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

dies unexpectedly

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jan 7, 2016 | 08:40 AM
  #1  
ptavery's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Default dies unexpectedly

My son has a 1994 F150 XLT with a 5.0. Runs beautifully, and out of the blue has a brief stutter. Sometimes the engines cone right back, sometimes dies and won't restart. The only code I pulled was the throttle position sensor, which we replaced. We then replaced the ignition module and it ran great for two days and is down again. Fuel pressure is good, grounds, fusible links and connector are clean and solid. Any ideas?
Reply
Old Jan 7, 2016 | 08:51 AM
  #2  
Chris_1's Avatar
5 Year Member
10 Year Member
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 5,811
Likes: 712
From: Ontario, Canada
Default

Fuel pressure has to be checked with a gauge, it'll start to sputter and die if it drops below 30 psi ; should be over 40 - just in case you weren't aware.
Other thing to check is spark, which is likely if changing an ignition part helped. Main components are the coil, the ICM on the driver's fender and the PIP (signal pickup module inside the distributor).
My first guess would be the PIP - they work and don't work sporadically just before they quit completely.
Reply
Old Jan 7, 2016 | 08:55 AM
  #3  
BLDTruth's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 2,918
Likes: 489
From: Oregon
Default

Pickup coil in the distributor is my first guess. Had the same problem - would randomly die, usually on the freeway. Sometimes it would pop right back on, sometimes it would take 30 min - 3 hours to restart. When it wouldn't start I would have no spark at all. Replaced ICM, rotor, cap, plugs before I finally figured it out.

If it does turn out to be the pickup, your best bet is just to replace the whole distributor. You have to pull the distributor to replace it anyways, and it is not the easiest fix.

EDIT: ^^^Chris beat me to it but just in case there is any confusion the PIP and the pickup are the same thing.
Reply
Old Jan 7, 2016 | 09:10 AM
  #4  
ptavery's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Default

I was wondering about the pip, but wanted to check with people smarter than I. I'll give it a try, Thanks!
Reply
Old Jan 8, 2016 | 04:50 PM
  #5  
mach1threat's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 37
Likes: 4
Default

Try cleaning the relays. Mine were on right side by air filter. Mine were green with oxidation. I used wire brush and electrical parts and contact cleaner.
Reply
Old Jan 8, 2016 | 05:41 PM
  #6  
ptavery's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Default

I'll check that too, thanks!
Reply
Old Jan 10, 2016 | 01:20 PM
  #7  
unit505's Avatar
Salvage Yard Pro
 
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 2,543
Likes: 129
From: Keithville, La
Default

No one has mentioned the idle air control valve. It will cause the truck to shut down unexpectedly and cause all of your symptoms. Very easy to change and i think I paid $15 for the last one I bought new. Also, with my '95 4.9, the IAC did not throw a code. My '94 5.0 threw an intermittent code.
Reply




All times are GMT -4. The time now is 08:40 PM.