PIP CIrcuit

[Bryan Swain]

Just trying to troubleshoot a code that I have on an 88TC. Does anyone have a clue where to start? Seems that I has a loss of power to the ignition profile circuitry. I've changed distributors and this didn't do it. Is this a computer problem? Thanks! Bryan :confused:

[2-77s, 1-85, 2-86 TCs]

What's the car doing??? Did you try changing the TFI? I just bought my first TC (an '86) and I started reading up on them. The TFI can be the most confusing piece of junk on the entire TC motor. The engine will do some WIERD things that would make you think all sorts of stuff is wrong with it, but it ends up being the TFI! If you don't know what I'm talking about, it's the rectangular piece mounted on the side of the distributor with two screws. From what I'm told, they are star sockets or something. Now sure, never looked myself. Heck, I haven't even picked up the car yet (it's in Nebraska)!!!

Well, I hope this helped. If not, let me know. Maybe I can try to help you figure it out.

Rick

[Bryan Swain]

Hi Rick,

Thanks for the message! Actually I had already replaced the distributor with a different TFI. I currently get a Engine-OFF code of 14 which refers to the PIP circuit failure. The car doesn't always do the same thing and runs fine at times but what it does do are the following. High idle, upon starts sometimes it runs under the normal idle and surges up and down somewhat. If you don't let it warm up past the time it takes for the auto heat sensor to kick on and drive it it wants to stall as soon as you come to a stop. To give you a little history on this car I bought it from a mechanical engineer in December of 2000. He had balanced the turbo and it was producing about 21 psi of boost. It ran really well! I've been good to the car so I haven't abused it other than the couple of times that the throttle stuck from the damn floor mat and it revved like a Suzuki. I of course shut it down and I didn't notice anything strange as far as it running at the time. But after a few months I noticed that it just didn't have the go any longer like it did and it was back to 15 psi maximum. Now it's around 11 psi and I think it's a seperate problem. One thing to note is that the temperature gauge has never worked. I probably have a couple of sensors around to try to fix that problem or it might be a gauge. My hunch is that it's a sensor thus not giving the proper temps to the computer. I don't think however that the PIP error is related and this is why I am looking for a little guidance on that problem. I hope I haven't confused you or anyone. Thanks, Bryan

[2-77s, 1-85, 2-86 TCs]

Ok, but where did you get the TFI from? What I mean is, is it an original Ford Motorsport part? If not, the aftermarket TFIs are known for crappy performance from the start. They make the engine idle badly. I know a guy on another forum that has a sale going on for $60 plus shipping. They're normally over $100, but they are definitely worth it from what I hear. I'm going to get one myself, right before I go to pick up my car. Mine is doing similar things as yours (the previous owers have told me), and almost everybody has told me to replace the TFI. Not trying to be pushy, just trying to help you out, but I just wanted you to know how particular the TFI can be as to what brand it is.

Rick

[ 02-12-2002: Message edited by: Rick Corder ]

[2-77s, 1-85, 2-86 TCs]

Oh yeah, have you changed the PIP sensor? If not, you might want to check on the price of one of those. Another thing, which would definitely be cheaper, is to check the grounding or wiring at/around the TFI.

Rick

[Bryan Swain]

Thanks again Rick! Where is the PIP sesor? I have no idea to tell you the truth. I guess I should spend some time looking through the manual more. The TFI on the distributor that was originally on the car I is a Select Performance Part and I am not sure about the other one. I believe that I had it from a Mustang engine. I will have to investigate that one. Could you give the URL for the other guy that has a few. I am assuming that he might have more after you get yours. Thanks for your help! Bryan

[2-77s, 1-85, 2-86 TCs]

Personally, I would go ahead and buy one of the TFI's if I were you. The site is www.turboford.org

Go into the for sale section and look for the topic "sale on motorcraft tune-up parts", and send the guy a message telling him you want one. He'll tell you what to do from there.

The PIP sensor is in the distributor. The three pins from the TFI module plug into it.

Rick Corder