1989 Mustang Won't start!

mustang4155 · 08-13-2006

I have a 1989 5.0L LX. I just completed a tear down and rebulid of the engine. I got to try to start it for the first time. It starts. I attempt to tweek in the timing by ear and check the operation. As I do this, the engine kills on an adjustment of the distributor. All is good except I forgot to tighten a exhaust header. I tighten it all up and all is still good. I also noticed I forgot to hook up a wire at the upper intake near the throttle body. I hooked it up..... I try to start the car again..... DEAD!!! I figure out that the coil isn't firing..... I replaced the coil.... No go. I check power to the coil. There is power. I test the resistance across the coil. It's within spec but barely. It's on the low end. Something is telling the coil not to fire. I replaced the ignition module (on the distributor).... No go..... I'm exhausted and deflated. Anyone know what the hell is going on here??? The book talks about an amplifier module. I think that is in the ignition module but, I'm not sure. It's only discussed in the first paragraph which explains the operation of the ignition system (which I'm not sure I truely understand). There's no procedure for replacement or anything for this amp module!!... Did they just misspeak in that paragragh, and really mean ignition module??? What do I do now? I fell like I'm just fishing now. I thought I'd just replace the whole distributor but, I don't know. I just keep throwing good money after bad!!!

When I say no go, I mean the engine attempts to start. It turns over and everything, just doesn't start.... No spark from the coil.....

mustanghelper · 08-14-2006

do you think the motor is way out of time still? disconnect the spout connector, and try to start it. check to see if all your plug wires are tight on the plugs.

mustang4155 · 08-15-2006

I'll do that but shoudn't there be a spark coming from the coil whether it's way out of time or not? Or even if the plugs are disconnected. That's how you check your plug wires by disconnecting them and using a screwdriver to test them. There's no spark coming from the coil. Those things are downstream of that...... What exactly is a spout connector????

spike00svt · 12-16-2006

If anyone could help me out I think I have the same problem on a 1986 GT 5.0. I was driving about 35mph and the motor cut out. I found that I also do not have spark coming from the coil. I replace the coil, timing module (on the distributor), and the PCM. I thought the PCM was shorted and this was the reason it wasn't sending a signal to the coil. I have constant power at the coil but the ground signal doesn't fluctuate from on to off while the engine is cranking. I was told that if the hall effects switch in the distributor is bad it won't tell the PCM when to fire the coil and the hall effect switch also operates the tachometer. So if this switch is bad the tach and the coil would not work. Any information would be a huge help.

ajreed69 · 12-26-2006

pull a plug and leave plug wire attached. then jump the starter relay w/key on. this will easily determine if you have spark or not, because you have view of the actual plug'. if you have spark, check your fuel pressure. you probably hear the fuel pump kick on just by turning key to "on" position, and listen carefully towards the rear of car. if you have spark, and fuel pressure (stock fuel pump is 40 psi w/key, you do not even have to start the engine), then go back to timing. spark, and fuel pressure are quick easy checks. good luck.

The Greek · 12-29-2006

First thing never pull an ignition wire off of the coil or spark plug without allowing for a path to ground. If not grounded that high voltage will find the path of least resistance like back through the coil and into the ignition module,good by module. The Hall effect switch is what replaced the old ignition points set up. It is a small coil with an interruptor that passes through a small set of magnets. when cranking the engine there should be a pulsing signal to the coil from the distributor. These Hall switch assys. sometimes do go bad and are available for replacement. You must have a pulsing signal to the coil or it will not produce any high voltage to the spark plug side. Wanted to throw that info out there to you. Lots of luck to you all.---- Chuck- The Hall switch is located in the distributor. The definition for SPOUT is Spark Output Signal from the EEC-IV processor.

pimpenstang · 01-03-2007

it is very common for that part to go out in the distributor...start there its alot cheaper

michael1945 · 10-14-2007

Where Is The Computer Module Located On A 1989 Lx 2.3

davashcow · 10-31-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by michael1945

Where Is The Computer Module Located On A 1989 Lx 2.3

Should be sitting right where a 5.0 module is located...behind the passenger kick panel. If you sit in the pass. seat and move your foot to the right, you will kick the panel that covers the module. (on a 5.0)