How To Test The Ford Ignition Control Module

Whether your Ford or Mercury car or truck cranks but does not start or runs with a misfire condition, this article is for you. With the tests I'm gonna' show you, you'll be able to pinpoint the problem to the ignition control module or the ignition coil or the Profile Ignition Pickup (PIP) sensor or the spark plug wires or the distributor cap.

This tutorial applies to both the Gray colored ignition control module and the Black colored ignition control module. The Gray colored ignition control module is called the Push Start Module and the Black colored ignition control module is called the Computer Controlled Dwell Module. These ignition control modules (ICM) are not interchangeable but are tested in the exact same way.

Also, the photos (in the image viewer) show some of the tests performed on a V8 engine. This might make you think that they don't apply to your 3.0L, 3.8L V6. Well nothing could be further from the truth. All of these test steps apply to both the V8, V6 and L6 Ford engines.

As you can see from the image of the ignition control module, the tests apply to the fender mounted Ford ignition control module.

If you need to test the distributor mounted Ford ignition control module, click here: How To Test The Ford Distributor Mounted Ignition Control Module (ICM). To test the Ford Coil-On-Plug ignition coils (4.6L and 5.4L V8 engines), see this tutorial here: Ford Coil-On-Plug (COP) Ignition Coil Tests.

In Spanish You can find this tutorial in Spanish here: Cómo Probar El Módulo De Encendido De Ford (at: autotecnico-online.com).

How Does This Type Of Ignition Control Module Work?

Here's a little background information to help you diagnose this no-spark condition. In a nutshell, when the system is working properly and you turn the key to crank and start your Ford car or truck:

  1. The distributor shaft starts to rotate which causes the PIP (Profile Ignition Pickup) sensor to start generating its crankshaft position signal.
  2. The ignition control module (ICM), upon receiving this PIP signal, starts to ‘open and close’ the ignition coil's primary current. As you might already be aware, it's this action that makes the ignition coil spark.
  3. The fuel injection computer also receives the PIP signal at the same time that the ignition module does.
  4. Once the engine STARTS, the fuel injection computer takes over the ignition timing.

The PIP sensor is at the heart of this fender mounted ignition control module and ignition system. Here are some useful facts that you should be aware of about the PIP (Profile Ignition Pickup) sensor:

  1. The PIP sensor is located in the distributor.
  2. It's a Hall Effect type sensor.
  3. It produces a digital square wave if its signal is tested on an oscilloscope.
  4. This signal can also be tested with an LED light (which is the method I'll use in this article).
  5. If it goes bad, the your Ford car or truck will CRANK but NOT START.

What Tools Do I Need For The Ignition Module Test?

No expensive tools are required to test this type of ignition system. Now, having said that, there some very specific tools that I recommend to use for the tests. So, here's the basic list:

  1. A spark tester
    • Not just any type of spark tester. I strongly suggest you buy the HEI spark tester. Click here to see what it looks like: HEI Spark Tester.
    • Don't use a regular spark plug instead of a dedicated spark tester.
    • Don't pull the spark plug wire off of the spark plug as the engine is cranking or running. This will give a false result and/or damage the ignition coil.
  2. An LED light.
  3. Automotive 12 Volt test light.
  4. Multimeter.
  5. Repair manual.
    • For whatever other information this article does not cover.
  6. Helper.
    • To help you crank the engine while you observe the LED light (or test light or multimeter).

By the way, you don't need an automotive scan tool for any of these tests.

Where Do We Start?

The very first thing we'll do is test for spark with a spark tester.

Then we'll the basics like battery voltage and engine Ground to the ignition control module.

After that, we'll test the ignition coil switching signal that the module generates in action.

From the results you get you'll be able to pinpoint the no-start problem to one of the following:

  • The spark plug wires.
  • The distributor cap.
  • The ignition coil.
  • The ignition control module (ICM).
  • The Profile Ignition Pickup (PIP) sensor.

Or completely eliminate all of these ignition system components as the cause of the no-start problem.

IMPORTANT: All of the tests are ON CAR TESTS, do not remove the ignition control module assembly from the vehicle (if the photos show the module assembly off of the vehicle, it's only for illustration purposes). Also, the battery must be in a fully charged condition for all tests in this article.

