Fox T-Bird/Cougar Forums

Technical => Electrical Tech => Topic started by: 32VFoxBird on November 10, 2011, 08:59:56 PM

Title: Converting to DIS(coil packs) on a 2.3L *Runs now*
Post by: 32VFoxBird on November 10, 2011, 08:59:56 PM
I have an '88 mustang with a complete '92 motor(both automatics). I removed the DIS wires(removed the pins from the connectors) from a '92 2.3l harness. I'm confused on this "CID" wire, because the notes I have say it isn't used, but needed for the EEC to control timing???

Here is the old write up on the subject (http://rothfam.com/svo/reference/DIS.htm)

(http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd188/32vfoxbird/P1010033.jpg?t=1320964296)

(http://repairguide.autozone.com/znetrgs/repair_guide_content/en_us/images/0900c152/80/06/90/c1/large/0900c152800690c1.gif)
Title: Converting to DIS(coil packs) on a 2.3L *Runs now*
Post by: Chuck W on November 10, 2011, 11:16:15 PM
I didn't use it when I did the DIS install on my 2.3T Ranger.  The turbo ECU's didn't use CID. Check your wiring for the 88 ECU.  If it doesn't call for it, don't use it.
Title: Converting to DIS(coil packs) on a 2.3L *Runs now*
Post by: 32VFoxBird on November 11, 2011, 07:54:06 AM
So just 3 wires on the crank position sensor need to be connected? Do I put nothing in its place in the plug? Does the icm need a 12v crank signal?
Title: Converting to DIS(coil packs) on a 2.3L *Runs now*
Post by: Chuck W on November 11, 2011, 08:25:07 AM
TFI to DIS wiring schematic

http://www.merkurxr4ti.com/ref/dpdis_wiring_mods.PDF

The notes on the tach resistor apply to the XR4Ti.  The DPI should also not be needed, since you're not running a dual plug head.

It's been YEARS since I did the swap.
Title: Converting to DIS(coil packs) on a 2.3L *Runs now*
Post by: flylear45 on November 11, 2011, 09:25:39 AM
Quote from: Chuck W;372523
TFI to DIS wiring schematic

http://www.merkurxr4ti.com/ref/dpdis_wiring_mods.PDF

The notes on the tach resistor apply to the XR4Ti.  The DPI should also not be needed, since you're not running a dual plug head.

It's been YEARS since I did the swap.


I remember that whole thing. It was pretty cutting edge back then!
Title: Converting to DIS(coil packs) on a 2.3L *Runs now*
Post by: 32VFoxBird on November 11, 2011, 11:03:17 AM
Quote from: Chuck W;372523


The notes on the tach resistor apply to the XR4Ti.  The DPI should also not be needed, since you're not running a dual plug head.


 Actually, I am!
Title: Converting to DIS(coil packs) on a 2.3L *Runs now*
Post by: Chuck W on November 11, 2011, 11:26:10 AM
Well, then that diagram should have you covered for the TFI to DIS swap on your 88's harness.  Again, check your '88 ECU pin-outs on that CID, but you shouldn't need it.
Title: Converting to DIS(coil packs) on a 2.3L *Runs now*
Post by: 32VFoxBird on November 11, 2011, 12:07:23 PM
Already did and there's not one. Right now it still won't start. I have it wired exactly like the schematic. For some reason I have 12.5v going into the icm, but 10.05v leaving the coils??
Title: Converting to DIS(coil packs) on a 2.3L *Runs now*
Post by: Chuck W on November 11, 2011, 12:24:27 PM
Do you have the DIS module grounded?  I'm guessing so, if you have it properly mounted.
Title: Converting to DIS(coil packs) on a 2.3L *Runs now*
Post by: 32VFoxBird on November 11, 2011, 12:33:14 PM
Yes, and i have the Or/ red stripe wire going to the IGN gnd wire.
Title: Converting to DIS(coil packs) on a 2.3L *Runs now*
Post by: Chuck W on November 11, 2011, 12:45:30 PM
10V leaving the coils?  Where are you getting your coil power from?  It should come from the same source as your 12V to the #1 on the DIS module.  The DIS module grounds the coils.
Title: Converting to DIS(coil packs) on a 2.3L *Runs now*
Post by: 32VFoxBird on November 11, 2011, 01:02:28 PM
If you look on my pic, 12v(red w/green stripe) comes from the coil pack wiring. Then there are 2 extra wires that i fed to the 12v side of my factory coil connector.
Title: Converting to DIS(coil packs) on a 2.3L *Runs now*
Post by: Chuck W on November 11, 2011, 01:09:59 PM
Kinda hard to see wire colors in your pic. 

