did you changed your thermostat? You MUST keep around 195 degree thermostat in the vehicle at ALL TIMES due to the computer system.
The ignition module usually gets hot due to corroded electrical connections at the ignition module and or the module is HEAT SENSITIVE and needs to be replaced. (plug wires)
Ignition misfire can produce a variety of driveability symptoms including hard starting, rough idle, hesitation....
It sounds as if you have a bad ignition control module. It would be located on the distributor. On some of these vehicles, the module was moved over on to the side of the left fender. Ford had a lawsuit against them for these modules, but the time to submit claims against them has expired. It is also referred to as the thick film ignition (TFI)module.
You will have to have it scanned for codes, check with your parts house. They may scan for you.
it could be alot of different things, bud. my 89 is doing the same thing and i still haven't figured it out. they say its either the module, or ignition coil. the fuel pump could be bad. a vacuum line could be bad. or there could just be a bad relay.
The wires are fine, they were engineered to handle the electrical load of normal operation. If the wires have overheated it's because something shorted out or someone connected the electrical wrong.
The ICM is the grey long plastic piece attached to your distributor. This is where the plug is attached for controlling spark.3.8 liter motor's ICM is remote mounted - on the firewall to avoid the heat issue.AnswerLook at the distributor. There will be a module on the side that is either grey or black, and is about 3 inches long and 1 inch wide. It is held onto the distributor with two 7/32(5.5 mm) screws back inside of two holes on the module. You will have to get a thin wall socket to access them. I use a 1/4 drive deep well Sears Craftsman socket to get them off. NOTE: 7/32nds inch and 5.5MM are the same size, so either will work. 3.0 ICM Overheats(from the "Related Question" below) The 3.0 liter Taurus - Sable engines has a known ICM problem - Ignition Control Module - even a recall was out for this issue - ICM mounts to Distributor base, runs hotter than the motor - the ICM dies early.My issue was stalling after 2 hours freeway driving - would stall after pulling out for break or gas - OBD codes were 111 (KOEO) and after engine restarts (post cool down of 15-20 minutes, hood open) was also 111 (KOER). These are 'nothings wrong' codes. I did notice that there was NO spark when stalled, but fuel pressure was there and injectors clicked while cranking (stethoscope).I added a 2" * 28" 'preheat duct' tube from behind left head light to an inch or so behind the ICM/distributor base. I haven't stalled since I did this. Tube cost, Napa Auto, was less than $10.00. If anyone else tries this and they might be in a traffic congested area, might want to add a 12VDC PC CPU cooling fan - about another $10-12.AnswerThe control module is either fenderwell mounted or it is mounted on the distributor body. Try this ; go to a auto parts store and price one out and look at the part; then you will know what yours looks like. The one on the distributor will require a special wrench.update... the ignition control module on a 1992 mercury sable is located on the distributor. it requires a special 5.5mm ignition module removal tool that you can find online. and don't forget the hi temp grease!!Ahhh... The bolts troubled me for quite some time. As with all of our lovely American cars, they love to make ***special*** tools to remove what should be an easy part to remove. Instead of just attaching the module with simple Phillips screws, the engineers at ford decided to affix it with a 5.5mm bolt. ***however*** since the bolt is recessed about 1/2 inch, there are **no** deep well sockets that will reach it. So... You have to buy a ford "ignition module" tool to access those pesky bolts. I found one online for about 10 bucks. Also, don't buy the module from ford! They want over $215 dollars for it. I got one at checker for about $105.00.Steve phx AZ
The ignition control module for a 1995 ford f150 is an important part of the drive train. If the module is failing then the engine will run erratically or not start at all.
under the dist. cap
Could be the ignition module. It's attached to the side of the distributor.
On the distributor
Would be in the distributer or the ignition module
The only other thing you can really do is get a manual from your local parts store or online. The cost is about $20.
In general (very loosely) a misfire can be a bad plug, wire or coil.
Multiple & or random misfire(s)
Ignition relay is probably shot. It is in the power distribution block in the motor comprtment.
It sounds as if you have a bad ignition control module. It would be located on the distributor. On some of these vehicles, the module was moved over on to the side of the left fender. Ford had a lawsuit against them for these modules, but the time to submit claims against them has expired. It is also referred to as the thick film ignition (TFI)module.
misfire # 1 cylinder
Chances are there is no polarity. An ignition coil is simply a wound of wires used to generate high voltage. But you may find a marking on it such as a "+" or a red wire wich would indicate the positive electrode.