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Lost spark when checking timing 94

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Old Dec 30, 2025 | 12:12 PM
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Lost spark when checking timing 94

I was concerned my timing was off due to slightly low power. I removed the PIP spout connector started engine and saw timing looked good. Ran for about 1 minute then stumbled and stalled. Will not refire. The only thing I did was remove the PIP spout, what could have happened. I will be troubleshooting ignition system, but what could have happened? It has a newer aftermarket distributor with 7k miles on it.
94 5.0 auto

*Answer was Ignition Control Module went bad*
 

Last edited by jrlowscot; Jan 3, 2026 at 02:04 PM.
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Old Dec 30, 2025 | 12:28 PM
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You’ve put the spout back in and tried to start it? Aftermarket meaning “high performance? or stock replacement? When you checked it, 10*btdc? Did you loosen the hold down clamp? Did you touch anything else? Check battery connectors and ground wire from battery to core support.
 
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Old Dec 30, 2025 | 12:28 PM
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Also, try pulling codes, see what it says.
 
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Old Dec 30, 2025 | 12:52 PM
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Pulled codes, none. I put spout connector back on and tried, nothing. I hadn’t touched anything else. Didn’t touch distributor or anything. I did disconnect and reconnect battery after to try but no result, fuel pump is running. Timing pointer was at mark on damper. Stock style probably China distributor installed by a shop for Previous owner (2 years ago) Thanks.
 

Last edited by jrlowscot; Dec 30, 2025 at 12:53 PM.
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Old Dec 30, 2025 | 01:20 PM
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Test light on negative coil wire and turn key, see if light blinks. That tells if pip is sending signal to coil. Auto or manual? If auto, take out of park and then put back?
 
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Old Dec 30, 2025 | 02:06 PM
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Originally Posted by jrlowscot
Pulled codes, none.
At the very least you should have gotten the System Pass Code 11 for the KOEO tests and Stored Codes.



Originally Posted by jrlowscot
I did disconnect and reconnect battery after to try but no result, fuel pump is running.
As in running constantly with the key in the Run position?
 
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Old Dec 30, 2025 | 03:53 PM
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Troubleshooting

[img alt="I went through the Haynes manual troubleshooting. I thought I had an issue, but I think the procedure is wrong. ICM voltage supply check with connected unplugged says I should have power on pins 3&4. I only have power on 3, but when plugged in I have on 4 also. I have same results at starter signal which would not allow cranking with ICM unplugged. Is this correct or is this my issue?
Codes state no codes found fast or slow. Didn’t troubleshoot PIP as I have no codes"]https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.ford-trucks.com-vbulletin/2000x1504/img_3227_31f6fc72f16e06b5fbbff1f79ec51dc82d11e80c. jpeg[/img]
I went through the Haynes manual troubleshooting. I thought I had an issue, but I think the procedure is wrong. ICM voltage supply check with connected unplugged says I should have power on pins 3&4. I only have power on 3, but when plugged in I have on 4 also. I have same results at starter signal which would not allow cranking with ICM unplugged. Is this correct or is this my issue? Codes state no codes found fast or slow. Didn’t troubleshoot PIP as I have no codes
 
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Old Dec 30, 2025 | 03:54 PM
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Originally Posted by rla2005
At the very least you should have gotten the System Pass Code 11 for the KOEO tests and Stored Codes.





As in running constantly with the key in the Run position?
no, fuel pump runs when turning on for a sec or two (like normal)
My test light is an LED so I can’t rely on the coil tach result. Coil resistance tested good, wire integrity coil to ICM good, ICM ground good.
 

Last edited by jrlowscot; Dec 30, 2025 at 03:58 PM.
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Old Dec 30, 2025 | 03:57 PM
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Originally Posted by jrlowscot
Is this correct or is this my issue? Codes state no codes found fast or slow. Didn’t troubleshoot PIP as I have no codes
Before you get too far ahead of yourself, what are the answers to post #6?

EDIT:: I see we were typing at the same time. Fuel pump turns off after a couple seconds. You aren’t getting the system pass code as in the computer will not self test?
 

Last edited by My4Fordtrucks; Dec 30, 2025 at 03:59 PM.
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Old Dec 30, 2025 | 04:13 PM
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Power on pins 3 and 4 unplugged would be for grey ICM, you have a black (should anyways). I believe hope you tested was correct.
 
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Old Dec 30, 2025 | 04:14 PM
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One way to check the ignition is to clamp the timing light CT around any one of the spark plug wires, and see if it still flashes when you crank it.
 
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Old Dec 30, 2025 | 05:04 PM
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Originally Posted by My4Fordtrucks
Before you get too far ahead of yourself, what are the answers to post #6?

EDIT:: I see we were typing at the same time. Fuel pump turns off after a couple seconds. You aren’t getting the system pass code as in the computer will not self test?
sorry, I can’t remember exactly what it says but it passes no active or stored codes both fast and slow tests.

I believe it is the black ICM mounted on fender.
 
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Old Dec 30, 2025 | 05:15 PM
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Swap the fuel pump and ecm relays, just to see if it makes a difference. Listen to see if the fuel pump engages the same also.
 
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Old Dec 30, 2025 | 05:16 PM
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Also, this hasn’t been asked yet… is the starter spinning when you turn the key or you getting nothing at all?
 
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Old Dec 31, 2025 | 09:43 AM
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So I believe it is down to ICM or ECM. Testing the ICM I am getting the correct 3-8vAC on pins 5 and 6 when cranking which says replace ICM. Because I am not receiving any error codes, and watching a couple YouTube videos, I have not ruled out the PCM. I will get a regular test light and probably replace the ICM. Next would be remove PCM and look for obvious circuit damage if ICM does not fix.
 
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