Vehicle Damage Warnings
ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC1. Always ensure the battery is properly connected to the vehicle prior to attempting to start engine.
2. Don't disconnect the battery when the engine is running.
3. Fully release locks prior to disconnecting connections, ensure connectors are fully seated and all insulators and shields are in place when reinstalling.
4. Never connect or disconnect electrical connections with the ignition switch in the ON position unless specifically directed to do so in a test procedure.
5. In order to disable the ignition system, unplug the primary connections only. NEVER disconnect the secondary leads to disable the ignition system.
6. Do not use a self powered test lamp to check continuity.
7. Do not create any arcing to check the continuity of a circuit.
8. When charging battery, ensure battery cables are removed.
9. When replacing electronic components, disconnect the battery ground.
NOTE: Before removing battery ground, access trouble codes. ECU memory will be erased if ground cable is removed.
10. When measuring voltage at the control unit harness connector, disconnect harness connector first, then turn ignition ON as necessary.
11. To prevent deforming control unit harness connectors, do not probe terminals directly. Instead, insert a pin from the harness side and perform measurements through pin.
12. Avoid getting water on any of the Fuel and Engine Control System Components.
13. Fuel and Engine Control System wiring should be at least 4 inches away from high tension cables.
14. Never pierce ignition leads or insulator boots to connect timing lights or analyzers. Use proper adapters.
15. When removing a spark plug wire twist the boot one quarter turn and pull on the boot only, never the lead itself.
16. Always use 12-volt batteries as a power source.
17. Never apply battery power to a component unless told to do so in a test procedure.
18. Do not try to disassemble the control unit.
19. Never use an auxiliary starting assist device which has a voltage rating above 12 volts to start engine.
20. In cases of electrical welding (for instance, spot welding), disconnect the climate control, injection, cruise control, ECU and radio.
21. In case of temperature above 176°F (80°C), (example: infra-red spray booth), remove all ECUs.
22. The battery produces a hazardous gas (hydrogen), avoid creating sparks near battery.
FUEL SYSTEMS
1. Do not operate the fuel pump without fuel in the lines.
2. On fuel injected models do not depress the accelerator pedal while trying to start the car.
3. Handle all fuel injection related parts with care as they may easily be damaged.
4. Always use new gaskets or O-rings when installing fuel lines or injectors.
5. Lightly lubricate O-rings and flare connections with gasoline. Do not use engine oil, gear lubricant or brake fluid.
6. After servicing fuel system, check for leaks and correct as needed.
ENGINE AND EXHAUST
1. On vehicles equipped with catalytic converters, the following conditions must be observed:
a. Use only "UNLEADED FUEL".
b. Avoid running out of fuel.
c. In case of poor engine operation (misfiring), avoid driving the vehicle and correct the problem as soon as possible.
d. Do not disconnect a spark plug wire with the engine running.
e. Avoid push starting the vehicle.
f. If running on a dynamometer, make sure the catalytic converter is well ventilated.
g. Use caution when working near the catalytic converter to prevent the possibility of burns.
2. Do not use silicone based products on an oxygen sensor equipped vehicle to avoid damaging the sensor.
3. When performing a compression test, remove the fuel pump relay. (This will prevent feeding fuel to the injectors).
TFI IV
Do not change timing by use of different octane rods without first having the proper authorization as federal emission requirements will be affected.
Except for the cap, rotor, module, O-ring, and octane rod, no other distributor assembly parts are replaceable. There is no calibration required with the universal distributor.
Do not attempt to lift module from mounting surface prior to moving entire TFI module toward distributor flange as you will break the pins at the distributor/module connector.
The rotor is a multi-point rotor which eliminates the need for silicone compound on the rotor tip.
Some engines may be equipped with a security type distributor holddown bolt. Use Tool T82L-12270-A or equivalent to remove the distributor.
CIRCUIT TESTS - TFI IV
The primary winding of the ignition coil may be damaged if there is a short to ground in the wiring harness containing the tachometer circuit. Before replacing the ignition coil due to a no start condition, measure and record battery voltage as well as voltage between coil negative terminal and ground with ignition key in the ON position. If there is more than a 1 volt difference between the readings, inspect tachometer circuit for a short to ground and repair as necessary.
If a short to ground is caused by a failed TFI-IV module, the ignition coil primary winding may be damaged. Because this type of malfunction will not be identified using standard testing procedures, the following steps should be taken when servicing a weak or no spark condition: check for spark as described in TEST 1. If there is no spark, test coil primary resistance as described in TEST 3. If coil primary resistance is satisfactory, continue with diagnostic procedure described in TEST 1. If coil primary resistance is not satisfactory, replace coil and recheck for weak or no spark. If spark is now satisfactory, the problem no longer exists. If spark is still not satisfactory, continue with diagnostic procedure described in TEST 1.