2.3L ('83-'97) 1994 2.3 random sputtering and backfire

[Harp 1]

I have a 94 2.3 and having an issue with random sputtering and backfiring. It may go for 6 months and not do it and then it may do it 4 or 5 times in a row. When it does this it is extremely hard to get restarted, acts like it is not getting spark, even tried starting fluid a couple of times and still no start. Have replaced the ICM seeing how they are a known issue with the 2.3 due to mounting location but needless to say I now have a $216.00 paper weight. Also, there are times when I go to start it all it does is crank over, again like it has no spark, and starting fluid does not work either lending to the possible no spark thinking. I am at a loss, as well as a couple mechanics as to what may be the issue.

 

[scotts90ranger]

Crank sensor on those is more prone to issues, I had one go out once... didn't do anything for like 2 hours then drove home just fine... crank sensor is the input to the DIS module which then gives the rpm signal to the computer. But then again it could be a power or ground to the DIS module...

 

[Harp 1]

Crank sensor on those is more prone to issues, I had one go out once... didn't do anything for like 2 hours then drove home just fine... crank sensor is the input to the DIS module which then gives the rpm signal to the computer. But then again it could be a power or ground to the DIS module...

Thanks for the info. I have the DIS/ICM grounded straight to battery on 3 of the 4 mounting holes, due to shop breaking one mounting bolt about 10 years ago, and the 4th one is grounded/mounted on the front of engine.

 

[scotts90ranger]

There should only be 3 bolts holding the module to the intake manifold, the 4th should not be used at all, why they put 4 holes in the thing I have no idea...

But on a random note is the module grey or black? There was a '94 only model (only in California) that had a black module and used a cam sensor on the oil pump drive

 

[Harp 1]

Not sure of the color, will have to check, and like I said a shop broke off all the bolts but one that held the module on so that is why it is grounded straight to battery

 

[scotts90ranger]

I've dealt with the module not having a ground before, turns out they work fine for like 10 minutes then it'll stall (rolled my '90 because of it, super bad timing...) but start right back up and be fine for hours... I ran for months with no issues with the module bolted to an aluminum plate with an alligator clip jumper wire going to an intake bolt... that doesn't really sound like your issue, more like I experienced with the crank sensor. But these issues aren't absolutes, just trying to share and help you figure it out.