Tips on changing the Ignition Module

[Jspafford]

If you put silicone in there I feel for you if you ever have to try and 'pry' it out in such a small space without being able to see what your doing.

 

[CraigK]

A coupla quick thoughts . . .

A 5.5mm socket is ~.217", while a 7/32" socket is ~.219", and might be easier to find. (Mine's a 5.5mm.)

Also, I found that the round recessed hole which contains the TFI bolts was very small, and a standard 5.5mm socket would not go in deep enough to grip the bolt head. I had to grind/turn down the socket to make it thin enough to fit inside the $#!&^%#! hole to grip the bolt. It might be worthwhile to buy a tool. (I actually turned mine down on a lathe to make it fit.)

Given the efforts Ford has gone to to make TFI changing difficult, I'll bet the bolt covers are just put there to be one more hindrance to do-it-yourselfer types. Ford faced a lawsuit over refusing to pay for replacement of defective TFI's, so may have wanted to limit DIY fooling with it.

 

[holyford86]

sealing up those holes isn't necessary. the tfi module is a sealed unit so you don't need any caps or silicone in there, I cut one apart to make a remote mount adapter and in doing so I discovered that they are actually very well sealed. The electronics are covered in a silicone substance even in the cheap ones, the cover to the electronics pops right off in most cases so sealing up the bolt holes isn't going to do crap. By far the easiest route to take in removal is to get the special wrench for the module. by the time you factor in the time to make such a socket you could have bought the tool and saved money.

 

[Mutant Pony]

The problem is that the tool almost never pulls both bolts without stripping out. I have bought four of them from different companies and not one of them worked. My Snap-on 7/32 socket has pulled many of them even after the tool rounded. It may depend on where you live, We have a lot of rust/corrosion here.

 

[holyford86]

ive never had a problem with my tfi wrench and this part of NY definitely isn't a stranger to salt. Maybe I'm just lucky.

 

[greaseyfingers]

if you use a tfi wrench there will be no problem, I've done it loads of times. you can get one at any autoparts store for less than $10 you don't even need to pull the distributor cap to get the module out.

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do you know if there are any good ways to test an ignition module, before replacing one...

 

[greaseyfingers]

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anyone heard of these, and have any idea, if a Actron CP9087 Engine Ignition Module and Sensor Tester will work for testing, as advertised... and if it would be worth buying...

Actron CP9087 Engine Ignition Module and Sensor Tester
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List Price: $70.99
Price: $43.23 & this item ships for FREE. Details
You Save: $27.76 (39%)
Availability: In Stock.
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Product Features

Checks system sensors
Includes O2, knock, and crankshaft sensors
Designed to combine ignition module
Back probe included for in-circuit testing
Operated by 9-volt battery

 

[IMenriched]

.................................................. ..................................................
anyone heard of these, and have any idea, if a Actron CP9087 Engine Ignition Module and Sensor Tester will work for testing, as advertised... and if it would be worth buying...

Actron CP9087 Engine Ignition Module and Sensor Tester
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
List Price: $70.99
Price: $43.23 & this item ships for FREE. Details
You Save: $27.76 (39%)
Availability: In Stock.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
]

Not really sure of the test guage/devise that your referring to..as to whether it is accurate or not..easy to use??, etc???, if you have the money to get it...great!

Most major parts stores can test ignition modules for free...I did mine at O-Riellys. Just ask when getting new parts at your favorite/preffered place. a little phone time can save you some running.

There are Ohm readings and testing procedures here in the TRS Tech library too. ...http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/TFI_Diagnostic.html