Thanks for the info jcassity, daddybair7, and Haystack. More information is always welcome, especially to someone like me..just starting out with learning to fix my own car. (snot, I'm still learning what all these tools are for.)
I wasn't solely relying on a website to diagnose my engine problem, but instead from other members of this forum with the same issue and upon the word of a trusted mechanic that took a look at my car when i had problems with it earlier in the week. I also spoke to the original owner who stated they'd never changed out the TFI or acted upon the class action recall by Ford of this part. They had changed out the starter and fuel pump, but the problem persisted. The owner said it was 'just something he learned to live with'. I don't want to just live with it, I'd like to try and fix it, even though I know that this particular part and placement tends to be a repeat offender concerning engine problems.
And you're right, it may not be the TFI, but the only way I'm going to find out, is to systematically work my way through it..starting with the TFI and harness. I know I didn't mention the harness being replaced in my earlier post, I just assumed that it would be natural to replace both at the same time.
Glad to hear you, your friend, and both vehicles are safe and sound. I do have to say that I would've done the same thing..followed them and tried to get their plate number. We're a pretty tight knit neighborhood around here and being on a dead-end street makes it easier to know who is/isn't supposed to be here.
I'm sure many have experienced this happening, but I just wanted to share my own experience of this frustrating and very scary occurrance.
Yesterday I had to take my 16y/o son to the ER for abdominal pain, which turned out to be an abdominal hernia requiring him to see a surgeon. As per family tradition following a medical visit, I took him to McDonalds for a chocolate shake. In order to get home, we had to get on the highway to make the 1/2 mile journey to the connector. About 1/4 mile from the stop light, the car shuddered and jolted then the engine completely cut out at 40 mph. Thankfully at the time there wasn't any traffic so I was able to put in neutral and coast to the stoplight, where we were at the head of the line. Repeated attempts to restart the engine failed, but due to this being a busy intersection, knew we couldn't stay there until the car chose to restart.
Still wearing a hospital gown over jeans, my son had me leave it in neutral and told me to cut the wheel so he could push the car when the light turned green. I don't know how he did it, under the influence of morphine and still in pain, but ignoring it, my son managed to push me until I'd maneuvered around the corner and was able to coast back into the the front entrance of the hospital. Even though he said he was fine, I had him rechecked. According to the ER staff, there were no problems so we went back to our parked car (amazingly between the lines) to try to restart it, which of course failed to respond. Frustrated, we caught the bus and went home.
Later in the evening after my daughter got home from work, we went back to the car to see if maybe it would start and get it home. Woohoo, it started up on the first try and made it the 4 mile journey home with no issues. Once there, I got online and looked up the pricing for the TFI module. Gawds was that a c as most auto parts stores have it listed as the Ignition Module (being such a newbie, it took me about 30 minutes to figure that out..duh). Nothing like confusing a person. Anywho, the price I settled on was $36 from Autozone.
So, the long short of it is, Saturday after getting my tools and the in-stock module, I plan on changing it out along with plugs and wires. Wish us luck!
Hi Lightningbird, not sure what programs you may have used to clean this issue, or if you're doing it manually. I've had problems like this before and have used Spybot Search & Destroy to rid my computer of the malicious that attached itself and cleans the registry as well. Its a free program with no limitations that comes highly recommended and operates on all OS. Hope this helps.
Great job and many thanks Thunder Chicken on the detailed list, now I don't need my secret decoder ring! Seriously, because as a new owner of a Cougar and being somewhat new to the garage/tool area..I'll admit I don't know diddly and am sometimes embarassed to ask 'what does that mean?'
The following is my personal contribution as I've used it quite frequently.
AS: Aww SH*T. A technical term often used by newer members quickly followed by the deep sigh and shaking of the head from side to side as they realize the complexity of the situation they're about to undertake. In some cases, its used after realizing they've removed a vital part unnecessarily and need to reinstall it hoping no one noticed.
I don't think there hasn't been a single 88 that hasn't had this problem. I've got it and it drives me crazy with it going on/off or just plain staying on no matter what the driving conditions are. I'm going to get a diagnostic code reader and check the codes to hopefully figure out what the issue is.
Anyone have a suggestion for a good, reliable, yet inexpensive reader? :D
...the TFI module had a known issue.. What pins do I check and in what sequence... This car has 208,000 miles on it... so any help would be greatly appreciated... Thanks, Odie
Hi Odie, not sure if this is what you're looking for, but the following link is for testing the TFI Module and includes detailed instructions including schematics. Hope it helps.
'recycler\s-4-1-39-100000297-100021362-1000014183-2200.com' This comes up when i try and open my harddrive. Computer is a laptop HP Pavillion DV5000. kinda me off:punchballs:
Sounds like you've got recycler.exe (an autorun program) installed on your computer that's a major PITA. Its not a virus so running any anti-virus program won't remove it from your system. The only way to fix this issue is to install Autorun Eater. from Cnet. Its a free application with no limitations and works for all OS.
Verrrrry purty! Other than the spinners, it looks like nothing needs to be changed. I can understand the sound system..and mebbe the strobes, but why would you want to put a spoiler on the back? Its beautiful the way she is..IMHO.
**just looked at the pics again..I could see strobes added, but from behind the grill. May I ask were they added for aesthetics or because you're with a volunteer fire department? (That was my first thought..if not..oops.)
Here in Southern CT, lately the weather has been pretty mild (50 day/30 night). At 0530 I'm sitting on the backporch drinking my coffee, listening to the birds, and gazing at my purty car.
lol..yeah I'm really excited. I've got 5 brothers and the only one my dad decided to bequeath his treasured tools too..was me..his only daughter, because he said I was the only one that would really use them. Go figure..lol.
Well, personally since this is my first resto project and technically I don't know diddly..or rather, not as much as the rest..I'm so very thankful for all the input from those more knowledgeable than myself. So post away..chuckles..and thanks again in advance..most kind of y'all to share! :D
On a side note: I don't know if this has ever happened to the rest of you when doing your first project, but I'm truly excited and with the responses am finding it to be a less daunting journey I'll be embarking upon with the project...and when I say 'excited'..yesterday I was literally bouncing and ready to finally take possession of the 3 rolling toolchests filled with tools (some I don't know what they're for but will find out) that my elderly father has given me. I'm going into work this afternoon and telling the boss that I'm taking next sunday off so I can work on my car! wooohoo..isn't knowledge great!
lol..no worries..everyone gets a lil jacked once in awhile. As far as knowing where to find the pics..all I did was ask my 16y/o son. He has friends that have donked/ruined their cars, so he's pretty well thinking its 'cool'. I on the otherhand am hijacking his young mind and having him help me restore the Cougar so he'll get an idea that learning to drive and owning a car doesn't mean he gets behind the wheel to drive to the local oil change shop.
