Stalling SHO

[90MinnSHO]

My 1990 Taurus SHO is stalling out. I had this problem last fall when the engine would get up to operating temperature. I replaced the DIS module in the winter ( I live in Minnesota where it gets really cold) and haven't had any problems until now as the outside temperature is warming up to 50-60 degrees F. The symptoms are that the car seems to die when at operating temperature (5-10 minutes after starting) and when the RPM's are down. When it happens while driving, meaning in gear and in motion the car bucks, as if it died and the clutch grabbed it back into starting. It also dies when out of gear, idling, and coming to a stop (like at a stop sign or pulling into a parking lot). It is making it impossible to drive it anywhere and I don't want to make another costly repair (like my new DIS) that doesn't address the problem. I have a 91 parts car with a bad tranny and could possibly use the parts off of that. I read that it may be my crank and cam position sensors but wonder if anyone else thinks it could be them before I try it. Also, what is a MAF sensor? Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Andy

<small>[ April 07, 2002, 11:49 PM: Message edited by: 90MinnSHO ]</small>

 

[AutoSHO]

Almost certainly your CPS. I would give 999/1000 odds that is what the problem is. The reason its dying is because your water pump is leaking. In order to get to all this you have to remove the timing belt. If you have the money, buy a Timing Belt, CPS, and Water Pump, and you wont have to worry about that end of the engine again for quite a while!

:Edit- the MAF sensor is the one right on the airbox, connected to the black intake hose on the driver's side of the engine. good Luck fixing it!

<small>[ April 08, 2002, 01:03 AM: Message edited by: AutoSHO ]</small>

 

[wuzzzer]

I can't help you with your problem, but I was wondering where in MN you're at? I live in St. Cloud.

 

[sdpatt]

Can you check the EEC codes? If it is the crankshfat position sensor that is sporadically failing, there is a very good chance you will find a memory code to implicate it. Another symptom of the CPS failing is the tachometer dropping instantly to zero even when the engine is still spinning as you are coasting.

<small>[ April 08, 2002, 06:03 PM: Message edited by: sdpatt ]</small>

 

[90MinnSHO]

Thank you all for your help! I know a friend with a cheap EEC-IV tester for 80-90's Fords that he uses for V8's like Mustangs, T-Birds, Lincolns, etc. Will that work on my car. Also I live in Anoka, just 40 minutes east of St. Cloud.

Thanks Again,
Andy

 

[ryancutler]

I'm about 40 minutes east of you...
Somerset WI....

Anyone coming to X-FEST???

 

[KYSHO]

If it is the Crank Position Sensor failing wouldn't that take several minutes up to and hour or so to reset rather than the engine just dying and then restarting? The CPS is certainly not a simple repair that one should jump into without knowing for sure. You can also with alittle practive pull the code without a reader by just using the CEL and a jumper. I don't remember the URL but just do a such on pulling engine codes.