Location of the ignition control module

Tiny
NORIEL ARANA
  • MEMBER
  • 1997 FORD MUSTANG
  • 3.8L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 108,000 MILES
I do not know where the ICM is. I have one new I just need to install it. Can you help me?
Wednesday, July 11th, 2018 AT 11:43 AM

20 Replies

Tiny
DANNY L
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,648 POSTS
Hello, I am Danny.

The ignition control module is inside the PCM on this car (1995 is the last year for the ICM). The PCM (power-train control unit) is located behind the right kick panel. Hope this helps and feel free to ask any questions if needed. Thanks for using 2Carpros.
Danny-
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Wednesday, July 11th, 2018 AT 5:18 PM
Tiny
MARCBICKING
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 1996 FORD MUSTANG
  • 3.8L
  • 6 CYL
  • RWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 300,000 MILES
I can not find the ICM (Ignition Control Module) on my 96 Stang 3.8L. After searching several blogs, all the recommended places. Under/behind the air intake, next to the radiator mounts, engine comp. Strut areas, behind the kick panel on the interior passenger compartment, under the splash guards behind each front wheels. Nothing is found. Ford parts still show an ICM for this vehicle and even an exploded view of the ignition system showing the ICM screwed to the frame. Oddly, the Ford Electrical Troubleshooting Manual for the 96 makes no mention of an ICM nor the Haynes Manual. Any ideas?
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Monday, March 29th, 2021 AT 7:58 PM (Merged)
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
I can't find it in our manual as well but I have poic of it from rock auto so it might be a partial year thing
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Monday, March 29th, 2021 AT 7:58 PM (Merged)
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
If you do have it on a 95 it is on right inner fender panel forward of strut tower.
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Monday, March 29th, 2021 AT 7:58 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MARCBICKING
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Yep. That's what the Ford parts view shows as well. Wondering if you'd know then what would cause my problem? The car runs fine but when shutdown hot it will not restart. It will run roughly for a moment but then stall out. However, after about 20 minutes it will start and run fine. Wondering if its the PCM. Since I don't have an ICM.
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Monday, March 29th, 2021 AT 7:58 PM (Merged)
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
Scan for codes and check fuel pressure with a gauge. Pump may be getting hot and not pumping. Especially if you have run out of fuel. Autoparts rent gauge
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Monday, March 29th, 2021 AT 7:58 PM (Merged)
Tiny
EBERG15101
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1995 FORD MUSTANG
  • 14,000 MILES
I don't know how to install the new wiring, the stock wiring isn't the same and has other hookups that the installation guide for the new ignition module doesn't acknowledge.
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Monday, March 29th, 2021 AT 8:02 PM (Merged)
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,761 POSTS
Here is the location and replacement instructions of the ignition control module. Check out the diagrams (Below). Please let us know if you need anything else to get the problem fixed.
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Monday, March 29th, 2021 AT 8:02 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KAYBEE034
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
  • 1995 FORD MUSTANG
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 18,800 MILES
I bought the car not knowing what was wrong with it. It was apparently having an electrical problem that the previous owner was trying to chase because the electrical harnesses were spliced all over. Then it also had the radiator and fan out as well. I have replaced the engine and ignition harnesses, ignition module, coil, plugs, and wires and a 20 amp EEC fuse that was blown, the radiator and the fan. Once I did all of this, the car fired right up. It sounded good and was holding a steady idle. I was warming the car up so that the thermostat could open and I could finish filling the radiator. Then all of a sudden, it just shut off, like the key had been turned. When I tried to restart it, there was no spark. I took the ignition module off and replaced it again and the car fired right back up. I have done this 3 times now and each time the car runs long enough to start to get warm, the ignition module goes out all over again. Does anyone have any suggestions as to what could be causing this? Thanks in advance for any and all advise.

Robert Bates
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Monday, March 29th, 2021 AT 8:02 PM (Merged)
Tiny
DAVE H
  • MECHANIC
  • 13,383 POSTS
Hello,

I would check for codes because it sounds like you have a computer going out but to be sure here is a guide to help you get the codes and the computer and ignition module location as well.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/ford-lincoln-mercury-obd1-1995-and-earlier-diagnostic-trouble-code-definition-and-retrieval

Check out the diagrams (Below). Please run this test and get back to us.
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Monday, March 29th, 2021 AT 8:02 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KAYBEE034
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
According to my Haynes manual, the 5.0's don't have a crankshaft sensor. Is this wrong or right?
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Monday, March 29th, 2021 AT 8:02 PM (Merged)
Tiny
DAVE H
  • MECHANIC
  • 13,383 POSTS
I am sorry you are right NO. CKP sensor. I was looking at 3.8L.

