1994 Aerostar with a 3.0L. Code 212. Grounded spout circuit.

[Tapemeasureman]

I have tested out all components ( 2-3 times ) and all test out ok. My question is, before I start splitting wire bundles open,looking for the site of the ground, can the PIP sensor be bad and still make the signal ? Or is there anything you guys know about this that I cant find anywhere else ? I have read all over the net that the bad PIP sensors create strange symptoms. At $30 I would rather try replacing it than digging into the wiring harness, but it looks like thats next.....

 

[BrooklynBay]

Did you test the PIP with a multimeter? It might have an erratic output signal.

 

[Tapemeasureman]

Only in as far as I got flashing on the test light, but no, not w/ multimeter. I really dont know how w/ multi meter to look for a "square" profile... I might add that I went through this a couple of months ago, replaced coil and whole distributer w/ used ones from junkyard, and it worked fine till last week. Its to the point now that I'm thinking I'll just go ahead and pop the $33 for the pickup coil and put it on the loose dist. I have already before I do anything else. ( like take it to the auto electrical place ) Its beginning to drag out and there is enough of the harness that is difficult to get to, and since all but the PIP has tested out as good, I dont think that it will be cost prohibitive.
How do I test it w/ the multi meter ?

 

[BrooklynBay]

http://wiki.answers.com/Q/How_do_you_test_a_pickup_coil

 

[Tapemeasureman]

I used the following reference as my guide to troubleshooting the ignition sys. I found it easy to follow.... http://troubleshootmyvehicle.com/ford_ignition_coil_3.0L_3.8L/test_ignition_coil_1.php