Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
1987 Ford Cab & Chassis 5.8 H, 4WD, AutomaticFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE
Run Circuit
- Remove ignition coil wire from distributor cap, and install spark tester on wire. Turn ignition switch from "RUN" to "OFF" position. Spark should occur at tester gap each time switch goes from "RUN" to "OFF" position.
- If spark occurs, check distributor cap, adapter, and rotor for damage or wear. Check for roll pin retaining reluctor to sleeve in distributor shaft.
- Verify Orange and Purple wires are not crossed between distributor and control module. If no sparks occurred in step 1), proceed to CONTROL MODULE VOLTAGE test.
Factory Service Tools
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- β’ You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- β’ Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- β’ The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- β’ You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- β’ You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.
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