Infamous ICM module problem?
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Postmaster
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 2,719
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From: Lee's Summit MO
Infamous ICM module problem?
I drove my 1989 F-150 for the first time in awhile this past weekend, and noticed a serious problem. When it's completely warmed up it will stall just out of the blue. And then you can restart it and it will act really horribly, no power and horrible mileage.
If you stop and let it sit awhile, you can start it back up and take off without a problem. Sometimes it will do it and sometimes it won't.
I've replaced the TPS awhile ago, and the fuel pumps appear to be working okay.
I've heard of this happening and the cause being the ICM. I'm guessing it is the ICM, and if I'm not mistaken it's a recall?
1993 F-150
1989 F-150 4x4
(http://briefcase.yahoo.com/toydestroyer1)
Tuned
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 266
Likes: 0
From: Jacksboro TN USA
Infamous ICM module problem?
I have the exact same problem with my truck. It's an 89 150 w/ a 302 EFI. Never heard anything about the ICM causing the problem. I also have replaced the TPS, EGR valve, O2 sensor, IAC valve. You say there has been a recall on the ICM?
I drove my 1989 F-150 for the first time in awhile this past weekend, and noticed a serious problem. When it's completely warmed up it will stall just out of the blue. And then you can restart it and it will act really horribly, no power and horrible mileage.
If you stop and let it sit awhile, you can start it back up and take off without a problem. Sometimes it will do it and sometimes it won't.
I've replaced the TPS awhile ago, and the fuel pumps appear to be working okay.
I've heard of this happening and the cause being the ICM. I'm guessing it is the ICM, and if I'm not mistaken it's a recall?
1993 F-150
1989 F-150 4x4
(http://briefcase.yahoo.com/toydestroyer1)
If you stop and let it sit awhile, you can start it back up and take off without a problem. Sometimes it will do it and sometimes it won't.
I've replaced the TPS awhile ago, and the fuel pumps appear to be working okay.
I've heard of this happening and the cause being the ICM. I'm guessing it is the ICM, and if I'm not mistaken it's a recall?
1993 F-150
1989 F-150 4x4
(http://briefcase.yahoo.com/toydestroyer1)
Tuned
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 266
Likes: 0
From: Jacksboro TN USA
Infamous ICM module problem?
[font size="1" color="#FF0000"]LAST EDITED ON 07-Nov-01 AT 11:23 AM (EST)[/font][p][font size="1" color="#FF0000"]LAST EDITED ON 07-Nov-01 AT 11:20 AM (EST)[/font]
Now, I have also replaced the Firing Module on the side of the distrubutor, but can't imagine that this would cause the problem. Is that what you are referring to as the ICM? When mine went bad, the truck just wouldn't run. It wasn't getting any fire to the plugs. Are you sure your not thinking of the ECM, which is the Engine control module. If I'm not mistaken, this is the chip in the computer or the computer itself. It regulates different areas of the vehicle like the air/fuel ratio on FI engines and stuff like that
Now, I have also replaced the Firing Module on the side of the distrubutor, but can't imagine that this would cause the problem. Is that what you are referring to as the ICM? When mine went bad, the truck just wouldn't run. It wasn't getting any fire to the plugs. Are you sure your not thinking of the ECM, which is the Engine control module. If I'm not mistaken, this is the chip in the computer or the computer itself. It regulates different areas of the vehicle like the air/fuel ratio on FI engines and stuff like that
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 601
Likes: 1
From: South Sioux City, NE USA
Infamous ICM module problem?
I've had a similar problem and it turned out to be the PIP sensor. It's the hall effect switch in the dizzy. It would get hot and not want to work right.
Roger Lane
Test Analyst
Sr. Automated Test Engineer
Roger Lane
Test Analyst
Sr. Automated Test Engineer
New User
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
Infamous ICM module problem?
I had this exact problem on my
86 F250.
It WAS the Ignition Control Module (ICM) on the side of the distributor. I replaced it and it solved the problem. Yes, that's the part they recalled.
I'm not sure if your truck has the same thing or not.
86 F250.
It WAS the Ignition Control Module (ICM) on the side of the distributor. I replaced it and it solved the problem. Yes, that's the part they recalled.
I'm not sure if your truck has the same thing or not.
Senior User
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 349
Likes: 1
Infamous ICM module problem?
Think you are refering to the idle "bypass valve". It is a solenoid-like device that bolts to the intake with two small bolts and controls the amount of air allowed to flow around the butterfly valve in the throttle body which regulates idle rpm. The most common cause of idle problems in Fords is gunk where the butterfly valve interfaces with the throttle body. Scrub that area out thoroughly with carb cleaner and your problem may be fixed. If still no good, the bypass valve would be suspect.
Good Luck
Good Luck
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Senior User
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 135
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Infamous ICM module problem?
mulletwagon: strangley enough, mine has a yellow factory sticker that says "do not clean the throttle bore" just behind the rubber intake hoses. I don't understand that..... I think it may be there because one could easily scratch the aluminum housing while scrapping out gunk. which may have an effect on air flow ...sounds crazy?? but I know Berryman's carb cleaner is about the best. but not on rubber parts!! '91 Lariat 5.0
(There was a recall on mid 80's dist. module, mine left me stranded in Dallas in a 86 LTD.)
(There was a recall on mid 80's dist. module, mine left me stranded in Dallas in a 86 LTD.)
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 242
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From: St. Paul, MN
Infamous ICM module problem?
ICM= Ignition Control Module, same thing as the TFI module
As for the yellow "do not clean" tag, Ford added a special coating to the bores of the throttle body to resist buildup of sludge. Don't want to remove that coating.
