2.3L ('83-'97) 1993 Ford Ranger OBD 1 code 222

[Carl Allen]

I did an OBD 1 code read on my Ford ranger with the distributor less ignition system and dual coils. I received a 222 fault code loss of right side ignition diagnostic monitor (IDM) signal. how can I find if it is a bad coil pack or control module that is at fault. the truck would start and run well until it warmed up or ran for three or four miles then it would loose power and sound like it was chocking to death and lose power.

 

[franklin2]

Here's a old thread from Ron D on another board about this problem.


1989 to 1994 2.3l engines used an ICM(ignition control module), in your vehicle it will be mounted on the front of the lower intake facing the fan.

ICM controls both coil Packs
Because you are running dual spark plugs you can't always tell when one coil pack is not working 100%, there would be no misfires since BOTH spark plugs fire in each cylinder at the same time.

What I would have done first is to swap coil packs with each other and see if code 218 came up instead of 222
If code stayed 222 then fault would be in ICM OR wires from ICM to that coil pack.

222 should be exhaust side coil pack, i.e. runs spark plugs on exhaust side
218 intake side coil pack


In this case IDM is Ignition Diagnostic Monitor signal, ICM can tell if one of the two Primary coils in each coil pack is acting up
(IDM can also be injector diagnostic monitor, which would, of course, be different, lol)



With engine idling cold unplug the 3 wire connector on 1 coil pack, RPMs will drop slightly, but engine should NOT misfire.
Plug it back in and unplug other coil pack, see if either coil causes misfires when it is the only coil pack working.


Cold or warm failures are usually the electronics not the wires but.............you are there I am not, so check each of the 3 wires on each coil pack, at the ICM they can get frayed and brittle after 25 years

Last edited by RonD; 05-27-2018 at 08:28 PM.