Turbostang
10-21-2001, 03:42 AM
Well, my car has decided to break down on me AGAIN... seems about once per month, it finds a new way to leave me stranded.
Day before yesterday, I'm leaving for work, so get in the car... it cranks, but no start.
Pulled the codes, code 18 comes up... Loss of tach signal to the EEC.
I figure dead ignition module. Verify by pulling a plug and looking for a spark.
No spark.
Replace the ignition module
Still no spark.
I went through, cleaned all contacts, checked the coil for proper resistances, along with the wires, coil wire, etc.
OK, everything is now clean, or checks out to be in operating condition.
Still won't spark. Code 18 is STILL there, even AFTER erasing the memory codes.
Leaves me to think one of two things are bad. Either the PIP sensor in the distributor has gone bad, or the computer itself has fried.
So looks like yet ANOTHER expensive repair.
I do have an '87 T-bird computer. However, I need a large VAM, intercooler, harness, VSS, ACT, and octane switch just to make the new computer work again. Going to be another extended down period.
We are also going into the wet half of the year about now... and I am limited to working on my car outside.
The other options I have are:
Replace the merkur computer with another Merkur computer... IF I can find another Merkur computer.
Try replacing the PIP sensor... will require pulling the alternator, and a few other parts as well. I PROBABLY ought to try this first, even though this is not the likely problem.
======================================
OK, the bad news... Once I get the Merk running again, I've decided I'm going to sell it, and get another vehicle.
Simply put, I can't rely on this car as a daily driver. It has spent more time in the garage or being repaired than it has on the road. My monthly repair bills are rediculous... at about $250-$300 a month, I could literally be making payments on a new 2001 GT. Don't think the idea hasn't crossed my mind either.
I am about at the point of switching jobs... that means the time to move on this is now.
I am thinking about the following:
'85-92 5.0L Mustang
'89 up 5.0L T-bird
Crown Vic... I took a ride in one equipped with the police package... those cars really move when they don't have all the police stuff mounted on them.
2nd Gen Probe GT.
Other possibilities?
It's pretty safe to say that I have run my course with the 2.3L at this time. I don't intend to leave the forum... but like said, I simply can't afford to keep this car.
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Artist formerly known as Reindeer
Day before yesterday, I'm leaving for work, so get in the car... it cranks, but no start.
Pulled the codes, code 18 comes up... Loss of tach signal to the EEC.
I figure dead ignition module. Verify by pulling a plug and looking for a spark.
No spark.
Replace the ignition module
Still no spark.
I went through, cleaned all contacts, checked the coil for proper resistances, along with the wires, coil wire, etc.
OK, everything is now clean, or checks out to be in operating condition.
Still won't spark. Code 18 is STILL there, even AFTER erasing the memory codes.
Leaves me to think one of two things are bad. Either the PIP sensor in the distributor has gone bad, or the computer itself has fried.
So looks like yet ANOTHER expensive repair.
I do have an '87 T-bird computer. However, I need a large VAM, intercooler, harness, VSS, ACT, and octane switch just to make the new computer work again. Going to be another extended down period.
We are also going into the wet half of the year about now... and I am limited to working on my car outside.
The other options I have are:
Replace the merkur computer with another Merkur computer... IF I can find another Merkur computer.
Try replacing the PIP sensor... will require pulling the alternator, and a few other parts as well. I PROBABLY ought to try this first, even though this is not the likely problem.
======================================
OK, the bad news... Once I get the Merk running again, I've decided I'm going to sell it, and get another vehicle.
Simply put, I can't rely on this car as a daily driver. It has spent more time in the garage or being repaired than it has on the road. My monthly repair bills are rediculous... at about $250-$300 a month, I could literally be making payments on a new 2001 GT. Don't think the idea hasn't crossed my mind either.
I am about at the point of switching jobs... that means the time to move on this is now.
I am thinking about the following:
'85-92 5.0L Mustang
'89 up 5.0L T-bird
Crown Vic... I took a ride in one equipped with the police package... those cars really move when they don't have all the police stuff mounted on them.
2nd Gen Probe GT.
Other possibilities?
It's pretty safe to say that I have run my course with the 2.3L at this time. I don't intend to leave the forum... but like said, I simply can't afford to keep this car.
------------------
Artist formerly known as Reindeer