No spark from coil 1991 Ford Ranger 2.9

[OldCowpoke]

An old Ranger came home after being given to Sister several years ago. While driving about 50 miles from home it started losing power then would not start. Replaced Fuel filter immediately as fuel line from tank was loose at filter, replaced filter won't start. Opened air line to fuel system and sprayed starting fluid in no start. Placed inline spark tester on spark plug wire, no spark. Inserted spark tester between coil and distributor - no spark. Checked 12 VDC to coil with ignition key on - Good -replaced coil - still no spark. Tested throttle position sensor, 0 to 5 VDC when manually activated. Check engine light comes on when key is turned on and can hear fuel pump build pressure when key is turned on. WHERE DO I GO FROM HERE???????

 

[RonD]

Welcome to TRS

Good testing

So you have no spark
With the Ranger 2.9l system that usually means the TFI module on the distributor has failed
Common issue

The TFI module gets a pulse(PIP) from the hall effect sensor inside the distributor, its "the points" replacement
The TFI uses that timing pulse to Ground and unGround the Coil to get spark
The hall effect sensor can, of course, fail, just not that common
The TFI module was a far more common failure

First pull up the cap on distributor and look at the Rotor, where it is pointed
Not turn the engine over
Make sure Rotor changed position, the distributor gear can fail and so distributor will not turn, so no spark

TFI testing seen here: https://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/TFI_Diagnostic.shtml

 

[OldCowpoke]

Welcome to TRS

Good testing

So you have no spark
With the Ranger 2.9l system that usually means the TFI module on the distributor has failed
Common issue

The TFI module gets a pulse(PIP) from the hall effect sensor inside the distributor, its "the points" replacement
The TFI uses that timing pulse to Ground and unGround the Coil to get spark
The hall effect sensor can, of course, fail, just not that common
The TFI module was a far more common failure

First pull up the cap on distributor and look at the Rotor, where it is pointed
Not turn the engine over
Make sure Rotor changed position, the distributor gear can fail and so distributor will not turn, so no spark

TFI testing seen here: https://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/TFI_Diagnostic.shtml

Went looking for the TFI module, could not find it anywhere so I removed the coil, distributor cap, rotor, metal cover underneath and discovered that it is a 3.0, not a 2.9 and the distributor has a distributor pickup sensor that fits around the shaft of the distributor. After looking on line to find a breakdown of the distributor. Went to auto store to confirm what I was looking at. It appears that this unit can be replaced but one must remove rotor, metal cover times 2 then remove mounting plate and additional hardware on the distributor shaft then the pickup sensor can be removed from the distributor shaft and replaced. My concern is losing the same mounting position for the rotor which will lose the timing location. Would it be easier to replace the complete distributor assembly? If so what's involved.

 

[97RangerXLT]

make a mark with a paint pen to line up the rotor's position in the distributor, and a matching mark on the intake where the distributor is and one on the distributor itself. you want a paint mark that goes in a straight line from rotor to distributor to engine. remove distributor. should be a single 1/2 inch bolt if it is like most older fords, you may need a distributor wrench. the dizzy assembly should come out after the bolt and keeper are removed. transfer any paint markings carefully to your new dizzy. make sure that you place them in the exact location they are on the old dizzy, insert it into the hole and once you got it in and all the paint lines up, put the keeper and bolt in and plug the electronics in.

AJ

 

[RonD]

Went looking for the TFI module, could not find it anywhere so I removed the coil, distributor cap, rotor, metal cover underneath and discovered that it is a 3.0, not a 2.9 and the distributor has a distributor pickup sensor that fits around the shaft of the distributor. After looking on line to find a breakdown of the distributor. Went to auto store to confirm what I was looking at. It appears that this unit can be replaced but one must remove rotor, metal cover times 2 then remove mounting plate and additional hardware on the distributor shaft then the pickup sensor can be removed from the distributor shaft and replaced. My concern is losing the same mounting position for the rotor which will lose the timing location. Would it be easier to replace the complete distributor assembly? If so what's involved.

You still have a TFI module its just remote mounted on the rad support on 1991-1994 3.0l Rangers
Distributors Hall Effect sensor can fail just not that common.

TFI should be under battery on drivers side mounted to rad support

video showing location here, have to get to 2min in: