Where is my PIP sensor? 1991 3.0 w/ distributor

[misterW]

Not getting a spark. Tested it, and the ignition coil is not sparking. Tested the two wires going to the coil and the coil is not getting the pulse signal from Ignition Control Module. Located the ignition control module (in my case on the side of the radiator), and it doesn't seem to be getting a signal from the yellow and brown wire that leads to the PIP sensor.

Before I go ahead and take the distributor out which is tucked away in the back and supposedly contains the PIP sensor, I want to be sure that that is where the sensor is. My piece of crap Hanes manual has been incomplete or wrong about a number of things so far. I don't see that yellow and brown wire leading away from the distributor at first glance, so I was wondering if it is possible that the PIP sensor might be located somewhere else. I can always try to trace that wire back from the ICM and see where it goes, but I was hoping somebody could save me some time.

Thanks in advance!

 

[RonD]

Its a Hall Effect Sensor in the distributor that generates the PIP, 3 wire sensor, 12v, ground and the Pulse wire

These generally don't fail but certainly can fail like any part can

You have a TFI spark system, info here: https://therangerstation.com/tech_library/TFI_Diagnostic.shtml

The 3.0l had Remote mounted TFI(ICM) module(on radiator) with 2 wires to the distributor, I show a grey/orange and black wire
Distributor has a 4 wire connector, 2 of the wires run to TFI the other 2 are 1 to PCM(computer), and one is 12volt power
To TFI module are PIP signal the grey/orange wire
And Black is the common ground between TFI and distributor

On distributor, the Red/light green is 12volts key on, its a common key on 12v wire shared by fuel injectors, TFI(ICM) and most solenoids
Then an orange/red wire which is also a ground but from/for PCM

 

[misterW]

Thanks! Is there anything else you would be looking at at this point? If my coil isn't getting a pulse signal, it's got to be either the ICM or the PIP sensor, right?

 

[RonD]

Yes, test coil for 12v with key on and if possible test with key in START position, there are TWO different 12v wires that supply coil 12volts so it is possible to have 12v key on but no 12v when cranking engine

To test if its ICM or distributor sensor, crank engine over a few times and then pull out 1 spark plug
If spark plug tip is dry then its distributor sensor
If spark plug tip is WET with gasoline then its the ICM

PCM runs fuel injectors
ICM runs spark

With the Remote mounted TFI module the PCM and ICM are both connected to the PIP signal, the grey/orange wire splits, one goes to pin 6 on ICM, the other to pin 56 on PCM, same wire colors

So if spark plug is WET then PCM is getting the PIP, timing pulse, so starts adding fuel to the engine, when its cranking because distributor sensor is sending out the PIP

 

[misterW]

Thank you, that makes sense. Much appreciated