Topic Sponsor
1987 - 1996 F150 Still running strong! Talk about your 8th and 9th generation Ford F150 trucks.

1991 f150 turns over but won't run

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Feb 22, 2016 | 12:01 PM
  #1  
sonnylynnvick75's Avatar
Thread Starter
Vintage bike builder
 
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 122
Likes: 7
From: Flintstone, GA
Default 1991 f150 turns over but won't run

I'm so close to getting all these stupid bugs worked out. Heres the schpeil:
I drove the truck last thursday and everything ran fine. I got in Friday morning and it would turnover but wouldn't crank. Fuel pump is coming on and getting fuel to the engine but no spark. Its a 1991 f150 xlt lariat 4x4 with the 5.0L. my best guess is to replace the distributor and TFI module. anyone have any experience or suggestions?
Reply
Old Feb 22, 2016 | 12:54 PM
  #2  
88xlt's Avatar
Senior Member
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 1,037
Likes: 141
From: South Dakota
Default

Yes I have experience and a suggestion. Most likely the ignition module on the side of the distributor went dead. You will need a special tool to remove and reinstall the ignition module. On a 5.0 you will probably need to turn the distributor to do this. Be sure to make some marks before you loosen the distributor hold down bolt so you can get it close to back in time.

Don't forget to apply the special heat sink grease to the side of the new module when you install it.
Reply
Old Feb 22, 2016 | 12:57 PM
  #3  
sonnylynnvick75's Avatar
Thread Starter
Vintage bike builder
 
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 122
Likes: 7
From: Flintstone, GA
Default

Originally Posted by 88xlt
Yes I have experience and a suggestion. Most likely the ignition module on the side of the distributor went dead. You will need a special tool to remove and reinstall the ignition module. On a 5.0 you will probably need to turn the distributor to do this. Be sure to make some marks before you loosen the distributor hold down bolt so you can get it close to back in time.

Don't forget to apply the special heat sink grease to the side of the new module when you install it.
You hopefully just made my day. I didn't know if I needed to replace the entire distributor or just the TFI (ignition module) or If i needed to replace the ECM.
Reply
Old Feb 22, 2016 | 01:02 PM
  #4  
88xlt's Avatar
Senior Member
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 1,037
Likes: 141
From: South Dakota
Default

Originally Posted by sonnylynnvick75
You hopefully just made my day. I didn't know if I needed to replace the entire distributor or just the TFI (ignition module) or If i needed to replace the ECM.
The ignition module going dead is the most likely thing on a 1991 or older Ford. Pretty common, just playing the odds, but a very good bet.
Reply
Old Feb 22, 2016 | 02:30 PM
  #5  
BLDTruth's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 2,918
Likes: 489
From: Oregon
Default

Could also be the ignition coil or the PIP inside of the distributor.
Reply
Old Feb 23, 2016 | 07:18 AM
  #6  
memoniz's Avatar
Senior Member
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 535
Likes: 63
From: Raleigh, NC
Default

Advanced Auto (and probably others) can check your module to see if it is any good once you get it out.
Reply
Old Mar 7, 2016 | 01:31 PM
  #7  
sonnylynnvick75's Avatar
Thread Starter
Vintage bike builder
 
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 122
Likes: 7
From: Flintstone, GA
Default

And the results are in.... bad ICM. Replaced it Friday afternoon and it fired right up.
Reply
Old Jun 15, 2025 | 05:50 PM
  #8  
Twobugz's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Jun 2025
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Default

I have the same problem and replaced fuel relay, EEC relay, coil,ignition module and finally distributor. Thought for sure it would fire. But no spark from coil wire still. What am I missing??
Reply
Old Jun 15, 2025 | 07:25 PM
  #9  
88xlt's Avatar
Senior Member
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 1,037
Likes: 141
From: South Dakota
Default

Originally Posted by Twobugz
I have the same problem and replaced fuel relay, EEC relay, coil,ignition module and finally distributor. Thought for sure it would fire. But no spark from coil wire still. What am I missing??
Have you checked if you are getting power up to the coil, through one of the small wires that hook onto the coil? You have to turn the ignition switch on while checking this. Don't forget to turn the ignition switch off after checking this.

What vehicle are you working on YEAR and ENGINE?

Reply




All times are GMT -4. The time now is 01:22 AM.