90 VNT engine cutout

[jdmr111]

OK, my 90 VNT in general runs really well.Now I'm starting to get this cutout at any speed,any time.I checked the trouble codes and I get a 54.This is for the fuel inj. sync. pickup.I replaced the pickup coil in the distributor (hall effect gismo).That didn't make any difference,still the same thing.Whats the next best step ?Just trace the wires ?

[NAJ]

First be sure of connector terminal integrity, loose connections will cause the problem you are describing. Also if you bent the wiring from the HEP down the side of the distributor as the factory had it you probably damaged the internal wiring, this is experiance and being stranded talking.
If none of this corrects your problem let me know and I will post the diagnostics for you.

[jdmr111]

Alright,I checked the connectors,one of them apeared to have some darkness in the female part,which kind of looked like corrosion.I got in there with a small round file and kind of scraped them out,cleaned them with contact cleaner.So far it seems ok,I drove it for about an hour with not one skip.Are these connectors replaceable ?If so were do you get them ?
Thanks

[NAJ]

If the terminal is not broken just be sure they are making a good, tight, secure connection. A little silicone dielectric compound in the connector will prevent future corrosion.
I have never seen pigtails for the HEP connectors and the terminals themselves would have to be matched up and there are hundreds of different terminals used.

[jdmr111]

OK, it was good for a while,now its gone the other route.Its starting to actually die on me.Luckilly it restarts ?Is it possible that I got a bad HEP from the parts store ?They did have (2) different ones and I bought the cheaper one ???
Another question is about the computer.From what I have read,that could also be the problem.
I have a brand new stage 2 cal from FWD Performance.Should I swap it out with old one ?When you swap these computers,is there any specific proccess for doing this ?
IE=1)
disconnect battery
2)disconnect computer cables
3)swap computer ?????
All help is appreciated, Thanks

[NAJ]

It is very possible you have a bad HEP, some people have had good luck with aftermarket HEP's but we generally recommend Mopar.
Some things to keep in mind, check for corrosion or poor fitting connectors/terminals.
Also do not bend the wiring down the side of the distributor as the factory had it or internal wire damage may occur.
Your procedure for replacing the controller is correct, disconnect the battery, remove connector, remove controller.
While the connector is unplugged check the terminals for corrosion, you may want to use an electrical contact cleaner.Corrosion will not look like battery corrosion, it will be darkened spots on the terminals in the controller and connector. Spray the connector/controller terminals then plug/unplug a few times and spray again and repeat, this will remove the tarnish/ corrosion.If you have access to compressed air it is best to blow the connector out with air when done.

[jdmr111]

Ok, I just got back from (2) weeks in China.I picked up a new HEP from the local Dodge dealer.I didn't get (1) block down the road and it cut out already.I cleared the codes before I installed the new part.I re-checked the codes after driving it and now I get a code 25 (idle speed motor) ?No code 54 for the Hep ?What do you suggest ?Whatever it is seems to be happening more frequently.
Thanks

[NAJ]

The car just shut off while driving or when on decel when coming to a stop?

[turbomini]

i'm gonna ad this in here. did you check the connector by the battery tray? it might be getting lose.

[jdmr111]

I checked the electrical connector by the battery the other day,it was very tight.The car will run like the devil,then it just dies for a split second,at any time or speed.Lately it actually stops running,but Iv'e been able to get it started and get it back home.It still sounds like the HEP,but Iv'e tried (3) different parts,all with the same results.Am I reading that code 25 correctly ?My list says idle speed motor ?

[90vntShadow]

This has nothing to do with any codes you are getting, but I have had a similar problem and it was a bad fuel pump. It would stop working after driving for a while then it would start right back up, randomly. Drove me nuts. Just an idea.

[cuda]

My 89 TII had a similar problem (not as bad) I found the shutter plate in the distributor was loose. It was shifting around on the plastic base as the pins were loose. JB weld and its still good 7 years later...Just a thought. Dan

[NAJ]

Code 25 is "A Shorted Condition Detected in One or More of the AIS Motor Circuits"
That does not mean a faulty AIS.
It is possible that any "short circuit" can create your problem depending where the short is located.
Clear the code,verify the code is cleared, drive the car, recheck codes. If the code 25 returns run the diagnostics.