Weird no start problem
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 7,868
Likes: 9
From: Rhode Island
So the PIP signal is making it to the TFI module, but the coil signal appears to go out.
Can you hook your multimeter up to the coil positive, and then have someone crank the engine? Does the voltage stay there, or go away?
Can you hook your multimeter up to the coil positive, and then have someone crank the engine? Does the voltage stay there, or go away?
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5th Wheeling
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 48
Likes: 4
I tested ground on the ICM by shaving off some plastic on the ground wire and running my test light from there to battery + and my test light lit up. So good ground.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 7,868
Likes: 9
From: Rhode Island
But the ICM output doesn't pulse while cranking? Is the SPOUT connector disconnected while doing this?
If the SPOUT connector is not disconnected, I'd try disconnecting it and see if spark returns. If it doesn't, I'd try returning that TFI module and getting another one. If that still doesn't fix the issue, I'd assume that while the PIP module in the distributor is outputting a signal, it may not be strong enough for the TFI.
If the SPOUT connector is not disconnected, I'd try disconnecting it and see if spark returns. If it doesn't, I'd try returning that TFI module and getting another one. If that still doesn't fix the issue, I'd assume that while the PIP module in the distributor is outputting a signal, it may not be strong enough for the TFI.
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5th Wheeling
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 48
Likes: 4
Well, I disconnected the SPOUT connector and I got more spark at the coil during crank (before, it was 1 initial spark then nothing). It seemed a little weak, sparking maybe every 2 seconds and it wasn't a strong blue color that (I think) I'm used to seeing, it was a muted yellow (if that counts for anything).
And yeah, the ICM output doesn't blink while cranking, the light turns off.
And yeah, the ICM output doesn't blink while cranking, the light turns off.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 247
Likes: 0
From: Conroe,TX
I know you said you replaced the battery but what voltage is the battery under load is the alternator good.
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5th Wheeling
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 48
Likes: 4
I'll check the battery under load tomorrow. So it's fine to run the truck with the SPOUT disconnected? I know nothing about this feature. I could've tried to start it with it disconnected but I didn't want to risk it. Why it is connected, if running with it disconnected is okay? One would assume it's supposed to be connected. I'll give it a go.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 23,667
Likes: 301
From: Easton,Ks
The SPOUT wire is an information path from the Computer to the ICM. This is how the computer tells the ICM when to fire the spark plugs.
With the SPOUT out the computer no longer has control over the Ignition system and the ICM will fire the spark plugs at base timing and this should be 10* BTDC.
Spark Output (SPOUT): Desired spark timing information sent from the PCM to the ICM.
With the SPOUT out the computer no longer has control over the Ignition system and the ICM will fire the spark plugs at base timing and this should be 10* BTDC.
Spark Output (SPOUT): Desired spark timing information sent from the PCM to the ICM.
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5th Wheeling
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 48
Likes: 4
Under load the battery drops to 10.7v
I believe the alternator is fine, I have no reason to think otherwise. The battery died because I left a light on overnight.
It won't start, even with carb cleaner going into the throttle intake.
The mechanic down the street said he would check something in the distributor, I can't remember the name but it started with a "P". Any idea what he was talking about?
I believe the alternator is fine, I have no reason to think otherwise. The battery died because I left a light on overnight.
It won't start, even with carb cleaner going into the throttle intake.
The mechanic down the street said he would check something in the distributor, I can't remember the name but it started with a "P". Any idea what he was talking about?
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5th Wheeling
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 48
Likes: 4
Im at the point where I've replaced the ignition coil and the ICM and about to purchase a new distributor assuming the PIP sensor is bad. If this doesn't fix the issue then what? There's not much left is there?
I thought the PIP sensor was actually in the ICM somewhere. Interesting. At least I'm learning a lot about the ignition system on this truck.
I thought the PIP sensor was actually in the ICM somewhere. Interesting. At least I'm learning a lot about the ignition system on this truck.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 7,868
Likes: 9
From: Rhode Island
Well there are only 3 components to the ignition system: The PIP, ICM and ignition coil. If you got power to them, and they're all functioning, you get spark. I suspect the PIP sensor is sending a weak signal.