My 89 TPI 305 bird has been giving me problems starting. She'll turn over everytime, but she only starts when she is in the mood. It doesn't matter if she's hot or been sitting for days!
About 1 mnth ago when this began, I would start troubleshooting in the parking lot wherever I happened to be stranded but she would decide to start randomly making it really hard for me to determine the cause.
My check enging light had been on for ages. I had been reading a 34 or 36 (MAF Sensor) for a while, but didn't need a smog this year and short on dough so was putting it off. So I put on a new sensor and relay which of course seemed to work when I drove her to and from work for next 3 days without a problem.
The 4th day however, my check engine light was back on, reading the MAF again as well as 54 (Fuel Pump Circuit). The random starting problem came back with increasing frequency and the Soft Codes come and go w/out clearing the computer.
I installed a new fuel pump relay, and oil pressure switch (my oil pressure guage was kinda spazzin). Fuel pressure is fine. I can hear the pump when I turn key on, and she'll start/stay running on a steady stream of starting fluid.
Giving into frustration, I took her to a shop for a diagnostic. The mechanic (jerk) can only tell me that there is "NO FIRE TO THE INJECTORS". He "thought" I needed a new ignition and key, or a new ECM. So I had him put in the new ECM. It started up 5 times in a row before I left the shop, but guess what...
Now she rarely ever starts, and the jerk mechanic says he is not willing to guarantee that his suggestion of a new ignition is going help either. Basically he has no idea what is wrong and was just guessing and experimenting with my car and my money!!! AARRGGHH!
All of my research has lead me now to the distributor module.
I guess that is where I'm headed?...
Does anyone know what is going on? Any suggestions?

*****Okay, my update is: she really doesn't want to start at all anymore. I can't seem to even get her started to take her to the shop!!! Finally this morning (after trying all weekend) she started and ran, but then stalled out after 30 seconds or so! First time she gave out like that! What's up??????

 

my car had those symptoms and it was the hei module