Dustin Siebert
1988 Bronco XLT
460EFI/C6/BW1356/
D44IFS with 8 lugs(open)/10.25 FF(Lockright locker)/4.56
8" susp/2" body
35's-street/38.5's-trails
[link:www.superford.org/registry/index.php?vID=45|http://www.superford.org/registry/index.php?vID=45]
As for the yellow "do not clean" tag, Ford added a special coating to the bores of the throttle body to resist buildup of sludge. Don't want to remove that coating.
Dustin Siebert
1988 Bronco XLT
460EFI/C6/BW1356/
D44IFS with 8 lugs(open)/10.25 FF(Lockright locker)/4.56
8" susp/2" body
35's-street/38.5's-trails
[link:www.superford.org/registry/index.php?vID=45|http://www.superford.org/registry/index.php?vID=45]
Thread Starter
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Postmaster
Joined: Jun 1999
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From: Lee's Summit MO
Infamous ICM module problem?
[font size="1" color="#FF0000"]LAST EDITED ON 08-Nov-01 AT 06:42 PM (EST)[/font][p]The truck has 170k. Runs fine otherwise. Surprisingly, I was stopped waiting for it to cool off, when a guy asked me if I was having problems. He was in a '91 F-350 dually. I told him that exactly my symptoms and what I thought might be the problem. He agree'd with me about the ignition control module.
I obviously haven't done anything yet, but am looking for the NHTSB recall number(s) or the ford recall numbers. Anyone have it?
This truck has the ICM/TFI on the side of the distributor, but my 1993 has it on the driver's fenderwell, underneath the diagnosis hook-ups and cruise. If they were the same I would have swapped.
I know it has to be electrical, because it's erratic. It's entirely possible it could be the computer, but I doubt it.
BTW, it has the 302, AOD.
1993 F-150
1989 F-150 4x4
(http://briefcase.yahoo.com/toydestroyer1)
I obviously haven't done anything yet, but am looking for the NHTSB recall number(s) or the ford recall numbers. Anyone have it?
This truck has the ICM/TFI on the side of the distributor, but my 1993 has it on the driver's fenderwell, underneath the diagnosis hook-ups and cruise. If they were the same I would have swapped.
I know it has to be electrical, because it's erratic. It's entirely possible it could be the computer, but I doubt it.
BTW, it has the 302, AOD.
1993 F-150
1989 F-150 4x4
(http://briefcase.yahoo.com/toydestroyer1)
Tuned
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 266
Likes: 0
From: Jacksboro TN USA
Infamous ICM module problem?
Sorry for getting tempers flared about it. But from my personal experience from replacing the Firing module, it still didn't correct the problem. My module just went bad on my way to work one day and the truck died as if I cut it off. Wouldn't fire back up causing me to pull the distributor and replace the module. But, I still have the Idle problem.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 135
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Infamous ICM module problem?
pastmaster: the Ford dealership should give you info on a recall. They can put in your VIN # in the computer, and spit out all kinds of info, incl. who the original owner was. Ignition coils can go out when hot also. As someone mentioned in a previous post, Autozone has these for about $12. The dist. module is around $60. By the way, Autozone and O'Reilly will check your dist. module free. '91 Lariat 5.0
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 3,172
Likes: 4
Infamous ICM module problem?
Evan , From what Ive read , The court in California ordered Ford to reimburse anyone who paid to have a Tfi replaced between whatever dates they worked out . I did a search on Cbs News & it had the full story with most of the details , Its dated Aug 13 th I beleive of this yr . In light of that Im sure that Ford will cover the replacement . I also believe it only affects models & engines that has the TFI mounted on the distributor . Its the heat that kills them , Thats why they stress adding the dielectric grease to the back of the module . Part of that too was they never supplied enough of the grease to adequately disperse the heat & the grease breaks down over time . If you loose spark when the engine is hot & it comes back when the engine temp cools then its likely the TFI is the problem . Call your local Ford dealer , ask them what the procedure is for the TFI modules in light of the court ruling . Youll likely get a new one for free .
Thread Starter
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Postmaster
Joined: Jun 1999
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From: Lee's Summit MO
Infamous ICM module problem?
I replaced the coil awhile back, with a Autozone coil. I couldn't believe the power and mileage I gained back after replacing the coil alone.
Paul: I kinda figured Ford would replace it. This would also explain why it doesn't happen while driving around town. My father drives it a bit as his second truck, and never has had a problem.
1993 F-150
1989 F-150 4x4
(http://briefcase.yahoo.com/toydestroyer1)
Paul: I kinda figured Ford would replace it. This would also explain why it doesn't happen while driving around town. My father drives it a bit as his second truck, and never has had a problem.
1993 F-150
1989 F-150 4x4
(http://briefcase.yahoo.com/toydestroyer1)
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 1,728
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From: Keweenaw Bay, MI
Infamous ICM module problem?
I had the same problem with my 88 F-150, 4.9. It would happen more often when there was a heavy electrical load like A/C on, headlights, & wiper. It would stall and when I cranked it it would not seen to turn over as fast as normal but it would start. Also, the radio would loose it's preset memory. The radio would also loose it's preset memory in the morning when I started it. The problem is now solved.The stock ground cable from the battery goes all the way back to the starter, about 6 or 7 feet. I got a short #2 (17" long) and grounded it to the alternator bracket. I have not had a stall since nor has that radio lost it's memory. It cranks over faster now than it ever did and my voltage meter reads about a half of a volt higher than it ever did before. That long cable just had too much resistance under a heavy load!!