Ford Tempo

Tiny
LORRAINE
  • MEMBER
  • 1990 FORD TEMPO
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
My 1990 Ford Tempo starts and sounds ok then just dies and wont start again for a while, what could be causing this?
Thursday, November 18th, 2010 AT 12:08 PM

2 Replies

Tiny
MMPRINCE4000
  • MECHANIC
  • 8,549 POSTS
Have ignition module tested at most autoparts stores.

Also, when it dies, spray starting fluid into intake, if it does not run a few seconds, then ignition module would be most likely.
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Thursday, November 18th, 2010 AT 1:07 PM
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,757 POSTS
There are a number of possible causes to this. Having the components tested at a time when the problem isn't present would be futile as they will test good at that moment but could fail intermittently.
All "crank, no start" conditions are approached in the same way. Every engine requires certain functions to be able to run. Some of these functions rely on specific components to work and some components are part of more than one function so it is important to see the whole picture to be able to conclude anything about what may have failed. Also, these functions can ONLY be tested during the failure. Any other time and they will simply test good because the problem isn't present at the moment.
If you approach this in any other way, you are merely guessing and that only serves to replace unnecessary parts and wastes money.

Every engine requires spark, fuel and compression to run. That's what we have to look for.

These are the basics that need to be tested and will give us the info required to isolate a cause.

1) Test for spark at the plug end of the wire using a spark tester. If none found, check for power supply on the + terminal of the coil with the key on.

2) Test for injector pulse using a small bulb called a noid light. If none found, check for power supply at one side of the injector with the key on.

3) Use a fuel pressure gauge to test for correct fuel pressure, also noticing if the pressure holds when key is shut off.

Once you have determined which of these functions has dropped out,
you will know which system is having the problem.
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Thursday, November 18th, 2010 AT 1:30 PM

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