Motor keeps shutting down (PLEASE HELP)

[chuckster]

I have a 1988 Bronco II that keeps shutting down on me. I have had both fuel pumps replaced spark plugs wires ETC. I can be going down the road and it would be running fine then it will just shut down like it is not getting fuel. Does anybody have any ideas? Is there a computer chip that could cause this? Help Please I have already put over $1,000 in this thing and it still isn't right.

Thank You For Your Time

[Nobody]

It's probably the TFI module on the side of your distributor.

[85ranger4x4]

what do you have to do to get it to start running again?

I am going to put on my bench mechanic hat...I cant go play anywhere because i habe a code

[OCD4B2]

I would say either the inertia switch or the T.F.I. module like NOBODY said...... My T.F.I. module was going bad and started to make my idle terrible..up....down.....up....down...its B/S!!

[chuckster]

what do you have to do to get it to start running again?

I am going to put on my bench mechanic hat...I cant go play anywhere because i habe a code

[85ranger4x4]

well, TFI could be it, I am not too familiar with the 2.9L but that sounds like it is a common problem.

I would say its probably not the inerta switch because that is more like a circut breaker, once it trips, you have to reset it yourself.

Is there any certain driving condition that seems to make this happen? Something like, extended freeway driving, extended idleing, once it reaches a certain temperature, after the truck has been running for a certain amount of time, anything like that?

It sounds kind of like vapor lock except that it isn't hot out at all. One problem that happens with motorcycle's is that if the air vent's for the gas tank are stuck, then as the fuel is pulled out of the tank, it creates a vaccum and eventually it overpowers gravity/pumps and you have no more fuel flow.

Next time your truck does this, try popping off the gas cap to equalize the presure and then put it back on again and try driving. (it will atleast get this simple thing out of the picture)

Lastly, is there anything imporant we should know like "I got the truck stuck up to the windows in a lake and it stayed there for 2 days before we could get it out"

[chuckster]

Nope Its never been stuck in any water. It normaly will happen when I am driving down the interstate to work. There is nothing that I have noticed that is the same each time. I am usually traviling about 70 to 75 mph, no certain engine temp, it will just shut down. Friday I was passing a tractor and trailer about 75mph and it just started to die I started down shifting so I could keep all the power going and gut off the side of the road set there for about 20 min, then it would start back up.
Thanks Guys I really appreciate all of your ideas.

[DBrown]

TFI gets my vote......pull codes and it will tell you the problem

[JCinTN]

I am gonna have to agree on the TFI as well, especially considering that when you let it sit, it cools down and then starts up again. You can get a new one for like $30-$40 bucks, but be warned there is a special tool to get it off the side of the distributor. You might as well spend the 4 or 5 bucks to buy the special tool while you are at the parts store getting the TFI module or you will go crazy trying to figure out how to get it off with a regular socket. I didn't know about the tool and was goin nuts...It's called a Ford Ignition Module removal tool or something like that, I got mine at Autozone. And remember to use dielectric silicone grease when you install the new one. Haynes mentioned the grease but not the tool.

Good luck, let us know how it turns out.

[ranger5.0]

If it isn't the module, Fords through 80's are notorious for Ignition Switches failing. It is on the column and a lot of amps is drawn though it. I've seen where the main power wire has broke loose and you could be on a rough road and the power would shut off. Most times it would start right up again but it was annoying. Good Luck.

[85ranger4x4]

well, the tribe has spoken, it sounds like the TFI is the thing to do! Pulling the codes is also a good idea. I believe that some auto parts stores will pull the codes for you, but I dont know which ones. I just bought my own code reader.

If it dies while you are driving to get the TFI module, try the gas cap thing though, just for grins, atleast it will help pass the time

[B.wood]

Chuckster,,have you got your bronco running better!! If not have you replaced the P.C.M. computer that is, sounds like it may have a driver for the injector going open!! computer problems were fairly common!!I had to replace one in my 1989 B2!!

[Dreded]

Iv also have had a problem with the little air intake controller on the side of the intake its a silver box with two wires going to it wish i could remeber what its called but if your on the passenger side and you look at the itake yer staring at it :)

The other thing iv had the exact problem with two BII's is the fuel pump when its on its way out tends to cut in and out you let it sit for a bit and it works again :)

[Phillippi]

The other thing iv had the exact problem with two BII's is the fuel pump when its on its way out tends to cut in and out you let it sit for a bit and it works again :)

I too had this problem... The pump would heat up if the fuel was more the 1/2 gone. You let it sit or fill it up and it was good to go.

[silent_killer]

duuuude this sounds more like a loose wire then anything. you would be saprided how much trouble that would be.. on my 79 datsun i had the same problem. it was a loose wire on my distributor. it haunted me for 2 weeks and my friend found it for me another problem i had was the fusable link was warn and nt making a connection. here are two things everyone needs to have on there tool box.. (1) a repair manul for the auto there working on and a circuit tester with 12 volt globe. and you sould be able to get both for around $20.00. always do the cheapest first:D happy hunting but im sure its jsut a short in a wire some place