Ignition System Diagnostic Manual Download

This tutorial has a lot of the information you'll need to diagnose and solve the ignition system problem causing your Ford vehicle's no-start problem or a misfire problem.

But, if you'd like to have access to a wiring diagram, ignition component connector pin-outs, and the entire testing procedure in one place, then take a look at the following:

1992-1996 Full-Size Bronco:

1992-1993 Ford Bronco PDF
Engines: 4.9L, 5.0L, 5.8L
1992-1993 Bronco
Ignition System No-Start Diagnostic Manual

$3.99 USD

 

All of the information you need to diagnose a misfire or a no-start problem (caused by the ignition module, the ignition coil, or the PIP sensor).

Diagnostic manual comes with:

  • Wiring diagram.
  • Component pin outs.
  • Connector pin outs.
  • Firing order.
  • Ignition system component parts numbers.
  • Complete step-by-step testing instructions.

The illustrations in the diagnostic manual are printer friendly! Applies to:

  • 1992-1993 Ford Bronco.
1994-1995 Ford Bronco PDF
Engines: 5.0L, 5.8L
1994-1995 Bronco
Ignition System No-Start Diagnostic Manual

$3.99 USD

 

All of the information you need to diagnose a misfire or a no-start problem (caused by the ignition module, the ignition coil, or the PIP sensor).

Diagnostic manual comes with:

  • Wiring diagram.
  • Component pin outs.
  • Connector pin outs.
  • Firing order.
  • Ignition system component parts numbers.
  • Complete step-by-step testing instructions.

The illustrations in the diagnostic manual are printer friendly! Applies to:

  • 1994-1995 Ford Bronco.
1996 Ford Bronco PDF
Engines: 5.0L, 5.8L
1996 Bronco
Ignition System No-Start Diagnostic Manual

$3.99 USD

 

All of the information you need to diagnose a misfire or a no-start problem (caused by the ignition module, the ignition coil, or the PIP sensor).

Diagnostic manual comes with:

  • Wiring diagram.
  • Component pin outs.
  • Connector pin outs.
  • Firing order.
  • Ignition system component parts numbers.
  • Complete step-by-step testing instructions.

The illustrations in the diagnostic manual are printer friendly! Applies to:

  • 1996 Ford Bronco.

1992-1997 F150, F250, F350 Pick Ups:

1992-1993 Ford F-Series Pick Up PDF
Engines: 4.9L, 5.0L, 5.8L, 7.5L
1992-1993 Full Size Pick Up
Ignition System No-Start Diagnostic Manual

$3.99 USD

 

All of the information you need to diagnose a misfire or a no-start problem (caused by the ignition module, the ignition coil, or the PIP sensor).

Diagnostic manual comes with:

  • Wiring diagram.
  • Component pin outs.
  • Connector pin outs.
  • Firing order.
  • Ignition system component parts numbers.
  • Complete step-by-step testing instructions.

The illustrations in the diagnostic manual are printer friendly! Applies to:

  • 1992-1993 Ford F150.
  • 1992-1993 Ford F250.
  • 1992-1993 Ford F350.
1994-1995 Ford F-Series Pick Up PDF
Engines: 4.9L, 5.0L, 5.8L, 7.5L
1994-1995 Full Size Pick Up
Ignition System No-Start Diagnostic Manual

$3.99 USD

 

All of the information you need to diagnose a misfire or a no-start problem (caused by the ignition module or the ignition coil).

Diagnostic manual comes with:

  • Wiring diagram.
  • Component pin outs.
  • Connector pin outs.
  • Firing order.
  • Ignition system component parts numbers.
  • Complete step-by-step testing instructions.

The illustrations in the diagnostic manual are printer friendly! Applies to:

  • 1994-1995 Ford F150.
  • 1994-1995 Ford F250.
  • 1994-1995 Ford F350.
1996 Ford F-Series Pick Up PDF
Engines: 4.9L, 5.0L, 5.8L, 7.5L
1996 Full Size Pick Up
Ignition System No-Start Diagnostic Manual

$3.99 USD

 

All of the information you need to diagnose a misfire or a no-start problem (caused by the ignition module or the ignition coil).

