A/T - E40D FIPL Sensor Trouble Shooting and Adjustment
TECHNICAL BULLETIN # 186ATRANSMISSION: E4OD
SUBJECT:
FIPL troubleshooting & adjustment procedures
APPLICATION: Ford
DATE: Jan 1994
E4OD
FIPL Trouble Shooting & Adjustment Procedures (Diesel Applications Only)
Poor transmission performance and/or premature transmission failure may be caused by a defective Fuel Injection Pump Lever (FIPL) sensor, or sensor signal. The sensor is located on the Fuel Injection Pump (Figure 1) and is used to inform the Transmission Control Unit Assembly (computer) of throttle position.
Ford Motor Company recommends that the FIPL be checked or replaced every 50,000 miles. However, it is possible for a FIPL sensor to fail at less than 50,000 miles. Therefore, it is highly recommended that you install a new "upgraded" FIPL sensor when a transmission overhaul is performed on any diesel applications.
You should also be aware that early design FIPL sensors are not as desirable as late design sensors.
Another potential concern is that the wiring harness leading to the FIPL sensor may be broken or shorted to ground. Closely inspect the harness where it is routed across the top of the engine to the FIPL sensor. The natural vibration of a diesel engine can easily wear through the wiring insulation where it contacts the engine, brackets, etc.
Note
The voltage specification for signal return (item 2, page 2) was incorrect on the original bulletin. Remove original # 186 from your files and replace it with this revised bulletin. # 186A.
Note
For testing and adjustment information see following information.
TESTING THE FIPL SENSOR
Note
During these tests the negative lead of the voltmeter MUST be connected directly to the negative battery post and the computer and FIPL harnesses must not be disconnected.
1. Wire A is reference voltage sent to the sensor from the computer (Figure 2).
TEST: With the KEY ON, ENGINE OFF voltage should be approximately 5 volts.
2. Wire B is the ground path from the FIPL sensor to the computer (Figure 2).
TEST: With the KEY ON, ENGINE OFF voltage should be .1 volts or less.
3. Wire C is the throttle opening signal sent to the computer from the FIPL sensor (Figure 2). TEST With the KEY ON, ENGINE OFF and the throttle at idle position, voltage should be approximately 1.2 volts. With The throttle fully open, voltage should be approximately 4.5 volts.
The sweep from 1.2 volts at idle to approximately 4.5 volts at full throttle should be smooth. A meter with a snapshot or min/max capture mode is useful to catch intermittent "opens".
If the previously described range cannot be attained, FIPL adjustment can be achieved by rotating the sensor (on its bracket) one way or the other until the voltage values are satisfactory.