ECT or coolant temp. sending unit?
Freshman User
Joined: Apr 2003
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On my 88 the TFI is on the distributor its a flat piece of plastic with a plug in on the end. I'm not sure what year I think in 94 they moved the TFI to the fender but they may have moved it earlier on the 5.0 models. hope this helps
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2002
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From: Gateway to the West
The TFI module was moved to the driver's inner fender in 1992 in a effort to reduce the number of heat-related failures of the module. This is why it is nested into the rather hefty heat sink on the fender.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2002
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From: GANS
Here are some pics of the TFI on my 1985 F-150. I believe they are pretty much all the same.
as you can see, there are 2 screw holes. you need a thin walled nut driver, or the special tool they sell at the auto store
but as i just realized, this is the old style TFI, which doesn't matter
. I guess it helps to read.
as you can see, there are 2 screw holes. you need a thin walled nut driver, or the special tool they sell at the auto store
but as i just realized, this is the old style TFI, which doesn't matter
. I guess it helps to read.
Last edited by bremen242; Nov 1, 2003 at 10:52 AM.
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Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2003
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well they have figured out what the problem is. First of all my front cat is plugged as well. So this explains a whole lot. Second of all the grey plug that makes the computer work is missing. Which also explains a whole lot. I wouldn't have thought of either one of those things. I guess it will really be worth it after all. I am going to sell this rig as soon as I get it back though. It is too much of a head ache to own right now. Just thought I would give y'all an update...
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2000
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From: Sacramento, CA
Since this thread is ostensibly on the subject of TFI/ICM, can someone tell me if an ignition module (distributor mounted, 1989 5.0L Bronco) can go partially bad, and cause missing on acceleration after warm-up? (without setting a code)
Logistics Pro
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From: GANS
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Senior User
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From: Kelso,WA
You know I have a 1991 as seen below and when it was having the computer go out it did exactly what chrisbeery 1989 bronco is doing and also the ICM Ignition Control Module was bad. I went to my local wrecking yard and they matched me up with a new used computer by matching computer codes $65. Runs flawless now for the past month approximately. I bought my ICM from schucks Neholph/Borg Warner made $28 on my bussiness account. Call around for best price it is well worth it! 
Logistics Pro
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From: GANS
Didn't say it wasn't possible, just not likely When my TFIs went out, all three times, they just died. no spark nadda. A couple people I know had theirs die when the car got heated up. However, yours could have been the computer not the TFI, as you replaced them at the same time..
When my TFIs went out, all three times, they just died. no spark nadda. A couple people I know had theirs die when the car got heated up. However, yours could have been the computer not the TFI, as you replaced them at the same time..
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2002
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From: Kelso,WA
I would have to agree with you Breman242 on the ICM mine just up and died the first time that it went out and I believe that the computer was the main culpret this time. I just thought that I would have it checked and it happened to also be bad. I meant no harm above. Have a good one.
PS. By the way my ICM lasted 4yrs. How about yours. (just curiuos) so that I can make educated future decisions.
PS. By the way my ICM lasted 4yrs. How about yours. (just curiuos) so that I can make educated future decisions.
Last edited by adamk1974; Nov 13, 2003 at 09:08 PM.
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 9,182
Likes: 12
From: Gateway to the West
Distributor mounted TFI modules tend to die more often. Hence the reason for Ford moving them away from all that heat. I only lost one in my '92 and that was a short in the system that took it out. The fender mounting helped I think.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2002
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From: GANS
I agree with you 100% greystreak.. they should have left them where the DSII modules where. Heck, they should have left it DSII until fuel injection, like the 351W. I know I would have been a lot happy, and so would the ozone layer.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 100
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From: Sacramento, CA
My TFI went out all at once too. I bought a new one at NAPA (plus the little socket ) and the counter guy said he had two brands; one about $45 and one at $70. Said the $70 one was more reliable. Guess I'll try the computer deal.
-adamk1974 : did you just replace the computer box behind the left kickpanel? Did it take a while to "relearn" ??
Anyone; is there a way to test the computer??
-adamk1974 : did you just replace the computer box behind the left kickpanel? Did it take a while to "relearn" ??
Anyone; is there a way to test the computer??