I got a problem I can't figure out. I have 1991 Ranger 4 cyl dual plugs, atm trans, belt driven fan, 2.3L, K@N air filter just cleaned it. I am getting code 18 while checking the codes with the engine off which is Erratic IDM input to processor/SPOUT circuit grounded and code 88 Loss of dual plug input control. I have changed plugs changed plug wires used motorcraft plugs. I cleaned air filter changed fuel filter changed fuel pump cleaned tank it was clean though. Changed ignition coils and I still have a bad running truck it somtimes runs good but is getting worse when it runs bad the check engine light is on and it idles at 300 to 400 rpm and when you rev it up it sounds similar to a 4stroke dirt bike. Wjen you give it the gas to take off it will only go to about 1500 RPM and slow slow to take off. It started off just doing it time to time now it is running like this 95 to 98 % of the time. I've been told its the computer I have ran out of money just replacing things I don't have the money to let Ford get a hold of it. I have managed to fix more complicated things on my street bike but this is driving me insane. I also had the DIS module checked at O'Rielly and it checked out fine. I hope I covered everything.

 

The tach is also jumpy at times the engine isnt jumping just the tach. Please Please HELP I also found some more on code 88 it says Electronic ignition-IDM,DPI or spout circiut fault. Hope this helps

 

I cleaned all the connectors today cleaned the mass air sensor strated it up ran fine went got gas went to atm then back home. I went out later that evening it's back to doing the same thing.

 

Just to let everyone now that I'm still having the problem.

 

I'll see what I can dig up on the 88, I have the pinpoint test for the 18. Send me an email so I can reply with attachments.

 

Ken it will not let me e-mail you my e-mail address is gixxer750@sbcglobal.net I appreciate all the help we are starting to get get rain and I need my truck to drive.

 

I just finished putting a link in the tech info post at the top of the forum for the 18, still working on the 88.

 

What is a break out box that they are talking about using.

 

It plugs in between the wiring harness and the computer, then you can probe the wires. They are a bit $$$$.

 

Do I really need one to check the wiring.I think that my problem really lies in the code 88 it wierd how you rev the engine and before the tach drops the tach will kinda of jump around kind of like if you were you using an analog meter to check the ohms of a speaker that was going bad how it kind of flutters thats how my tach will do. I appreciate the info that you have given me so far.

 

I should hear something about the 88 tomorrow, I can't find a reference to a pinpoint test in any of my Ford books for a truck with that code.

 

This may sound stupid, and I don't want to insult you or anything. I just know how easy it can be to overlook something when you are frustrated. When you say it sounds like a dirt bike, that makes me think missing/timing problem. I would have you unplug your spout connector, clean it with electrical cleaner, and make sure it is plugged fully together. If it isn't making good contact, that would screw with your timing advance, maybe cause your rough running, tach symptoms, and trip the spout code you mentioned. At any rate, it won't cost anything to check it. Good luck.

 

It does'nt idle hard like you have a bad plug but it does everthing else you say. Where is the spout circuit at because code 18 also means spout circuit grounded but I don't know what that is. Thank you for your help.

 

Does anybody know where the spout circuit is.

 

code 88- is lose of duel plug input control.It is a Continuous memory code(code stored when engine running)