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1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks 1987 - 1996 Ford F-150, F-250, F-350 and larger pickups - including the 1997 heavy-duty F250/F350+ trucks

Ignition Module

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Old Aug 20, 2009 | 10:34 PM
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From: Campton
Ignition Module

I need some help i am having trouble finding the ignition module on my truck. Thats what is suppose to have went out. The truck is a 1994 Ford F150 Supercab 4x4 5.0 automatic. I was told it is in the distributor but when i remove the rotor button i don't see it. is it mounted somewhere else? really want to get my truck back to running so any help you could give would be great.
 
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Old Aug 20, 2009 | 10:47 PM
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On your truck, the TFI module is mounted on the LH fender near the hood spring in an aluminum heat sink. I'm not sure if it's mounted with Torx bolts or not.

I'm not sure when Ford moved the TFI module, but on earlier models it's mounted ON the distributor, right below the cap. This location was not good, as engine heat tended to kill the module.

I personally haven't heard of too many TFI failures in the later pickups, but I haven't heard it all. Hope changing it fixes your problem!

Pat
 
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Old Aug 20, 2009 | 10:56 PM
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From: Campton
Thanks i appreciate it i will check first thing in the morning.
 
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Old Aug 21, 2009 | 07:57 AM
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From: Easton,Ks
Originally Posted by turnerjc03
Thanks i appreciate it i will check first thing in the morning.
Make sure the replacement is Black in color or it will not work right if it is Gray.
The PIP sensor (stator) is inside the distributor and they fail more often and cause this than the remote mounted TFI (ICM) Black Ignition Module.
 
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Old Aug 21, 2009 | 01:03 PM
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From: Campton
Whats the PIP Sensor? sorry i am a newbie when it comes to working on fords electronic stuff.
 
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Old Aug 21, 2009 | 02:55 PM
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From: Easton,Ks
It does the same job as points do in a distributor except it sends its information to the ICM (TFI or Ignition Control Module) and the PCM Computer.



/
 
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Old Aug 22, 2009 | 03:42 PM
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From: Campton
Can anyone take pictures of where the heat sink is so i know what i am looking for. Because what i thought was it is DEFINATLY not it so i am lost.
 
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Old Aug 22, 2009 | 04:12 PM
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From: Campton
Here is where i think that it is.


This is the only aluminum piece i see on the Left Fender
But the Haynes Manual says its on the distributor?
 
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Old Aug 22, 2009 | 04:21 PM
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From: Campton
and the part they gave me is #g348-7071 and its Grey. when i ask about needing the black one they said that is the only one they carry for my truck.
 
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Old Aug 22, 2009 | 05:24 PM
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The ignition module and heatsink look like this...



I dodn't know what that is in your pic.. could be an ABS module? Looks like it's connected to the brakes.
 
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Old Aug 22, 2009 | 05:31 PM
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From: Easton,Ks
On a 1994 the ICM should be located as in the this photo below.

And no the Gray ICM will not work right in your truck.
It will start with it but your Check Engine Light will always be on and you will not have full power.
The books and computers are wrong at most auto part stores and Ford dealers.
You just have to demand the right black one.

Read the article titled:
DOMESTICALLY SPEAKING
in
http://www.capitolautomotive.com/pdf/cccnewsletter.pdf
Also see

All 4 TFI's together http://fordfuelinjection.com/files/compare_TFIs.gif



/
 
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Old Aug 22, 2009 | 08:16 PM
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From: Campton
The ICM on my truck was either moved by the previous owner or it was that way from the factory however i finally found it Below the PCM COMPUTER have no clue how in the world i am going to get the old one out because of how far down it is and what a tight fit it is going to be.
 
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Old Aug 23, 2009 | 01:18 PM
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From: Campton
anyone have any suggestions on how to access the ICM without unhooking the PCM?
 
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Old Aug 23, 2009 | 02:39 PM
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From: Easton,Ks
Why do you think the ICM is bad?
They very seldom go bad on the 94 and up trucks?
As I said above it is more than likely the PIP sensor on these trucks.
 
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Old Feb 2, 2011 | 11:26 PM
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@subford
i have a 94 460 and have bucking at all speeds and idle, but worse when the engine or outside temp is warm. The (bus) had also sat for many years hardly used -has only 50,000 miles. Have changed many parts in the last year trying to fix.

just read some posts of other people with little used vehicles having the same exact problems and attempts at fixing.
Several now have said replacing the ICM fixed the problem.
I will try tomorrow to replace if the ice and cold does not get too bad.
 
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