Codes 214 and 224 Intermittent CEL

[Mazda]

Codes 214 and 224 Intermittent CEL (Repaired)

Hello All,

I keep getting a intermittent CEL and the only codes that come up in memory are :

214 - (M) Error in Cylinder ID (CID) circuit or signal - Ignition Systems

and

224 - (M) Failure in ignition coil primary circuit - Ignition Systems

are these codes a indication that one or both coils are going bad?

How would I test then to see if one or the other is bad?

Thanks Bryan

 

[RonD]

You can test coil packs but...........while it can ID a bad coil it doesn't mean coil is good when it passes the test, lol.
This is because static test can't ID a coil that is failing under real conditions.

But if you have an ohm meter then test away.
Center pin on each coil pack is the 12volt pin, pins on each side are the grounds.
set OHM Meter at lowest setting
Touch 1 probe to center pin and other probe to either outside pin on coil pack
.3 to 1.0 ohms is spec
Although I have seen these test as 1.4 ohms brand new so could be OHM meter issue.

repeat on other outside pin.

Thats the Primary Coil test

Now the secondary, spark plug wire hook up.
Increase OHM setting to 1K
Touch 1 probe to either outside pin then touch other probe to either spark plug wire socket on that side of the coil.
Should get 6.5 to 11.5k OHMs, thats 6,500 to 11,500 ohms
Move "other probe" to next spark plug socket on that side, should be same results.

Now move probe to other outside pin and test the other 2 spark plug wire sockets the same way.

Repeat Primary and Secondary tests on the other coil pack.


Your '94 2.3l was the last year of the external ICM(ignition control module), it should be located on the front of the intake manifold.
These did often fail, most auto parts stores can test them, but check the wiring harness at the ICM, wires often got frayed and would have intermittent issues

 

[Mazda]

Thanks RonD

I tested the coils per your directions and they both test good as to the numbers you posted.

I did not get a CEL all day today. Put about 40 miles on her driving around town today. But yesterday I got it on and off all day long but I did drive about 40 miles on the freeway that I didn't do today. I'm suspecting that has something to do with it. I do not drive on the freeway but once a week now on Mondays.

I will move around the wires around the IMC to see if anything shows up.

Bryan

 

[tomw]

wouldn't this:
214 - (M) Error in Cylinder ID (CID) circuit or signal - Ignition Systems
come from a cam position sensor flaking out? The cam position identifies which cylinder is at its compression/ignition stroke, etc. The crank sensor just indicates TDC for #1, not whether it is compression or exhaust.
I would take a look at the cam sensor.
tom

 

[Mazda]

Thanks for the help guys. Bought 2 new ignition coils and it seems to solve the problem.

 

[RonD]

Thanks for the help guys. Bought 2 new ignition coils and it seems to solve the problem.

That just goes to show the old adage, "you can test if an ignition coil is bad, but you can't test if it is good.", is true

Thanks for posting the update and fix.
Good work

 

[tomw]

RonD ... do the ICM mounted to the intake have the same problems with heat that the TFI had mounted to the distributor?
When MAZDA noted it was problematic while freeway driving, I wondered if there was a heat / temperature related failure in the module. Replacement coils seem to negate that idea, but I would still suspect a weak module as a possibility. Thoughts?
tom

 

[Mazda]

RonD ... do the ICM mounted to the intake have the same problems with heat that the TFI had mounted to the distributor?
When MAZDA noted it was problematic while freeway driving, I wondered if there was a heat / temperature related failure in the module. Replacement coils seem to negate that idea, but I would still suspect a weak module as a possibility. Thoughts?
tom

Tomw, You still could be on to something with the ICM. The code book that came with my scanner also shows

Code 224 as (Trucks Only): SPOUT circuit ground/coil 1,2,3,4.

Since what I have seen in the wiring diagrams the SPOUT goes right through the ICM. I did disconnect the ICM and cleaned both wire connections, although they were already clean and dry. So who knows what remedied the problem at least for now. I probably should have done that after replacing the Coils to see what one did the trick.

This is what I have done in the last month or so to this truck:

Replaced 2 coils (Intake coil had corrosion on SP3)
Replaced Spark Plugs wires
Replaced Spark Plugs
Cleaned ICM wire connections (That thing is a pain to get to)
Changed the oil and filter
Changed Fuel Filter
Changed PCV Valve

I mostly only drive on the freeway on Mondays so today is that day. I will let you know if it comes on again but hasn't the last few weeks.

 

[twfmvm]

When my 92 had code 224 i replaced the ICM and also cleaned the metal it mounts to with alcohol. the icm gets the ground from there and the SPOUT circuit runs through the icm. I hate how they used 5.5mm bolts to mount it. But thats what fixed it for me! Made the engine feel brand new as well as fixing the problem of my aftermarket tachometer showing half the actual rpm.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G890A using Tapatalk

 

[RonD]

Yes, the Ignition Control Module(ICM) was a problem on pre-1995 2.3l engines, in 1995 and up Rangers got the new larger computer and the ICM was in the computer.

SPOUT(spark out) signal comes from the computer(PCM) with data for the ICM, it "requests" spark advance and retard based on PCMs sensor data and driver input.
So it starts at PCM and ends at ICM.
But the ICM can run the spark without this signal, i.e. on TFI system you have to disconnect SPOUT wire to set base spark timing, and if you forget to hook it back up you can drive the truck, it would just feel a little sluggish.

ICM is connected directly to Crank Position(CKP) sensor, this is how it times spark, based on #1 TDC, and how it can operate engine spark without computer input.
This signal is called the PIP(profile ignition pickup) and is passed on to PCM for fuel injector timing and also so PCM can adjust spark timing which is sent back to ICM on SPOUT wire.

SPOUT was a TFI description, with ICMs they used the word SAW(spark angle word) instead, but pretty much the same thing as far as purpose.

PCM can also use CPS(cam position sensor) to fine tune fuel injectors, ICM doesn't use this data

 

[Mazda]

Okay so now the CEL turned on Monday right when i got off the freeway. Will not go out. I clear the code and right after startup it's back.

Just going to replace the ICM. Damn $150 part. But hell it lasted 22 years. Not looking forward to having my hands smashed up in there.

Thanks for all the info RonD and others.

 

[twfmvm]

Make sure you clean the plate (intake manifold) the ICM mounts to. It is probably covered with residue from dielectric grease, which you will need to reapply.

Also forgot to mention that I got my replacement ICM at a junkyard. They didnt offer warranties so i had to take a gamble. But $30 is much better than $150. And ive been having no trouble (or CEL) for 3 months so far.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G890A using Tapatalk

 

[Mazda]

Thanks I will..

Unfortunatly no real junk yards around me. Cant go in a pull the parts yourself. Called a few that are about 50 miles away thay wanted about $90 for them. Order one from Rockauto for $100 with 3 year waranty.

Autozone's are $150 but lifetime. Just don't know how much longer I'm keeping this truck so trying not to put to much cash into it.

Do you gave A/C on yours? How did you get to it. I think I'm going to remove the wheel shroud and go in that way. Seems like there is more room that way.

 

[twfmvm]

Patience and a ratchet. I have skinny hands and long arms though.. i didnt think i was going to be able to do it but i proved myself wrong. And yes i have ac. but the hoses arent hooked up (and i think they werent then either).

 

[tomw]

Mazda:Okay so now the CEL turned on Monday right when i got off the freeway. Will not go out. I clear the code and right after startup it's back.

Ok, what is the code? It could be something else, no? Did you notice any performance issues? Was it the Rancho California or Winchester exit? One may allow exit without having to sit and idle for a while, or was it immediate? Can it be repeated...
tom