Alright, I have a '94 2.3L with starting problems. With the SPOUT plug connected, it won't start; however, it will start with it unplugged and it will stay running if I plug it back in after it has started. It's not likely the ECM, because I just replaced it with a rebuilt one after experiencing this problem. I have checked all wires for continuity and they're all fine. Any one have any ideas?

 

Welcome to the forum

The SPOUT(SPark OUT) is the "vacuum advance" for electronic ignitions

In your TFI system the TFI module sends the PIP(profile ignition pulse), to the computer so it can time the fuel injectors
The computer has driver input and air:fuel ratios, so it acts as the vacuum advance, a richer mix burns faster so you want less advance, leaner mix burns slower so more advance
When you "step on the gas" spark must retard fast for the richer mix
Computer sends out these spark changes to the TFI module so it can adjust the spark timing for fuel mix and acceleration

On startup the TFI module should IGNORE any SPOUT signal, it uses base spark timing of 10-12deg BTDC, above say 400RPMs TFI will start to use SPOUT suggestions

There are TWO different TFI modules, early, grey color, and late, black color, they are NOT interchangeable, different wiring harness

The grey TFI module had a START wire, it had 12volts when starter motor was turning, telling it to IGNORE SPOUT
The Black module didn't have this, it is suppose to ignore SPOUT under 400RPMs.

But the plugs on BOTH of these is exactly the same, if you plug in a grey module to Black module wiring, or visa versa you can get what you describe

Good read here on TFI module: http://www.myo-p.com/Ford-EEC/EEC%20..._or_black.html

You can get a timing light and disable fuel pump, pull relay or fuse
Crank the engine, you should have 10-12deg BTDC while cranking, if its jumping up past 20deg then TFI module is NOT ignoring SPOUT when cranking, which you kind of already know, i.e. no start with SPOUT connected

In the old days when you cranked an engine with vacuum advance, there is no vacuum cranking, well 2" maybe, lol, so no advance, after engine starts then vacuum advance changed spark timing, as it should
So analogy is very close

 

So I have a 1989 Ford Ranger Custom 2.9 with a TFI module. I have been troubleshooting the ignition system because of no spark or fuel. I made it all the way to checking the voltage at the PIP wire(harness side) going into the module. Has around 5v when turning over, which is around what it should be. Moved on to the next check, which was the SPOUT wire on the harness going into the module. No voltage when turning over. I have done the proper resistance tests on the module to verify it is good. The next test is finding the inline spout connector and unplugging it and checking for voltage there to ground. If no voltage there, would it be safe to assume a fault with the PCM or a possible bad hall effect sensor? To note the fuel pump does power on for a couple of seconds like its supposed to when key is in run position and I do get at least 90% battery voltage to the ignition coil.

 

Welcome to the forum

SPOUT is the spark advance signal from the PCM and is not needed for start up, its only used for Load spark advance, replaces Vacuum Advance
So I don't think it would cause a no start, but for sure find the SPOUT connector and unplug it and then see if you have spark

The hall effect sensor in the distributor "starts the ball rolling" for spark(and fuel injectors), but not a common failure, its the "points" of an electronic ignition
The TFI module grounds and ungrounds(sparks) Coils "-" terminal based on the Hall Effect sensor's pulses
You can use a 12v test light hooked to battery positive and unplugged coil "-" wire from TFI module, then crank engine and light should pulse as TFI grounds and ungrounds that wire

If you haven't seen it there is a good TFI diagnostic here: https://www.therangerstation.com/tec...agnostic.shtml