Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
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HOMESERVICE MANUALSFORD1988TAURUS L4-153 2.5L HSCREPAIR AND DIAGNOSISPOWERTRAIN MANAGEMENTIGNITION SYSTEMDESCRIPTION AND OPERATIONSYSTEM DESCRIPTION
1988 Ford Taurus L4-153 2.5L HSC
System Description
1988 Ford Taurus L4-153 2.5L HSCSECTION System Description
Thick Film Integrated (TFI) IV ignition system (Typical):
With the exception of the Distributorless Ignition System, TFI -IV (Federal) and TFI-IV w/Computer Control Dwell (Calif.) is used on all other EEC IV controlled engines. The distributor is die cast unit that is gear driven. A Hall Effect stator assembly is used to trigger the ignition coil. This system does not use either centrifugal or vacuum advance mechanisms. The TFI ignition module is mounted to the side of the distributor base.
Open Bowl Distributor:
The distributor,Fig. 2, uses the Hall Effect switch to switch primary voltage and send a signal, (Profile Ignition Pickup (PIP)), to the ECA. The ECA uses the PIP input to produce an output signal, (SPOUT), that is sent to the ignition module to switch ON and Off current in the primary voltage.
This interruption of the primary current causes the ignition coil secondary to produce an open circuit high voltage as high as 40,000 volts. The high voltage pulses are sent to the distributor which sends them to fire the spark plugs.
The ignition module used on manual transmission models has a "push start" feature. If necessary the vehicle can be pushed started.
A provision for fixed octane adjustment by use of a rod is also available.
RENDER: 1.0x
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.