Motor turns but doesn't start

theecustomizer · 03-19-2009

I have an 88 2.3L mustang and I just had a windshield put in and I went to get the car and it stated fine but I only got 4 blocks away and the car stalled and wouldn't start so I left the car for a bit and came back to it and it started went to blocks and stalled again. Now I can't get it to fire up. I have changed the coil, rotor, cap, plug wires, spark plugs, and I have changed the battery post connections. any ideas what it is?

**white angel** · 03-19-2009

Welcome!!

Check out the 2.3 forums!!

thico · 03-19-2009

It could be the ignition coil or the ignition control module that it's on the distributor....
Try to change the ignition coil first!
Good Luck!

wingzero_ac19x · 03-19-2009

I am assuming that you have checked and have no spark. If not, make sure it is not a fuel problem. But assuming you have no spark, it sounds like the problem I just got solved with my 2.3. Are you getting spark anywhere in the system? Check for spark from the coil, then go from there. If there is no spark anywhere in the system, then like previously stated, it could be the ignition module. It could also be the stator in the distributor (which was my problem). But ignition modules burn out more often then the stator, so check that first. If you decide to replace the ignition module, make sure to coat the metal plate on the module with dielectric grease before seating it on the distributor.

NavySVO · 03-19-2009

Check for spark by hooking up a timing light like normal. Have someone crank it over and pull the light trigger then look for strobing. You can do this on the coil wire as well.

If the coil strobes but not the spark plug wire, look to see if your tach will bounce while the engine turns over. If it doesn't, then I would suspect the PIP (stator, like I told wingzero on his) is toast.

To rule out the TFI, you can have a parts store check it for you. I have a procedure at home for testing both as well, I will try and remember to post it up. All you will need is a meter.

NavySVO · 03-19-2009

here you be, good luck

nigel · 03-19-2009

Check to make sure the distrubutor cap isn't cracked. That happened to me.

theecustomizer · 03-20-2009

did the coil and computer I just got the tfi mod still and thanks

FrancisMcK · 03-21-2009

i'm not sure if your 2.3 is carburated or not since it is 88. if it electronic fuel injection, check in the trunk area at the very rear inside of the car behind the plastic panels. there should be a little box with a button mounted there. if there is, pop the little button up and push it back doww. this resets your fuel system on efi engines. my 2.3 had the same problem a few months ago and this turned out to be the problem.

NavySVO · 03-23-2009

that is the inertia switch that is installed in case of impact, it should trip and shut off the fuel pump.

Sometimes these trip for some strange, unexplained reason. This does not "reset" the fuel system. It is just like a tripped circuit breaker that interrupts the power to the fuel pump.

theecustomizer · 03-29-2009

I have pushed that button and changed the computer, tfi module, cap, rotor, wires and plugs. now I had to pull the disturber out so the timing I thought was out but it doesn't seem to be with the stuff I read in the book and internet about timing with out a timing light. so I lost if its still my timing or something else. the car turns over it sparks and the fuel is coming in cuz I can smell it, but it will not fire up just after turning the key and letting go the motor sounds like it is trying to fire but is stalling out.

IXXBC · 03-30-2009

Sorry if this has been covered, but if you smell it could your engine be flooding?

I also may have missed it, but are you EFI or carb?