Ignition Control Module question

[99rangerstd3.0]

the truck is a '99 w/ the 3.0. First off, where is the ICM? I looked in my chilton and it says it's in the front left (drivers side?) of the engine bay, but can't find it.

Also, how many miles has anyone had it go out on them? I'm at 85,000 miles, started the truck, let it warm up for 5 minutes and started pulling out of the driveway, and it just died on me and doesn't want to start back up. it will crank and once in a great while splutter. Has good fuel pressure, so this is my next idea.

Any thoughts? Thanks all

 

[hondaxr650]

Are you sure you have the right manual?? Your 99 doesn't have an ignition module. Ignition is controlled by the pcm and it's in the passenger side of the firewall.

 

[Rearanger]

let it warm up for 5 minutes and started pulling out of the driveway, and it just died on me and doesn't want to start back up. it will crank and once in a great while splutter. Has good fuel pressure, so this is my next idea.

At this point your "next idea" should not be the ICM/PCM. Follow the Chilton troubleshooting guide for no start.

 

[modelageek]

as Hondaxr was saying you do not have a separate icm. it is built in to the ecu.........and they do not go bad very often. I suspect you have a different issue...........first thing to do is get a code reader/scanner and see if it though any codes.......pending codes will be there even if the CEL is off............I think your engine has a common issue with the camshaft positioning sensor/synchronizer.........I do not know the exact symptoms but it might be worth looking into........I do know that a lot of times the sensor starts chirping before it fails. .I think it is in the rear passenger side of the engine..........you said it sputters a little so there is some spark......but you should check each wire for spark.....it is possible you got a bad crack in the coilpack also...Cold weather can be a pain(not sure where you are located)..................one last thing is it a flex fuel?

 

[99rangerstd3.0]

Yes it's a flex fuel. I just scanned through my Chilton, and i found where it explains the PCM. In the section despribing the ignition system, theres one little phrase saying the ICM 'jobs' were incorperated into the PCM with this moddel truck. You would think they would have a section describing that with the ignition system, not make you search in the emission controls section of the book

Well looks like i'm going to be picking up a code reader tonight... i'll run the tests and keep ya informed

 

[Ranger44]

also, just because a vehicle has correct fuel pressure, doesn't mean it has enough volume to stay running.

Start with codes

 

[99rangerstd3.0]

Well i found the problem... Went and got a code reader, plugged it in: nothing. So i took out one of my spark plugs to check the spark... well long story short, when your spark plugs have a gap of approx .072 across the board, you pickup doesn't really like that slapped some new plugs in there, and runs like a champ.

I guess i should've given my truck a little more TLC lookover after buyin a 78,000 mile rig... glad to know i have a code reader now for next time!

 

[Rearanger]

Went and got a code reader, plugged it in: nothing.

No reason for a code reader if you didn't get a check engine light. Code readers are no replacement for good old fashioned troubleshooting.

 

[modelageek]

No reason for a code reader if you didn't get a check engine light. Code readers are no replacement for good old fashioned troubleshooting.

I respectfully disagree............I think the first thing you should do is read the codes........it narrows the issue right down for you.................my cheap $20 codekey has solved more problems for people

 

[Rearanger]

I respectfully disagree............

You misunderstood my point. I will buy a code reader when I get a check engine light. But even with a code reader it won't do the thinking for you - you still need to determine the root cause of the code, and understanding engine basics and troubleshooting will help you avoid replacing parts to find the problem.