Hi, The engine was missing a little when pushing the motor. A weeks days later the motor would start, but accelerator would not properly rev the motor. Next day it started but a lot of pumping of accelerator was required. Next day no start at all.

I found and repaired a broken wire from the condenser/capacitor to the ignition system. The capacitor took a charge on testing and released that charge. It read 250 microFarads on my meter, so I figure it is probably good. I have no idea how long that wire was cut. I don't suppose that would have hurt any computers of the coil pack, correct? Also some people say on the modern ignition systems that the condenser is not needed to run, but helps with radio reception.

I have 38 pounds of pressure on the fuel rail, and did change the fuel filter anyway.

I have inspected all connectors I can see and reset many of the smaller ones.

The motor burns no oil and had been running fine till this happened.

I put a timing light on 3 spark plug lines and for each of them the light seemed to flash inconsistently and far to frequently when cranking the motor. I would have expected one flash and a quiet period. Instead it seemed to flash multiple times (3 to 5x) and then with a short rest period.

I removed a spark wire from the coil pack and put it near the terminal and observed spark when cranking the motor. It was blue, but it was not large and did not make a loud spark noise.

I suspect the ICM (Ignition Control Module which has IDM signal) or PCM (Powertrain Control Module) and or but don't know how to test them.

226 (O) Ignition Diagnostic Monitor (IDM) signal fault
OR??
226 EEC IV/EDIS module pulse (only one website had this definition for the code)

I don't know if there are special ground wires to check for these computers.

Any help appreciated.

details:
230,000 miles Aerostar AWD

This is the ICM/IDM in the picture below (passenger side near AC)

 

PROBLEM SOLVED: I replaced the ICM and it started.

Also, I had opened the window of the old ICM and the chips and circuits looked fine in the layer of gel, but the part was bad anyway.