Hey fellas. I really need your help here. My truck has been sitting for entirely too long. Even for a FORD ! I haven't been able to start it for a month now. I can't get a spark from the ignition coils to the plug wires.

It's an 89 Ranger 2.3L EEC-VI DistributorLESS Ignition System. Dual coil packs are both new and working properly. New control module. Fuel pump works perfectly. Have done numerous testing of relays and for shorts. I have extracted the engine codes: 15 and 212

15 is EEC processor ROM test failed.
212 is Loss of Ignition Diagnostic Monitor (IDM) input to ECA/SPOUT circuit grounded

I am not quite positive about the 212 code.
Using my Analog meter the sweeps were in this pattern: II II I II II

As I turn the key the starter cranks the engine, but no spark! The Crank Position Sensor is woking properly.

The whole senario started when the secondary igition coil was not firing while the engine was running. I replaced the coil. no change. Then i removed the DIS module to have it tested. It passed the test and i put it back on. I have never been able to start the truck since.

I am using the basic Haynes manual which has been usful to a point. But now i think i need some experiential help.

What are the codes REALLY pointing to ? Do i need a new Electronic Control Assembly?? I would appreciate any well thought out guidence to help fix this truck and get it back on the road.

Thanks, Xoryx

 

I would check that yellow/lightgreen wire that runs from the DIS to the ECA. I would also check those other wires that go to from the DIS to the ECA. One of them sends a raw pulse signal to the computer for engine rotation. One of the others is that same signal, modified for timing by the ECA, and then sent back to the DIS so it knows when to fire the coils. The modified signal wire is the one that says "shorting bar" in the diagram. I read an article somewhere recently, where some of these signal wires are shielded. The inner insulation had become scored, and the shield was touching the signal wire, grounding it out. I believe this might be where your 212 code is coming from.

 

Interesting Franklin2

I have been checking all the wires from the DIS to the ECA. But all i have done is check the continuity by unpluging the adapters and testing with a DVOM.

The Haynes wiring diagrams are only so detailed.

what else do i do?

Also people have been telling me to go to the tech articles post about extracting codes from EEC-VI ignition systems. I can't find it. please help.

xoryx