be looking for? I just changed one TFI module 3 days ago and it is acting up again. I have had all the previous modules checked and they have been bad. This truck has 148,000 miles on it but is still in real good shape so I do not want to get rid of it. Any suggestions? :Cry:
Monday, May 21st, 2007 AT 10:49 AM

8 Replies

Tiny
BLACKOP555
  • MECHANIC
  • 10,371 POSTS
Any engine codes or check engine light?
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Monday, May 21st, 2007 AT 7:45 PM
Tiny
RUDPRO
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  • 224 POSTS
I was wondering if you put dielectric grease on the module when you installed it. That's important to keep the module from overheating.
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Monday, May 21st, 2007 AT 9:59 PM
Tiny
TEXASTURKEY
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Yes I did. I used our favorite white sticks to everything grease that is supplied with it. The check engine light does not come on until it runs erratically. I do not have a code reader at this time.
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Tuesday, May 22nd, 2007 AT 7:43 AM
Tiny
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  • 224 POSTS
The TFI module is a problem in a lot of Ford vehicles built in the late '80s and '90s. I found a different forum where it was posted that Ford was being sued over this to come up with a better replacement. The forum posting was from 2002 and said there was some kind of settlement about Ford having to replace these. You should research this and talk to a Ford service center. See if your vehicle is covered under the settlement.I read about other people replacing the module several times but yours seems really excessive. The module overheating is what causes it to fail. I don't know what to tell you other than check all wiring associated with it, check all your ground connections in the engine compartment.
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Tuesday, May 22nd, 2007 AT 2:02 PM
Tiny
RUDPRO
  • MECHANIC
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Read another partial post on a different site. I can't view the whole thing, you have to be a certified mechanic to join. It said he traced the red and green wire down and found a problem with the wiring. Maybe that could help you get started.
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Tuesday, May 22nd, 2007 AT 2:13 PM
Tiny
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I see a problem on the horizon. When I read the information you sent is says that it is extending the coverage for the Ford brand. The one I have is from Wells. I guess I will have to try to fight Ford on this one. I have been playing with Ford trucks for about 30 years now and this frequency of break downs is not normal. My 81 ranger was a jewel compared to this. I will keep trying. Thanks for the help so far. It confirms my faith in the human race.
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Tuesday, May 22nd, 2007 AT 2:22 PM
Tiny
RUDPRO
  • MECHANIC
  • 224 POSTS
With as often you had to replace it, it may be more than just the module. Like my other post, I would check the wiring going to the module, especially the red and green power wires. Trace them for a visual inspection and also check them for shorts. My son has a '93 Taurus. I'm going to look into it and see if the previous owner got a letter and did anything about it. It has 93,000 miles, I think it would still be covered up to 100,000 miles. Good luck. Post if you resolve the problem.
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Tuesday, May 22nd, 2007 AT 3:39 PM
Tiny
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I have already checked all of the wiring. It passes a visual and a meter check. Being that I am over 148,000 I think Ford will tell me to take a long walk off a short pier. I will definetly keep posting so others can learn from my suffering. I have changed 2 coils due to them opening because of the TFI. If I did not enjoy working on my own vehicles I would be a little more upset. I am wondering if maybe the ECM or the pickup in the distributor might be causing a problem.
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Tuesday, May 22nd, 2007 AT 3:50 PM

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