Diagnostic manual comes with:

  • Wiring diagram.
  • Component pin outs.
  • Connector pin outs.
  • Firing order.
  • Ignition system component parts numbers.
  • Complete step-by-step testing instructions.

The illustrations in the diagnostic manual are printer friendly! Applies to:

  • 1996 Ford F150.
  • 1996 Ford F250.
  • 1996 Ford F350.
1997 Ford F-Series Pick Up PDF
Engines: 5.8L, 7.5L
1997 Full Size Pick Up
Ignition System No-Start Diagnostic Manual

$3.99 USD

 

All of the information you need to diagnose a misfire or a no-start problem (caused by the ignition module or the ignition coil).

Diagnostic manual comes with:

  • Wiring diagram.
  • Component pin outs.
  • Connector pin outs.
  • Firing order.
  • Ignition system component parts numbers.
  • Complete step-by-step testing instructions.

The illustrations in the diagnostic manual are printer friendly! Applies to:

  • 1997 Ford F250.
  • 1997 Ford F350.

1992-1996 E150, E250, E350 Vans:

1992-1993 Ford E-Series Van PDF
Engines: 4.9L, 5.0L, 5.8L, 7.5L
1992-1993 Full Size Van
Ignition System No-Start Diagnostic Manual

$3.99 USD

 

All of the information you need to diagnose a misfire or a no-start problem (caused by the ignition module, the ignition coil, or the PIP sensor).

Diagnostic manual comes with:

  • Wiring diagram.
  • Component pin outs.
  • Connector pin outs.
  • Firing order.
  • Ignition system component parts numbers.
  • Complete step-by-step testing instructions.

The illustrations in the diagnostic manual are printer friendly! Applies to:

  • 1992-1993 Ford E150.
  • 1992-1993 Ford E250.
  • 1992-1993 Ford E350.
1994-1995 Ford E-Series Van PDF
Engines: 4.9L, 5.0L, 5.8L, 7.5L
1994-1995 Full Size Van
Ignition System No-Start Diagnostic Manual

$3.99 USD

 

All of the information you need to diagnose a misfire or a no-start problem (caused by the ignition module or the ignition coil).

Diagnostic manual comes with:

  • Wiring diagram.
  • Component pin outs.
  • Connector pin outs.
  • Firing order.
  • Ignition system component parts numbers.
  • Complete step-by-step testing instructions.

The illustrations in the diagnostic manual are printer friendly! Applies to:

  • 1994-1995 Ford E150.
  • 1994-1995 Ford E250.
  • 1994-1995 Ford E350.
1996 Ford E-Series Van PDF
Engines: 4.9L, 5.0L, 5.8L, 7.5L
1996 Full Size Van
Ignition System No-Start Diagnostic Manual

$3.99 USD

 

All of the information you need to diagnose a misfire or a no-start problem (caused by the ignition module or the ignition coil).

Diagnostic manual comes with:

  • Wiring diagram.
  • Component pin outs.
  • Connector pin outs.
  • Firing order.
  • Ignition system component parts numbers.
  • Complete step-by-step testing instructions.

The illustrations in the diagnostic manual are printer friendly! Applies to:

  • 1996 Ford E150.
  • 1996 Ford E250.
  • 1996 Ford E350.

Ford Vehicles:

  • Aerostar 3.0L
    • 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995
  • Bronco 4.9L, 5.0L, 5.8L
    • 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996
  • E150, E250, E350 4.9L, 5.0L, 5.8L
    • 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996

Ford Vehicle:

  • F150, F250, F350 4.9L, 5.0L, 5.8L
    • 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997
  • Mustang 5.0L, 5.8L
    • 1994-1995
  • Ranger 3.0L
    • 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994

Ford Vehicles:

  • Taurus 3.8L
    • 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995
  • Thunderbird 3.8L
    • 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997
  • Thunderbird 5.0L
    • 1991, 1992, 1993

Mercury Vehicles:

  • Cougar 3.8L
    • 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995
  • Sable 3.8L
    • 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995

Lincoln Vehicles:

  • Continental 3.8L
    • 1991, 1994, 1995