Ford TFI-IV Ignition Module Woes! New Defective Parts for a 37 Y.O. Clean Bronco

This video is about Ford TFI-IV Ignition Module Woes where we had two new TFI-IV ignition modules cause intermittent engine stall events. In this video I walk though the pain points and failure modes multiple replacement Ignition modules presented us with and what we had to do for an ultimate fix!
We review the PIP and SPOUT signals using the Picoscope to identify faults and specific control circuits and how to identify faulty control circuits.

[@DTEAuto]

Thanks for taking the time and putting in the effort to show us the differences. Seeing the results with the scope is always a great confidence boost, thanks again that was interesting!

[@TechScottBrown]

Thank you sir!

[@spirokattan3655]

Hi Scott, The scope is a very powerful tool. Great diag and tech tips! Thanks for posting.

[@TechScottBrown]

Glad it was helpful and thank you!

[@bobodnar7553]

My recollection is that Ford was hit with a class-action lawsuit around early 90s because of defective tfi modules (I certainly had one in my 86 Mustang). Another thing to look at is fretting corrosion in the electrical connectors; this stuff causes intermittent electrical problems. I used Deoxit D5 for cleaning the connectors - great stuff.

[@TechScottBrown]

Yes, indeed, and I remember back in the day. I gave a deposition to an attorney that was researching stalling complaints on Ford vehicles caused by those TFI modules. I’m fully aware of the connections, terminal, fretting, and other issues. And I totally agree, I use Deoxit as well

[@BigRix]

Fantastic video Scott. It seems obvious from you captures that the faulty modules are using sub standard components. Looks like scoping a replacement module before you give it back to the customer could save in comebacks for sure. I’ll scope my primary and see if it shows any signs of problems. It’s got an aftermarket module and has been running fine but it would be nice to know before it leaves me stranded.

[@TechScottBrown]

Hi Rick, yes we’ll be taking a closer look on these in the future for sure! Interesting times!

[@andrewsorenson2267]

Awesome video! It’s unfortunate to say I see issues with quality like this on new vehicles too. Distributors can’t keep doing this nonsense and manufacturers need to stop bidding for the lowest priced part.

[@TechScottBrown]

Thank you. Even though the tech on this vehicle is pretty simple compared to what we see today with modern vehicles, it’s challenging all the way around!

[@nickayivor8432]

Scott Brown, I can't wait for the next video Brilliant video tutorial outstanding love it 👍 SHREWD Scott Brown Questions time: What oscilloscope are you using ,Scott Brown From Nick Ayivor from London England UK 🇬🇧 ⏰️ 14:11 Good Afternoon

[@TechScottBrown]

Hi Nick, I’m using the Picoscope V7 and the 4425 interface.

[@roicam]

Hello, excellent video! What kind of setting do you have for the scope please?

[@TechScottBrown]

The time and voltage settings are shown on the screen. Let me know exactly what you're looking for and I'll see what I can do.

[@roicam]

@TechScottBrown thank you for replying! Maybe I asked the wrong way, what kind of scope and is it connected to a laptop? I use the scope from my ZEUS, But is not very good.

[@TechScottBrown]

@@roicam Ok I see, this is the Picoscope 4425a using Smart probes (the amp clamp is a smart probe) This means that the scope interface and software can detect the probe type and set up the appropriate values and scaling. The pressure transducer in this case is not a smart probe and has to be manually configured as I demonstrated in the video. You can find more details here from my friends at @AESwave www.aeswave.com/4-Channel-Pico-4425A-STANDARD-Diagnostic-Kit-PQ178-p9836.html

[@roicam]

@TechScottBrown thank you very much again, excellent work!

[@vrm86gt]

There just are not any good suppliers of replacement tfi modules for these vehicles anymore