1994 Ford Taurus Ignition System Problem

Tiny
APOLLOUSER
  • MEMBER
  • 1994 FORD TAURUS
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 140,000 MILES
The car starts at times and at times does not. It cranks but nothing more. We have replaced the fuel filter, fuel pump, and the intregrated control module located below the fan shroud. Upon testing fuel pressure the car is getting plenty of gas. I tried to start the car and it started but after turning it off it would not start again. I checked the ignition coil and while it was receiving power from the connector, it was not firing. What could be the cause of this problem?
Saturday, May 16th, 2009 AT 1:14 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
JGAROFALO
  • MECHANIC
  • 489 POSTS
The possible causes are:

Ignition module.

PIP sensor (the pickup coil inside the distributor).

Ignition coil.

You can test the resistance of the primary coil winding - it should be 0.3 to 1.0 ohms. Secondary winding resistance should be 8k to 11.5 k ohms. If this checks OK, connect a 12-volt test light between the TACH connector and engine ground. While cranking, the light should pulse on and off. If it fails this test, replace the ignition module or PIP sensor. You can only tell which one has failed by substitution with the normally available home testing equipment.
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Thursday, March 16th, 2017 AT 12:44 PM
Tiny
APOLLOUSER
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  • 2 POSTS
So if the light is pulsing then both the ignition control module and the pick up coil are ok?
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Thursday, March 16th, 2017 AT 12:44 PM
Tiny
JGAROFALO
  • MECHANIC
  • 489 POSTS
If the light is pulsing, that indicates that the sensor is picking up the signal, and that the module is switching as it should. Oh. Yes, that means that the distributor end is OK - chack the coil resistances, and if they are OK, look for something shorting out the secondary voltage - like a bad rotor or distributor cap.
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Thursday, March 16th, 2017 AT 12:44 PM

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