1989 Ford F-250 engine cranks but wont start

Tiny
10STROKIN
  • MEMBER
  • 1989 FORD F-250
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 126,000 MILES
My 460 died on me on the way to work today. It cranks over, but wont fire at all. I put my code scanner on it and it wont read anything at all. The light just stays on, initially you hear a few relays click but thats it. Code reader manual says to refer to factory manual if codes wont read. Any suggestions? Thanks, matt
Sunday, June 29th, 2008 AT 7:14 PM

11 Replies

Tiny
MERLIN2021
  • MECHANIC
  • 17,250 POSTS
Check the ecm ground near the battery.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
-1
Sunday, June 29th, 2008 AT 7:49 PM
Tiny
10STROKIN
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
What does it look like?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
-1
Sunday, June 29th, 2008 AT 7:55 PM
Tiny
MERLIN2021
  • MECHANIC
  • 17,250 POSTS
It's a wire with an eyelet and it attaches to a screw. Usually it's black with a green stripe, but can be all black. Reove the wire and clean both the eyelet and the car surface until they shine!
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
-1
Sunday, June 29th, 2008 AT 8:06 PM
Tiny
10STROKIN
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
I cleaned all the ground wires I could find. Nothing yet. I replaced the cap and rotor not too long ago, and I notice the contacts inside look very burned like a weak ignition maybe?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
-1
Sunday, June 29th, 2008 AT 8:39 PM
Tiny
MERLIN2021
  • MECHANIC
  • 17,250 POSTS
Could be then ignition module. Or a bad coil. If your check engine light is always on, your sto/light is shorted to gound, Ford TFI modules(ignition) on the side of the distributor, are weak links, take it out and have it tested at parts store. Check the 60 pin connector at the ECA for corrosion and bent or pushed out pins.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
-1
Sunday, June 29th, 2008 AT 9:56 PM
Tiny
10STROKIN
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Ok, I will try that next. B y the 60 pin connector at the eca, I assume you mean the connector to the computer inside the drivers side kick panel, correct? I didnt know the parts store could test the tfi module? Thanks again!
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
-1
Monday, June 30th, 2008 AT 5:07 AM
Tiny
MERLIN2021
  • MECHANIC
  • 17,250 POSTS
ECA is under a shield at the air filter brackett. Mitchel is showing 2 locations, it also says under left kick panel. The ECA(Electronic control assy) Is the vehicle's computer. What we now call a PCM.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
-1
Monday, June 30th, 2008 AT 7:08 AM
Tiny
10STROKIN
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Its under the kick panel. Should I disconnect the battery before taking it off?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
-1
Monday, June 30th, 2008 AT 4:21 PM
Tiny
MERLIN2021
  • MECHANIC
  • 17,250 POSTS
Wouldn't hurt to pull the negative cable.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
-1
Monday, June 30th, 2008 AT 5:04 PM
Tiny
10STROKIN
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Ok, everything was taken off and cleaned real good. I still get nothing at all with the code scanner.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
-1
Monday, June 30th, 2008 AT 6:53 PM
Tiny
MERLIN2021
  • MECHANIC
  • 17,250 POSTS
Test power to ECA...


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/62217_ECA_Testa_1.jpg



https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/62217_ECAConnector_1.jpg



https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/62217_TFI_1.jpg



https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/62217_TFI_MOD_Resistance_1.jpg



https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/62217_TFIa_1.jpg


Also check any fuse for ECA or ECU and in the power distribution box under the hood any relay marked to power the ECA or ECU, check the blue fusible link on the starter solinoid.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
-1
Monday, June 30th, 2008 AT 8:34 PM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Related Engine Not Running Content

Car Cranking but Not Starting? Try This
VIDEO
Car Cranking but Not Starting? Try This
Instructional repair video
Engine Not Starting
GUIDE
Engine Not Starting
Over the past 20 years at 2CarPros we have identified the top problems that are easily fixed. This guide can save you a trip to the repair garage or calling a tow truck and...
VIEW MORE