I took my 1986 ford ranger in to shop this morning to have it diagnoise...after a series of test including road, the code giving was 18 (spout circuit open) techinican said he would have to look at the computer to see what colors the wires are in order to trace it down....my question is what is spout circuit open? the reason i took the truck there because it was jerking really bad, rpm hand nearly crashing everytime, and some black smoke at times.


Michael

 

The SPOUT circuit is the ignition module's output to the EEC. Without it, the truck is basically running on the base ignition timing, or a very basic timing curve that is barely sufficient to keep the truck running. Given the propensity of failure of Ford's TFI modules, I'd say that's probably where the problem lies, unless there is an excessive amount of corrosion in a connector somewhere.

 

Thanks, it was found out to be a bad distributor...it was under warranty though, it was a sensor in the distributor called a haulex or something like that.

Michael

 

Ahh...the HALL-effect switch. That could certainly cause the problem, as it is what provides the TFI with its timing reference.

 

well, this truck is still bucking and jerking..the techinician replaced the distributor..checked and cleared codes, hooked up engine scopes, crawled through the wiring harness, checked output from computer to coil, fixed any frayed and loose wiring... the truck will idle fine and even redline, but once you drive it...the bucking and jerking starts...its been in the shop now for 4 days..techinican at a loss, said he may have to ohm out every wire to find a wire that may be bad in the harness or dash, the rpm hand crashes each time the truck jerks....has anybody ever had this problem and if so what was your solution. Thanks

Michael

 

Did the tech run the pinpoint test for code 18?

 

yes and it was found to be a 21k resistor that protects the computer, it had a frayed wire, once he fixed the wire the code 18 went away, but truck still bucks.

Michael

 

So your not getting the code 18 anymore?? And no other codes??

Then I would check the fuel pressure regulator's vacuum line for gas since your getting black smoke.

 

Tech checked FPR and all other componets related, and everything was fine....however he did find out if he connect a jumper wire from the positive terminal of the battery to the wires going into the computer wires 37/57 known as VPWR or vehicle power...the truck would run fine, no bucking or jerking or anything!! just runs beautifully...disconnect the wire and the truck runs the sames as before. IN this circuit is the idle speed, the evr, the WAC relay, fuel pump relay, converter clutch override solenoid which i don't have since i have a manual, all these componet checks out fine...also in this circuit is the injectors which he says the problem may be one of the injectors, he will start checking these next, bank 1 and 2...hope he has the problem isolated.



Michael

 

Still thinking about this one.

 

Haven't heard from the shop today, guess they still troubleshooting....very curiously what it is, should go in the history books!


Michael

 

Did they check all the grounds and for a voltage drop Between battery and cables. Sounds like the hot cable or ground is fried somewhere.

 

Hey Vikin11,
Was the problem isolated and fixed???

Bob

 

They checked for frayed wiring and loose connection....they believe its a short somewhere causing a spike, all the injectors checked out fine.


Michael

 

They haven't found the problem yet...those guys are very skilled and this problem is very elusive its going beyond a week now with my truck in the shop.


Michael