i think my dis module is dead

[quagmires_sho]

my car fires on different amounts of cylinders, sometimes 5 sometimes like 3 and it idles at 500rpm, plus its really slow to rev, and videos ive seen show the rpm rising much faster +at 4k the rpm kinda plateaus, it still rises but very slowly. any advice? also heavy gas smell SOMETIMES plus intermittent CEL at higher rpms (which I suspect is a result of the rich condition from the misfires dumping tons of unburnt fuel into the exhaust which is prob telling the o2 sensors something crazy). i read the symptoms of a shot DIS module on the shosource site n it sounds exactly the problems my car is having, just wanted to ask here before i drop the 75 bucks

 

[zoomlater]

pull your codes to see what comes up first

 

[luigisho]

x2 above post

I've posted this in other threads but I will repeat myself. Over the years I usually made it a habit to acquire used DIS, CCRM, PCM and crank sensors (when they were more available) to have on the shelf in case of emergency. Prices are different now but I would still consider all these things needed for long term ownership. They are also resellable items as these fail often

 

[quagmires_sho]

pull your codes to see what comes up first

only code relating to ignition system was a 217 dis fault for coil 3

 

[luigisho]

Good probability that is it. Always have a cheaper used spare if you can swing it. I never drive my car and I think I have a spare DIS, CCRM and PCM packed in a box somewhere.
You can try and probe wires re: this post to help confirm

https://www.justanswer.com/ford/2ofay-1995-ford-taurus-sho-runs-rough-idle-ran-codes.html

 

[FastCAD]

my car fires on different amounts of cylinders, sometimes 5 sometimes like 3 and it idles at 500rpm, plus its really slow to rev, and videos ive seen show the rpm rising much faster +at 4k the rpm kinda plateaus, it still rises but very slowly. any advice? also heavy gas smell SOMETIMES plus intermittent CEL at higher rpms (which I suspect is a result of the rich condition from the misfires dumping tons of unburnt fuel into the exhaust which is prob telling the o2 sensors something crazy). i read the symptoms of a shot DIS module on the shosource site n it sounds exactly the problems my car is having, just wanted to ask here before i drop the 75 bucks

before you drop the $75 check that your spark plug wires are positioned correctly on the coil. from the front pass. side (left to right/front to back) 4/3, 6/2, 5/1.; engine front facing (left to right/front to back) 4.5.6/1.2.3.
don't forget the thermal paste for the back of the new dis. and make sure the the new dis is for a dohc engine.

 

[quagmires_sho]

before you drop the $75 check that your spark plug wires are positioned correctly on the coil. from the front pass. side (left to right/front to back) 4/3, 6/2, 5/1.; engine front facing (left to right/front to back) 4.5.6/1.2.3.
don't forget the thermal paste for the back of the new dis. and make sure the the new dis is for a dohc engine.

oh thats a good idea i didnt even think about that, the last guy who had this car didnt seem to understand cars so i wouldn’t be surprised if he just mixed up alll the wires.

 

[luigisho]

Cylinders:
firewall
1 2 3
4 5 6
front of car

coil pack:
5 1
6 2
4 3
front of car

THis is always a good idea. I'm not sure if wrong wiring config will throw a 217 code, but it is always good to check wire routing to be sure.