brnc_bstr87

I need some help with a 1987 gt. When I go to start it seems like it has to build up before it kicks over. There are no clicking noises. After it's ran awhile and warm it won't restart until it cools. Also the negative battery cable gets warm but it's grounded properly. Could it be my battery going out or maybe I need another battery with more amp output??? Any info would be awesome.

mattdel

Hot ground cables indicate that they aren't grounded well enough for the current draw on the + side. Test them with a DVOM. Anything over 30 mA is bad. Also, hard/no start conditions after warmup are usually TFI module or PIP.

ttocs

not sure what testing for current with volt/ohm meter will show but it sounds neat.

as he said the ground should not get hot. I would go ahead and disconnect it, make sure it is bare metal under it and remount it. I assume that you mean the ground by the battery but be sure to check the motor-chassis ground as well. On my 94 I know it is at the back passenger side but I am not sure about yours.

Also on the slow starts, can you hear the fuel pump charge the system when you first turn the key?

Project 5.GO!

+1 on the TFI module. Had to do that little guy twice over the 15 years I had my Stang.

brnc_bstr87

Cool thanks for the leads. 2 questions though... What is a PIP? Also, if the spark plugs are really bad could that be part of the problem? I haven't checked them yet

mattdel

To use the DVOM to check grounds, simply attach your DVOM cables to the ends of your attached ground. One on the post, one on the ground you want to test. Voltage readings over .06v are considered bad.


PIP is Profile Ignition Pickup. It's basically a magnet inside the distributor, it tells the TFI when to fire. As far as spark plugs.. yes they could cause the condition but it's more likely to be a module failure.