No start, boggling my mind.

Ok, victim is an 87 Turbo Coupe 5 speed. During the summer the car would intermittenly quit on hot days. After it started cooling down outside this wasnt a problem. Fast forward to around October 10-ish. The car will only start when the gas is pressed. It will only stay running with the gas pressed, but when it's running, its spitting and sputtering. I've just replaced my PIP with a Motorcraft unit. I've tested the TFI on an ignition module tester and it said it was ok. I don't know how much I trust it though.

I've tested the fuel pump and it's giving me sufficient pressure. If it was the fuel pump going out, would it still run with the accelerator depressed? (Not all the way, that cuts off fuel completely I beleive). I'm going to test the fuel pump again tomorrow after work.

It's really weird because all of the sudden one day it started acting like this.

I have a TFI/PIP test routine that I have run a few times. It has found a dead PIP and a bad TFI on two occassions. It did not find a bad TFI that only quit when it got hot.???? I wonder (and don't know) if some of this stuff just won't pick up that kind of failure?????

what are you getting for codes?

The problem you are having sounds like a bad TFI. I had a car do the exact same thing about 2 years ago. It had spark, just very weak spark.

Hawk

The code 14 went away after I installed the PIP. I just went outside and pulled the codes and got a
21 ECT out of range
24 VAT out of range
28
83

I don't see the 28 and 83 on the list and when the codes ran the first time I didnt think those looked right.

If you've got a spare TFI, change it; I'll bet it fixes your problem. You've just described exactly how my driver TC behaved intermittently for the two days before it died completely. New TFI fixed it, YMMV.

Alright, I know I'm supposed to use Motorcraft only, but before I spend the $100, will a store brand make the car run? If it works I'll return it and get the MC.

Many places may not take returns on electrical stuff. Check before you buy.

Code 21 you will get this if coolant is less than 50*F

code 24. I think this is an ACT code on 87-88s and a VAF code on 84-85??

Code 28 - automatically generated if less than 50*F

83 - I got it as check EDF signal to Integrated Controller for open circuit. Problem with the cooling fan circuit

I work at Advance Auto. It's sad how much stuff they will take back. But will an auto parts TFI make the car run? I want to make sure the TFI is the problem before I buy the $100 Motorcraft part.

Yes, and if a known good unit won't work check the wiring and connectors and make sure the the TFI three prong connector on the distributor is very clean. The Motorcraft TFI is not the end-all of TFIs. Do a search and you will see modules from other manufacturers that NATO members find work well.

Alright guys, I'm going to pick one up from work tomorrow and see if it does the trick. I'd really like to be able to drive this car again so I can sell it