'96 MKVIII dies instantly

O

ou812

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I have a toureador red one, has 82k, and is almost cosmetically perfect. I am driving today 97 degrees out, ac going. The engine just turns off, like the key was turned, but all electronics are till active. Then, the starter will crank normally, but not start. If I wait 2 mins. it will start, go appox. 1/4 mile and die again. Wait 2 mins, not 5 or 15 (not enough time for any kind of cool down), and it will fire right up and go 1/4 mile, and die again...::grrr::

I have seem lots of good advice, so I am hoping this will not be the exception..

thanks!
 
RE: '96 MKVIII dies instantly

Sounds like a DIS module to me, or your fuel filter has a large piece of trash getting in the way. Those are just things to check.
 
RE: '96 MKVIII dies instantly

Maybe a case of vapor lock. take off the gas cap carefully, if you hear a "suck", then it's vapor lock. Not too common with fuel injection, so if it is, you will likely have to replace the fuel filter.
 
RE: '96 MKVIII dies instantly

some people say they live life a quarter mile at a time. i don't think this is what they had in mind though.
 
RE: '96 MKVIII dies instantly

Likely the vapor lock/hot fuel pump syndrome.. if you let it cool off for say 30/40 minutes and it starts right up and drives normally for another period of time, I think it could be the fuel pump. So far I've had 4 fords with identical symptoms and a fuel pump replacement fixed it every time. All 4 happened in summer time, more likely on a hot day. Fuel pressure is normal until it happens, then when hot drops to zero. NOTHING can be done to restart it until the vapor bubble in the fuel pump cools off, and fuel pressure returns. I think worn out fuel pumps get too hot and cause vapor lock in the pump. At least it fits the scenario.

mark
 
RE: '96 MKVIII dies instantly

Hi Guys.. Thanks for all the great responses. Looks like you guys are right on target. As my MK is my baby, and with this type of problem, I didn't want to just take it just anywhere to get fixed, and is just complex enough a problem not to tackle myself,(too many expensive variables)I took it to the dealer. As you guys have noted, they think it is the fuel pump or crank position sensor, BUT still have not been able to confidently diagnose, and they have had it for a full day now.

btw, what makes this problem so strage is the fact that the "cool down" time is only a minute or two, before you can restart, not 5-15 mins., which is what most think the minimum would be for anything to cool down, as most engines heat up before they cool down, after they are turned off. It's definetly making the sevice department nuts...

So, thanks again, and I will post the results.

http://www.lincolnsclub.org/forum/user_files/164.gif
 
RE: '96 MKVIII dies instantly

You guys are going to love this....

The dealer, Pavillion in Austin, Tx, said this:
I need a VLCM module, part#F6LZ14B239BC, and a fuel pump. One little problem, the VLCM part is obsolete and there is not one to be found, anywhere. As far as I have been able to tell about the part, they are correct, there are none. So, I guess I am going to hope the dealer shows me the part so I can junk yard search, and have her flatbedded home.:(
 
RE: '96 MKVIII dies instantly

Call Max at Five-Star, if anyone can locate it, he can! 800-566-1520
 
RE: '96 MKVIII dies instantly

I would try just the fuel pump. If the pump motor was going bad and pulling more amps than normal, it is possible the "VLCM" could be 'cutting out' since it is a solid state relay module. Worth a shot.
 
RE: '96 MKVIII dies instantly

Sounds like a great idea. I was thinking the pump first too, simply by virtue of the other posts I have seen on the subject, thanks!

So, I have also seen different answers to replacing the fuel pump. What is the right way to installl and which pump? I don't plan on beefing up my mark to any extent that it would need an oversized pump... the one at LMS seems to be the popular choice..
 
RE: '96 MKVIII dies instantly

[div class="dcquote"][strong]Quote[/strong]
What is the right way to installl and which pump? I don't plan on beefing up my mark to any extent that it would need an oversized pump... the one at LMS seems to be the popular choice..
[/div]

This is a good online reference:

http://www.mn12performance.com/mn12parts/fuel-pump/fpk-install/fuel-pump-kit-install.htm

A Walbro 190 LPH may be better for your application if you "don't plan on beefing up my mark to any extent that it would need an oversized pump".

LMS, supercoupeperformance.com, and mn12performance.com are a few of the many suppliers.
 
RE: '96 MKVIII dies instantly

Thanks! I appreciate this alot... Now can you find me a VLCM? Ford sez it is obsolete and none of the parts houses or dealers can find one. I am talking with micheal@rustyacres, but he so far does not have one either!!

I own a fine, fast, clean, BOAT ANCHOR!!!!

I sure hope I can find this part...
 
RE: '96 MKVIII dies instantly

i had the same problem in my 88 turbo coupe it was the fuel shut off switch the connection had gotten hot from a poor connection, i replaced the plug and the switch
 
RE: '96 MKVIII dies instantly

Thanks for the idea... where is the fuel shut off switch? Still waiting on my service manuals...
 
RE: '96 MKVIII dies instantly

mine was at the back of the car behind the tail lights a small switch with a white square buttom (i think) on the top of the switch,i'm not sure where our lincolns are ,some one will pipe up with more info
 
RE: '96 MKVIII dies instantly

[div class="dcquote"][strong]Quote[/strong]
...i'm not sure where our lincolns are ,some one will pipe up with more info
[/div]

Left hand rear of trunk at access panel beside air suspension switch.
 
RE: '96 MKVIII dies instantly

The Variable Load Control Module is known as the VLCM. One the Gen 1 it was called the VCRM or Variable Control Relay Module. On my '93 it is located behing the grill under the headlamp access panel. It is a brick sized module with cooling fins. It controls the fuel pump, variable speed cooling fan and certain AC functions.

It is difficult to adequately troubleshoot these solid state devices. If you have access to a service manual, a lengthy diagnostic procedure is available. The old swap test with a known good unit is the best way.
 
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