Dear Tom and Ray:

My '84 Ford LTD runs great most of the time. But every so often it will cut out and buck like a bronco. Usually, an increase or decrease in acceleration will clear it up. But sometimes I have to pull over, shut off the engine and start again. Then it will run rough for a moment, and smooth out. I've had it in to two different garages. As a result, I have a new fuel filter, new spark plugs, a new distributor cap and a new rotor. I also still have an LTD that bucks like a bronco. Do you have any idea what it could be? -- Ella

Ray: Well, I'm sure Ford Motor Company is pleased, Ella. Because if your LTD is really bucking like a Bronco, at least you've stayed in the Ford family!

Tom: I'd bet on the electronic ignition control module, Ella. Fords are famous for this problem.

Ray: The EIC is a small, square, silver box about the size of a Big Mac that's bolted to the inner fender. It helps determine when the sparks fire. And when it goes bad, it can cause just this sort of problem. And it can be this intermittent, too.

Tom: The EIC is cheap. It costs less than 100 bucks. And I bet it'll solve your problem, Ella. Good luck.

Wait! Don't buy another car without the mechanic's checklist that's included in Tom and Ray's pamphlet "How to Buy a Great Used Car: Secrets Only Your Mechanic Knows." It will help you get a good used car and avoid the clunkers. To order, send (check or money order) to Ruin, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. You can also order online.

© 1998 by Tom and Ray Magliozzi and Doug Berman Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

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