I dunno, man.  Are all your engine/chassis grounds in place?
Title: Converting to DIS(coil packs) on a 2.3L *Runs now*
Post by: 32VFoxBird on November 11, 2011, 01:13:30 PM
Yes, all grounds are connected. Maybe this pic will help.
Title: Converting to DIS(coil packs) on a 2.3L *Runs now*
Post by: Chuck W on November 11, 2011, 02:08:44 PM
I can't really think of much else.

Do you still have the CID going to the DIS module?  The splice that goes off to the ECU isn't needed, but it still needs to be connected to the DIS module.
Title: Converting to DIS(coil packs) on a 2.3L *Runs now*
Post by: 32VFoxBird on November 11, 2011, 02:12:40 PM
Yes, it's connected but it comes from the crank sensor in the original connection.
Title: Converting to DIS(coil packs) on a 2.3L *Runs now*
Post by: 32VFoxBird on November 11, 2011, 02:31:57 PM
Basically I'm only using 3 wires from my TFI connector. Spout, ECM PIP, and IGN GND. IDM(tach) and 12v come from the stock coil connector. Also I didn't see anything about the shielded ground for the crank sensor, but that's grounded to a bolt on the upper intake manifold.
Title: Converting to DIS(coil packs) on a 2.3L *Runs now*
Post by: Chuck W on November 11, 2011, 03:34:00 PM
Without being in front of it, I'm out of ideas.  Was it running before you swapped it? (A bad module perhaps?)
Title: Converting to DIS(coil packs) on a 2.3L *Runs now*
Post by: 32VFoxBird on November 11, 2011, 04:05:52 PM
It was running motor I got from a '92. I'm thinking the same thing. Anyway to test it? I've seen how the dist mounted ones are tested, but not these.
Title: Converting to DIS(coil packs) on a 2.3L *Runs now*
Post by: 32VFoxBird on November 11, 2011, 05:31:41 PM
Module tested good. Bad EEC?
Title: Converting to DIS(coil packs) on a 2.3L *Runs now*
Post by: 32VFoxBird on November 11, 2011, 09:05:42 PM
One other thing....on your link it shows 1 wire to the crank sensor. Does it not need a 12v supply and ground, too?
Title: Converting to DIS(coil packs) on a 2.3L *Runs now*
Post by: Chuck W on November 12, 2011, 09:37:37 AM
Quote from: 32VFoxBird;372622
One other thing....on your link it shows 1 wire to the crank sensor. Does it not need a 12v supply and ground, too?

That basically just shows the wires at the TFI/DIS module, and what needs to be tied in there.
Title: Converting to DIS(coil packs) on a 2.3L *Runs now*
Post by: 32VFoxBird on November 12, 2011, 09:57:48 AM
From what I understand the EEC doesn't fire the plugs. It only fires the injectors by communicating with the sensors. The ICM signals the coils once it knows crankshaft position. That should rule out a bad EEC.
Title: Converting to DIS(coil packs) on a 2.3L *Runs now*
Post by: Chuck W on November 12, 2011, 11:21:41 AM
It doesn't fire the plugs, but the SPOUT signal is what controls the timing.  Do you have fuel and spark?

On this system, the timing is not adjustable, so as long as things are lined up properly from the start you should be good there.
Title: Converting to DIS(coil packs) on a 2.3L *Runs now*
Post by: 32VFoxBird on November 12, 2011, 11:36:35 AM
Fuel, yes. Spark, no. I pulled several plug wires off, stuck a good spark plug in the them, grounded the electrode, had someone hit the key. And nothing. Injectors click when set to run. Fuel squirts out the gauge port.
Title: Converting to DIS(coil packs) on a 2.3L *Runs now*
Post by: 32VFoxBird on November 12, 2011, 03:05:39 PM
Good news.....Found the problem! ICM was not grounded correctly by the mounting bolts. (feel free to point and laugh) I moved one of the mounting bolts to the other side of the module and fired right up!

Bad news....runs like . Has a bad miss at idle. Sounds like it has a big lopey cam. There seems to be many firing orders for the DIS 2.3's, too. That could be one problem. The other thing is I'm not getting enough vacuum to operate the brakes on the car. I don't hear any hissing that would clue me a leak is present. I'll shoot some carb cleaner around the intake and see if the idle goes up and report back.

BTW, Thanks for all the help, Chuck.
Title: Converting to DIS(coil packs) on a 2.3L *Runs now*
Post by: 32VFoxBird on November 12, 2011, 03:42:21 PM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TFINkxk0Is4
Title: Converting to DIS(coil packs) on a 2.3L *Runs now*
Post by: 32VFoxBird on November 12, 2011, 04:30:49 PM
Chuck, what did you have to do to run just one coil pack? I grounded the 2 tan wires from the intake side coil and disconnected the DPI wire. Won't start again.