Questions and Answers

Mercury PIPing And SPOUTing Q. Sir, I have a 1986 Mercury Grand Marquis with 100,000 miles. 5.0 liter fuel injection, AOD transmission. I have replaced all vacuum hoses, MAP and the EGR. I did a plug and wire change. Along with a fluid and filter in both engine and transmission. Had transmission rebuilt, found thrust washer in pan. The neutral switch failed a while back along with the starter solenoid.

The problem is I keep getting the same code 34 - EGR 18 spout circuit fault. I don't know if the short that I had might have done something to the Profile Ignition Pickup (PIP) or not? You can feel a intermittent interrupt under driving power. Could the spout be grounded? I am having a hard time finding how much voltage I should have at each of these connection's I have current going to these connection's so my meter say's.

A. According to my books, Code 34 is "No EGR flow" which is probably due to a malfunctions EGR Valve Position Sensor (EVP) or EGR valve.

Code 18 (if I'm reading you correctly) is a "No tach"

The PIP signal is just one of many of the ECA inputs. The ECA takes all the information provided by the input sensors and creates a output signal called SPOUT (spark output). The spout signifies the engine operating condition electronically and is sent back to the TFI module, see picture, for comparison with the PIP signal. The TFI module then uses both of these signals to fire the ignition coil at the proper timing intervals

There are no specific voltages specified by Ford. As you can see the PIP signal is a square sine wave which you would need an oscilloscope to see.

You can get updated information from a Ford dealer. Just ask for a copy of TSB 872110 10/21/1987 TFI Module/PIP Sensor - New Diagnostic Procedure and you will have the correct diagnostic procedure.

PIP And SPOUT Signals

Profile Ignition Pickup (PIP)