I have an 88 GT with a 2.8 engine and 5 speed. Problems started driving on the interstate at about 65 MPH. My car started to buck, sputter, and backfire. I got to where I was going and let the car sit. After a few hours, I got it started and it got me home with only some small issues. I later change the fuel filter and the car ran fine for the trip home. Next time I drove it, same issue of sputtering and backfires. I had the car checked and found that my EGR tube and O2 sensor were bad. A Rodney Dickman replacement, a new O2 sensor, distributor cap and rotor later, the car ran fine. Fine for about a day or two. Back to the same sputtering and backfiring. I took it back to the shop and they drove for about an hour with no issues to speak of (backfired once on the road but could not get it to so it in the shop).
I then drove it again and it ran like a champ. For about 2 days. Then halfway home from work it began to sputter and backfire (under load) and barely made it home. I died in the driveway and I was able to get it started again and limped into the garage. Now it will not start at all.
1) Checked fuel pressure and got the fuel geyser so I do not think it is that. 2) Car was checked and there are no vacuum leaks since the EGR tube was replaced. 3) The tach shows about 900 RPM when cranking so I do not think it is the ICM.
Any thoughts, directions, etc. would be GREATLY APPRECIATED. I am at my wits end. I have diagosed and searched for answers and I hate the idea of having to have it towed to a shop to have them try and fumble with a diagnosis.
Thanks in advance, FYI - the car has about 43000 miles.
Ignition coil, distributor module, pick-up coil, distributor cap and rotor - all routine maintenance items that could be the source of the problem you describe. When i had a v6, i replaced them all every 20-25 thousand miles. If you do all these and still have a problem, check the spark plug wires or plugged catalytic converter too.
[This message has been edited by PaulJK (edited 06-14-2014).]
Ignition coil, distributor module, pick-up coil, distributor cap and rotor - all routine maintenance items that could be the source of the problem you describe. When i had a v6, i replaced them all every 20-25 thousand miles. If you do all these and still have a problem, check the spark plug wires or plugged catalytic converter too.
I second PaulJK's opinion. Weak spark; no matter what part of the ignition system will cause your symptoms.
Ignition control modules can fail in different ways. The most common symptom is the car will die and can not restart until it cools down(if even then). Another way I have seen it fail is the car will take a little longer to start and/or will have a miss/backfire. This may not be your problem but I wouldn't dismiss it just because the tach moves while cranking. Good luck.
I third Paul's opinion. I have experienced ignition problems on a few cars that all displayed similar symptoms, especially under load. In my experience it was most often a plug wire gone bad, but I would suggest you replace plugs and wires first, then test it. If problem still persists then I'd check the cap+rotor and the ECM.
[This message has been edited by lateFormula (edited 06-14-2014).]
Ignition coil, but before you replace it make your plugs needs to be properly gapped (INCLUDING THE FRONT 3) and your spark plug wires need to be less than 10K ohm per foot or at least no older than 3 years old.
I got a new ignition coil, installed it and started right up. I bouhht the ICM also but have not replaced it yet. Should I do that or wait till it goes out? I plan on getting new plugs and wires soon. Any advice?
I got a new ignition coil, installed it and started right up. I bouhht the ICM also but have not replaced it yet. Should I do that or wait till it goes out? I plan on getting new plugs and wires soon. Any advice?
When the ICM goes out, it'll leave you stranded. If it was me, i'd do it now. Taylor wires and NGK UR5 plugs and you'll be good to go
[This message has been edited by PaulJK (edited 06-18-2014).]
put that song up because that has always been my philosophy on replacing parts to see what one is broke, that and I like the song,
But back to the problem at hand,
replace one part at a time to make sure you are replacing the part that is the problem, also testing each part before replacing it can save you a lot of time and money.
by the way my vote is the pickup coil, take a look at it, if the protective plastic wrap is worn off then it is probably the problem, especially if the problem only rears its ugly head when its raining or the humidity is high.
Steve
------------------ Technology is great when it works, and one big pain in the ass when it doesn't
Detroit iron rules all the rest are just toys.
[This message has been edited by 84fiero123 (edited 06-18-2014).]
