Engine dies and wont restart!

[luvmyBII]

My 1988 Bronco II will start and run/idle but after any length of time/miles the engine will die. Will not start or run until after it "cools" so to speak. I have had the codes read and there are no codes. I have replaced my fuel filter and this problem still occurs. HELP!

[rraven]

I have a 91 Van doing something similar - I think. It has twice died while I am driving. After it sits for about an hour it will start and run just fine - is this about what your is doing?

[SC Car Dude]

Sounds like the TFI ignition module is overheating (if you have one located on the distributor.) To find a picture of it go to images.google.com

You could replace it with a new one, but the problem will come back eventually. Ford got sued over this bad design and sometime in the early nineties relocated it remotely on the radiator support to help it stay cool. There are guides on the net on how to relocate it yourself if you want to try.

[BroncoJoe19]

It might well be the ignition moduale, but it could be other things as well.

When it won't start check to see if you are getting spark.

You can pull codes yourself with out a scanner.

Pull Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) From your onboard computer.
Your engine and transmission are computer controlled.
The computer uses sensors to tell it a number of different things and it controls actuators that push or pull mechanical levers (kinda). If one or more sensors aren't working properly, the computer goes "blind" and doesn't know what to do. If the computer can "see" but one of the actuators is broken and therefore can't follow the commands of the computer; the engine won't run correctly. The computer is preprogrammed with set values for each of its sensors, and each of its actuators. It will run a self check of all systems, like the space shuttle; it will compare its set value(s) to the value(s) it recieves from its sensors, and actuators. If any sensor or acutator is out of the "normal" range the computer will generate a "code." It will generate some codes on the fly, and others will be stored while you are driving. There is a simple method to "pull codes" out of the computer for one to use for diagnostic purposes.

Earlier versions of On Board Diagnostics OBD 1983-1995 can flash the error code to the dash board and can be pulled in one's driveway without any special tools.
Later versions of On Board Diagnostics OBDII some 1995, and pretty much all 1996 and newer, require one to use a code reader or scanner tool.

Some auto parts stores will scan your engine codes for FREE, you may want to call around. Some will scan OBDII but not the older (prior to 1996) OBD systems.

SO here you go...
How to scan FORD on board Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) in your driveway
Howto Pull Codes 1983-1995 Broncos, Mustang, F series Trucks, Econolines, 302, 351 and more