I lost spark while driving
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5th Gear
Joined: Aug 2025
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
I lost spark while driving
I’m at a loss here. I have an 87 ranger with the 2.3l and was driving one day when it died on me. It was running great then out of the blue it shut off and wouldn’t start. I have no spark and I put a new ignition coil on it as well as checked the relay and icm anyone else have any ideas? Any help would be greatly appreciated
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jun 2023
Posts: 1,379
Likes: 383
From: WA
There are parts inside the distributor that generate the signal that the ICM needs to see in order to create spark. You didn't mention that. Might want to confirm that the distributor shaft is turning also. Shaft turns, signal generated, ICM creates spark.
I think that there is a resistance spec on the pickup coil. Don't know what it is.
https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/...ckup+coil,7176
https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo...t=7108&jsn=657
https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo...hoice=0-0-14-1
I think that there is a resistance spec on the pickup coil. Don't know what it is.
https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/...ckup+coil,7176
https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo...t=7108&jsn=657
https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo...hoice=0-0-14-1
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 4,907
Likes: 39
From: suburban atlanta
The TFI may have finally failed. Thick Film Ignition module attached to the distributor or remote mounted in some later years. My 85 died in the grocery parking lot, and it was the TFI. I have replaced several... The low budget version from Autozone did not work, and they replaced it with a more costly model that did work.
You will need a special tool to loosen the fasteners but they are not expensive.Clean the mounting and use the goo spread around to be sure heat is transferred away from the module.
Mine just went dead after pulling out of a parking spot and shifting into 1st gear. Towed home.
tom
You will need a special tool to loosen the fasteners but they are not expensive.Clean the mounting and use the goo spread around to be sure heat is transferred away from the module.
Mine just went dead after pulling out of a parking spot and shifting into 1st gear. Towed home.
tom
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 4,907
Likes: 39
From: suburban atlanta
I do not have the tests memorized, but think you can unplug it, and connect from one of the pins and to the ground pin, crank it, and you shouold see pulses that would be used to operate the coil, so would see sparks on a plug connected to the coil output.
I have a tester that is supposed to check a TFI, and it said mine was functional. It lied. I think over time I have replaced the TFI about a half dozen times. The pickup inside the dist that signals each cylinder is measurable when cranking. I think about 4-5v, but memory...
tom
I have a tester that is supposed to check a TFI, and it said mine was functional. It lied. I think over time I have replaced the TFI about a half dozen times. The pickup inside the dist that signals each cylinder is measurable when cranking. I think about 4-5v, but memory...
tom
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jun 2023
Posts: 1,379
Likes: 383
From: WA
Find a good detailed diagnostic procedure and follow it. A couple of pokes with a meter and vague memories from helpful people (no offense to those that are offering) isn't going to get it done. Take notes and report the results if you don't solve the problem.
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5th Gear
Joined: Aug 2025
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So from the looks of it I either need to change the pip or tfi. And to change the pip I need to disassemble the distributor right. So far that’s what every video I’m seeing is telling me what to do. It just makes me nervous tying into that because I know how tedious it can be
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