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Engine - No Start or Hard Start Condition


88ford23

^ NO START - ALL EEC IV WITH TFI

^ HARD START - ALL EEC IV WITH TFI

Article No. 88-20-9

FORD: 1987-88 ALL

LINCOLN-MERCURY: 1987-88 ALL

LIGHT TRUCK: 1987-88 ALL


ISSUE: A no start condition or hard start condition may be caused by a poor connection at the thick film ignition (TFI) module mating connector on the wire harness.

ACTION: Inspect the TFI module to make sure a good connection is present. Refer to the following procedure for service details.


1. Locate the TFI module. Check it and the mating connector on the wire harness to make sure they are properly seated and latched.

2. With the engine running, pull on the wire harness at the base of the connector shell. The pull should be hard enough to draw the wires straight and taut. If any of the above symptoms are observed or the engine stops running, inspect the wire harness and connector terminals for damage. Repair or replace the damaged components as necessary.

3. Grasp the connector shell and TFI module. Twist them back and forth. If any of above symptoms are observed or the engine stops running, remove the TFI module and inspect for terminal blade mislocation or bending. If the terminal blades are mislocated or bent, replace the TFI module.

4. Inspect the connector shell for the following items.

a. The red retainer clip should be present. If it is missing, install a new retainer clip.

b. The connector seal should be in place and seated to the connector at the latch base. If it is not properly seated, install and fully seat a new seal.

NOTE: IF THE ABOVE SYMPTOMS ARE STILL PRESENT AFTER COMPLETING THE TSB, REFER TO THE ENGINE/ EMISSIONS/DIAGNOSIS MANUAL.

OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES: None
WARRANTY STATUS: Eligible Under Basic Warranty, Emissions, and Major Component Coverage
OPERATION: 882009A
TIME: 0.4 Hr. - 1988 Continental, Thunderbird/ Cougar, Taurus/Sable with a 3.8L Engine
0.7 Hr. - 1987-88 Aerostar, Econoline
0.6 Hr. - All Other Vehicles
DLR. CODING: Basic Part No. 12A297
Condition Code: 44