93 2.3L mustang won't start

Discussion in '2.3L (N/A & Turbo)' started by stang493, Aug 20, 2006.

  1. stang493 New Member

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    hello all,
    i'm new to the fourm and new to the mustang world. i recently purchased a 1993 mustang 2.3L auto. well after driving it for a while the day i bought it i went to the atm to take out some money. while i was sitting at the atm the suddenly died. no sputtering. just quit. then it wouldn't start. so i loaded it up on the trailer and had limited daylight when i got home but it had no spark coming from the ignition coils. (it is the 8 plug model) any ideas what the problem may be. also i'm going to be looking for a 5 speed set up so if anyone has one let me know.
  2. RustBucket New Member

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    Welcome!

    Check the timing belt first. You can peek behind the cover at the top and see if the cam gear turns when you crank it. If it doesn't turn while you're trying to start the car, you need a timing belt.
  3. stang493 New Member

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    the previous owner said that it was just replaced. (2 weeks ago)
  4. RustBucket New Member

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    That wouldn't stop me from at least checking it. I trust my eyes more than I trust a previous owner. ;) It only takes a minute or less to check. Rule that out and move to the next step.

    Did the tach act funny at all prior to the car dying? Like reading half of what it should or bouncing around? Maybe a check engine light to go along with it?
  5. stang493 New Member

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    i'm not for sure but the tach had been fine the whole day. i didn't have my eyes on it when the car died. no check engine light either. i did look at the timing belt and it looks fine.
  6. stang493 New Member

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    could this be an ignition control modual or crankshaft position sensor?
  7. RustBucket New Member

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    That's where I was going with the tach question. You can have the module tested at a parts store. If that checks good, the next step would be the crank trigger.
  8. stykthyn Commander of the snuggie cultists

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    my money says that you have a faulty ICM
  9. BELL Founding Member

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    crank sensor. will it crank and not fire?
    or no crank at all?
  10. stang493 New Member

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    it cranks but has no fire
  11. Swarzkopf New Member

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    x2 on checking the timing belt! Just check it..it takes 10 seconds.

    After that I'd suspect the ICM...

    I replaced the crack position sensor on my 93 2.3L...it was a ROYAL pain in the ass, and it ended up being the ICM anyway.
  12. Jquintel Member

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    x3 checking that belt, changed my icm and my coils before deciding to check out the belt, then low and behold lol
  13. Stinger Founding Member

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    Once you verify the timing belt is fine, it's the Ignition module almost certainly.

    It can't be the coils as they wouldn't both die at the same time.

    Crank sensor is rare but possible.
  14. stang493 New Member

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    ok, i checked the belt, everything thing is great. replaced the ICM today for a cost of $155 (which is after i get my dicount at the parts store.) still no fire. whats the deal. it has to be the crank sensor, correct? running out of options, and slowly going crazy. thanks
    for everyones help.
  15. kilgorq New Member

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    Can you get the ECM code from the computer read. It might point you in the right direction.

    Try here for the list of codes http://proficientmustang.com/ecm_codes.htm

    I am not sure what management sytem your stang uses but if you search some you should be able to find that out along with tips on how to read them. I think it is EEC IV but dont quote me on that...

    Try this for the DIY http://www.corral.net/tech/maintenance/eecivtest.html

    or purchase a scanner?

    You may be able to get it read for free if you take the car to a parts store like autozone or schucks...
  16. 93PONY Founding Member

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    mine did the same thing and it was the crank sensor, it cost me about $135 for the part and abou$20 for all the asperin, but it worked fine after i got it on there
  17. Swarzkopf New Member

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    It took me 4 aftermarket ICMs to get one that worked...

    Don't count the ICM out yet...
  18. SMOKEDYA Well-Known Member

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    What is a ICM and where is it located at? peace





    john:p
  19. stang493 New Member

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    it ended up being the crank sensor. the middle part of the sensor was broke off. the ICM is located on the front side of your intake.

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