please help i am at my wits end

alright, here goes. my 89 mustang gt started inadvertently stalling while driving. mainly during turns, mostly while just parking. i would just put it in neutral and then it would start back up sometimes it would die right away but again i would just keep starting it until it ran. well one day i went to the store and came back shut the car off and when i went in it later to start it, nothing. the engine keeps turning but will not start. i changed the following parts:

fuel pump relay
fuel pump
inertia switch
fuel filter
spark plugs
engine computer

when i turn the key i do not here the pump prime at all even after changing all the above. i have to put 12 vdc directly to the pump in order to get it to send fuel, still no start. i dont see any spark at the spark plug wires when i detach it and try and make it arc to check for spark. i am at the end of my knowledge. the next thing to do is take it to a mechanic shop and have them look at it but it will cost me an arm and a leg. what else do you think it might be? if you may not know the answer please if you can pass this on to someone you know who might know the problem i would be greatfull. this is becoming a headache. i am very good with tools and working on my own. i have done all the work on my car myself due to the fact i want to learn as much as possible.

the only thing that has been done recently is the transmission was rebuilt shortly before this problem started but i think they are unrelated or could have the tranny shop messed something up? just thought i would throw that in there since it was shortly before this problem arose. thank you for your help.

bigmann245

Did you check fuses? How about codes? It would be good to run a KOEO (key on engine off) test. You sure no spark? There is a main relay next to ECM.

Did you check fuses? How about codes? It would be good to run a KOEO (key on engine off) test. You sure no spark? There is a main relay next to ECM.


i was told to get codes the car has to be running in order for a code to kick out. at leased thats what im told. what is the key on engine off test?

It will test sensors, solenoids and relays with the engine not running. If you get some codes from this, it may get you closer to your problem.

I'd be willing to bet its another classic TFI issue. The TFI is that box on your distributor. Check it out.

My problem sounds nearly identical to yours. I've done almost everything you have and I feel your pain. My code scanner is giving no codes. I may have it towed to a mechanic tomorrow before I waste any more money on it. I'll let you know if I find anything out.

I'd be willing to bet its another classic TFI issue. The TFI is that box on your distributor. Check it out.
Yup, my thoughts exactly!

My 89 gt convert does the same thing. Mine restarts after the engine temperature drops below 120 degrees. Mine will go between 5 and 20 miles before it dies. Just like yours, sometimes the fuel pump comes in, sometimes it doesn't. this seems to happen to high mileage mustangs, perhaps some switch or sensor is old and gets tripped or shuts down at high operating temps?

alright, i changed the following

rotor
distributor cap
ignition mod
ignition coil
plug wires

i now have spark but still no start. the engine just keeps turning and will not start. the fuel pump still will not prime, i put 12 vdc to it and i can here it pumping at the engine. i here the fuel going in. can there be a clog somewhere? i am about to chuck this whole car. any suguestions besides ditching the car?

Well, i changed my ignition module today and it started right up. I was hoping you had the same problem but I see you already changed it. Sorry you're havin such trouble. I don't know what else to tell ya.

alright, i changed the following

rotor
distributor cap
ignition mod
ignition coil
plug wires

i now have spark but still no start. the engine just keeps turning and will not start. the fuel pump still will not prime, i put 12 vdc to it and i can here it pumping at the engine. i here the fuel going in. can there be a clog somewhere? i am about to chuck this whole car. any suguestions besides ditching the car?


Disconnect the fuel line at the regulator and put the key in the on position see if the fuel is flowing that far that will help tell you if you have a plug in the lines that far.

I finally found the problem. thanks to all who tried to help me. it ended up being a broken ground wire next to the starter. it was broken way down underneath all the wires that go to the starter and ground. once i repaired the wire the pumped primed and i was able to start the stang no problem. i decided to start chasing wires since im an aviation electrician and figured since i changed all the parts in the fuel and ignition systems it had to be a wire somewhere. it still is a good thing i changed all those parts anyway since the gt is an 89 and had a lot of old origional parts. i learned a lot from all this so thanks to all who gave their advice. take care all.