Ok. I bought this 89 , 2.3 in a not running condition. Also ,I am A electrician / electronic tech. So it wouldnt start and hadnt been in a while. So right off the bat ,from a salvage yard. I swapped the coil pack on exaust side ,fixed pack rat damage to red w/ green stripe the hot for coil packs and capasitors. Fixed all three relays wiring at there plug ins. Fuel tank was removed clean rust and gunk out of it. Replaced rusted up pump. Apperantly the owners left gas cap off. And in Oklahoma a good severe thunderstorm will fill that tank full of water in a flash. So I got it running. Just when i am heading to get it insured and tagged. It fails to start. Swap computer , it starts for about a day ,then same thing wont start. Swapped relays again it starts. As i am getting the trans fluid level filled. It will die when put in reverse. But still low on fluid .so put some more fluid in. As its getting close to full . I am trying reverse. Its doing better.Then it dies with a coughing ,shuddering slow die. And it wont start again. One if the codes i am getting is ( no dual coil input signal) now here is what i need . At red with green stripe when ignition is turned i am getting 3 volts ,when i should get close to battery voltage. Until i hit start then it should drop to 7 to 9 volts. So if i unplug brown relay and wiggle it just right i get some voltage back on red wire . And it breifly tries to start. Until relay shakes a little and were back to 3 volts . Now i have swapped relays several times and computer's twice and tried a third computer. Why does it keep needing new relays and computers. Not once have i had a blown fuse.

 

Welcome to the forum.

1989 2.3l Lima engine, fuel injected, dual spark plug distributorless

Brown base relay is the EEC relay
Green base is Fuel Pump relay
Black base is WOT(wide open throttle) relay, used to cut power to AC compressor if so equipped

EEC relay powers EEC(computer), but also sends power(12v) to ICM(ignition control module), Coil packs, all 4 fuel injectors, MAF sensor, IAC Valve, shift solenoids(automatics) and Fuel pump relay(coil)

Wiring diagrams here: http://www.therangerstation.com/tech...ls2_3_1of3.JPG
And here: http://www.therangerstation.com/tech...ls2_3_2of3.JPG

Wire colors may not match, Ford changed them around 1990

reads like Brown base needs to be replaced, you can use any 12v 30/40amp automotive relay and base to replace it, they are very cheap.


The ICM, on the front of lower intake manifold, facing radiator, did fail on these 1989-1994 models.
Its wires and ground could also be an issue.
ICM connects to Crank Sensor, both Coil Packs and to Computer
ICM sets spark timing based on Crank sensor, as you know only the exhaust side coil is sparked while starter motor is in use, intake side will start up above 400RPM.
ICM sends crank sensor timing to the computer so it can time fuel injectors
Computer sends back spark advance and retard "suggestions" to ICM.
ICM doesn't "need" computer to run the spark, but with no computer "suggestions" it would be like running older engine with no Vacuum Advance, lol, so better with computer hooked up.

 

My 89 2.3L runs great at idle, but when warmed up it begins to misfire & stumble with any open throttle input. Either sitting or driving. Could this be caused by the ICM not receiving said “suggestions” from computer?

 

Its possible the SPOUT is not working, that's the spark advance info the computer sends to the ICM adjusted for Engine Load, the ICM can just do RPM spark advance
So yes that would cause stumbling under acceleration and then engine would be fine once at speed, when it just needs RPM advance
(SPOUT is the same as vacuum advance on older systems, vacuum changed with engine load)
But that would cause an OBD1 code to be set in computer memory

I would pull out the computer and open it up, have a look inside for any corrosion, especially at the cylinder type capacitors, there are just 2 or 3

Clean MAF sensor if you have that, if not then check the MAP sensor's 3 wire connector, unplug it and check for corrosion, also check its vacuum hose to the intake, needs to be air tight

If engine runs OK cold but not when warmed up the ECT sensor could be at fault, this should also set a code if its not showing the engine is warmed up, so computer is stuck in Choke Mode, rich fuel mix

 

Where is that computer located?

I will give the computer & MAP sensor a good check. I've done a few once-overs on the vacuum hoses, even sprayed brake clean around them while it was running to see if there were any jumps in RPM - nothing.

About the ECT, I thought the same thing and went ahead & replaced it, to no avail. Still having the issue.

Did some more testing today, and got some fuel pressure readings. 38psi with it just primed (KOEO). 29-31psi at idle, and it jumps to about 40 with quick throttle snaps. I expected slightly higher pressures, but after some reading it sounds like these are normal for this engine. Plus, I've been told the fuel pump & filter have been replaced. With once-over glance, I can see that this looks to be true.

Pulled the codes afterwards, and they are as follows:

11

14

18

34

88


I can't find a list of code descriptions that seems right...multiple websites seem to have different descriptions. But according to this one (https://www.troublecodes.net/ford/), they read [respectively]:

System OK

Ignition pickup (PIP) was erratic – Ignition Systems

Check base timing & advance function – Timing Tests

EVP – EGR did not respond properly during test – EVP

Throttle Kicker Solenoid – Solenoids

Sounds like I should be looking at my EGR system and..throttle kicker solenoid? Would that be the Throttle Position Sensor?

 

Where/what is the SPOUT?

Checked my EGR valve vacuum, holds it well and when I release it I can hear it close. Still haven't tried to clean it though.

Replaced the ICM just because it's so easy right up front. Problem persists of course, I need to find how to test this SPOUT system.