HELP!! '87 Escort dies - Probably electrical

1987 Escort dies after running for about 2 minutes, then turns over but won't start.

The engine instanstly dies (no sputter or anything), which led me to believe it was an electrical problem. Everything else electrical is working (Lights, heater, ... etc.)

- Checked all the obvious stuff: fuel pump, air filter, plugs...etc.
- Checked for spark....none
- Tested plug leads and coil to distributor lead...fine (almost new)
- Checked distributor cap and rotor...fine (almost new)
- Tested coil primary voltage...fine
- Replaced coil

After letting the car sit for a while it starts fine, only to die again a few minutes later.

I believe it is the TFI-IV ignition system because the ignition module has six terminals (As shown in the Haynes manual). And the transmission is automatic, if that makes a difference.


Any suggestions or ideas?

Thanks!

Its the TFI (Thick Film Integrated) ignition module. It gets hot and it dies.

-Edit-
Ford recalled them last year. (safety issue, could die on highway) But recall is only honored if your escort has less then 100k on it.

Problem Solved.

Replaced distributor and ignition module. Just replacing the module didn't do it, but the bearings in the distributor were worn so I suspect that was causing the module to heat up even more.
The ignition module was gone though: solder joints from the terminals to the board were cracked.

Runs better than it ever did.

hi, I have just a fast ? my son`s car is doing kinda the same thing, it starts but after a few minutes it shuts off, let it sit for about 30 minutes, it starts back up. my son been cleaning the fuel filter and its starts. I have already changed the wires, plugs, and filters. was you car doing these things too?? thanks for your time


Rose :banghead:

Yep, those are the symptoms. Get a distributor with ignition module from a wrecker (Try to get one from a newer vehicle that uses the same parts), that solved our problem.

Hmm... I had assumed your 93 Escort was fuel injected.... I have a tendency to do that.

If your 93 is the 1.8 engine with a distributor then this may be a good way for you to go.... but know that the parts used on the 87 model will be different. May be a similar problem though.

If your car is the 1.9 fuel injected model then this stuff won't apply to your problem.

Its the TFI (Thick Film Integrated) ignition module. It gets hot and it dies.

-Edit-
Ford recalled them last year. (safety issue, could die on highway) But recall is only honored if your escort has less then 100k on it.


Recalls are good for a lifetime...they are always honored regardless of age or wear, unless the part being recalled has been altered in anyway.