Distributor Ignition System; General Information - Ford Ranger Maintaince And Repair Manual

DISTRIBUTOR IGNITION SYSTEM

General Information

Only the 1991−92 2.9L and the 1991−94 3.0L engines are equipped with the distributor ignition system. The
distributor ignition system consists of the following components:
• Ignition Control Module (ICM)
• Distributor
• Camshaft Position (CMP) sensor
• Ignition coil
The distributor ignition system designed by Ford has two distinct configurations. The first configuration is
known as the distributor mounted system, because the ICM is mounted directly on the distributor housing.
The second configuration is known as a remote mount system, since the ICM is mounted on the front fender
apron.
The distributor used by this system is sealed and houses the CMP sensor. The distributor does not utilize
vacuum or centrifugal advance mechanisms; the ignition timing is automatically controlled by the Powertrain
Control Module (PCM) and the ICM.
Ford calls this electronic ignition the Thick Film Integrated−IV (TFI−IV) ignition system. The TFI module is
also known as the Ignition Control Module (ICM) which reports engine position and rpm to the PCM. The
PCM then determines the proper spark timing and advance, and returns a reference signal to tell the TFI
module to switch the coil, thereby by creating a spark. The PCM used on these vehicles is referred to by Ford
as the Electronic Engine Control−IV (EEC−IV) module.
DISTRIBUTOR IGNITION SYSTEM 169