IGNITION SYSTEM
DISTRIBUTOR IGNITION (DI)
The DI system (formerly Thick Film Ignition-IV (TFI-IV) system) has 2 distinct configurations. In the first configuration, the Ignition Control Module (ICM) is mounted on the distributor. The ICM has 3 pins, which plug into the Hall Effect Camshaft Position (CMP) sensor located within the distributor. In the second configuration, ICM is not mounted on distributor but in another location within engine compartment.
The components of both configurations consist of ICM, distributor CMP sensor and "E" core ignition coil. The distributor used on the distributor-mounted ICM is a universal distributor with an opening for the ICM. The distributor used on remote-mounted ICM is a sealed distributor. On both distributors, the CMP is located within the distributor. There are no mechanisms within either distributor for centrifugal or vacuum advance.
The CMP sensor responds to a rotating metallic shutter on the distributor shaft and produces a Profile Ignition Pick-Up (PIP) signal. The PIP signal provides base timing information and is an indication of engine RPM and position. Since the shutter is mounted on the distributor shaft, 2 engine crankshaft revolutions are required to fire each spark plug once. This is because distributor rotates at half of crankshaft speed.
The internal circuitry of the ICM will have one of 2 arrangements, push-start or Computer-Controlled Dwell (CCD). The push-start system allows for increased dwell, or coil ON time, when starting engine. The ICM determines when to turn coil on based upon engine RPM information. The coil is then turned on or off, whenever a rising edge of a Spark Output (SPOUT) signal is encountered. The SPOUT signal is a digital signal generated by the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) to provide spark angle information to the ICM. The SPOUT signal controls only the firing of the coil. The falling edge of the SPOUT signal is ignored.
The CCD system is the same as push-start system, except the falling edge of the SPOUT signal is now generated to control coil ON time. The coil ON time, or dwell, is entirely controlled by the SPOUT signal. The ICM does not internally determine when to turn the coil on as it does on the push-start system. On the CCD system, the ICM responds directly to the SPOUT signal it receives.
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Monday, March 29th, 2021 AT 8:02 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KAYBEE034
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
I greatly appreciate all of your help but I am still unsure as to what to try next. What would you suggest that I try? Would you suggest replacing the PIP? My car has the 2nd configuration of the DI system. The ICM is located on the fenderwell underneath the air cleaner system.

The reason we are having difficulty figuring this out is that when we install a brand new module, the car will start up and hold an idle like a brand new car. Then, within 15 minutes of letting it run, something is burning the NEW module out over and over again. We did not buy inferior auto parts either. I have spent over $1300 in parts just for the electrical system and still have the same problem.

Thanks again for your time and help. I hope the donation will help you for your time.
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Monday, March 29th, 2021 AT 8:02 PM (Merged)
Tiny
DAVE H
  • MECHANIC
  • 13,383 POSTS
I have not forgotten you? I'm looking into where we could be getting the backfeed from to the ICM
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Monday, March 29th, 2021 AT 8:02 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KAYBEE034
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
I replaced the pick-up in the distributor and so far so good. It hasn't burned up another module yet. If all goes well, I will confirm that a bad pick-up was burning out the module. Thanks again for your help.
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Monday, March 29th, 2021 AT 8:02 PM (Merged)
Tiny
DAVE H
  • MECHANIC
  • 13,383 POSTS
Glad to be of help. Will be keepin my fingers crossed.

Happy motoring

Dave H
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Monday, March 29th, 2021 AT 8:02 PM (Merged)
Tiny
LARRYFORD
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1994 FORD MUSTANG
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 200,000 MILES
Need instructions on how to change the ignition control module on a 1994 Mustang GT Cobra, 5.0 HO
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Monday, March 29th, 2021 AT 8:02 PM (Merged)
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,761 POSTS
The Ignition Control Module (ICM) is located on the RH fender apron, forward of the strut tower.

It's just a matter of unbolting the other one and unplugging the wiring harness.
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Monday, March 29th, 2021 AT 8:02 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ANNETTE BRINSON
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1994 FORD MUSTANG
  • 170 MILES
I have a new ignition control module, but cannot locate the old one. Been told it is on the distributor, but cannot see it. Help!
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Monday, March 29th, 2021 AT 8:03 PM (Merged)
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,761 POSTS
Doc is correct, right front fender well.

Here is a picture.

https://www.2carpros.com/images/external/41874774.gif
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Monday, March 29th, 2021 AT 8:03 PM (Merged)

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