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1995 ford van e150 6 cyl auto just stopped running


Sent to Car Experts August 16, 2006 10:03 a.m.

My 1995 ford van e150 6 cyl auto just stopped running as i was driving down the street. It cranks ok and sort of sounds like it is trying to start but it will not. Do you have any suggestions as to what may have gone bad. Should i start swapping parts or is this something that needs to go to a repair shop.

Optional Information:
1995 Ford E150 6 cyl

Already Tried:
replaced the fuel filter. There was pressure at the filter.
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status: Closed   Value: $5   
Answer
August 16, 2006 12:01 p.m. (1 hour and 58 minutes later)
REPLIED Check Mark

A basic approach to no-start diagnosis is to try and figure out what is missing: fuel or spark. Since you didn't mention if spark was checked, I suggest checking that next. It is a bit more difficult on a van due to space constraints, but if you take off the engine cover inside the van it is much easier. Use a spark tester or take off one of the spark plug boots and insert a screw driver, then lay the screwdriver on the engine. If the ignition system is working, you will see a spark jump from the metal shaft of the screwdriver to the metal on the engine. Try to arrange the screwdriver so that the shaft is not directly touching, leave a 1/4" gap for the spark to jump. The spark tester is cheap and easy alternative to the screwdriver if you want. It simply plugs into the removed boot, and clips to the engine. A little window shows the spark jumping.

If there is no spark when cranking the engine, the ignition module most likely is bad. Replace it and retest. If it still does not start, then you should probably seek help. If you wanted, you could also check the electrical signal that controls the injectors by using a "noid" light, this entails disconnecting an injector and plugging the connector into the noid light. If the light flashes, then you know the injectors are getting commanded to inject fuel.

Please press Accept if this answer is helpful. Thanks!

Brian  -- Service Engineer -- 100% Positive Feedback on 209 Car Accepts
ASE Certified Master Tech, Bachelor's of Science in Automotive Technology, Ford Factory Trained
Reply to Brian
Sent August 16, 2006 12:30 p.m. (28 minutes and 58 seconds later)

I'm sorry, I should have told you that I did check the spark and it does spark. Is it possible the control module is bad.
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
August 16, 2006 1:42 p.m. (1 hour and 11 minutes later)
ACCEPTED Check Mark

It is possible, but diagnosis should be done to avoid wasting money. If the control module is bad, the injectors will not fire. So, doing the noid light test will help determine if there might be a control module problem. However, a wiring fault could also cause the injectors not to fire. Better to do some diag before buying any parts. If it is not something simple that you can find right off the bat, then it might make more sense to let a tech look at it. They can plug in their scantool and check many things much quicker than you could by manually checking everything.

Control module failure is usually rare. In most of the pinpoint tests of the shop manual, the module is the last thing the tests say to replace, only after all other checks have been done.

Brian  -- Service Engineer -- 100% Positive Feedback on 209 Car Accepts
ASE Certified Master Tech, Bachelor's of Science in Automotive Technology, Ford Factory Trained

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