Distributors & Ignition Systems - MOTORCRAFT TFI Ignition System: Description
The TFI (Thick Film Integrated) ignition system is used on all front wheel drive vehicles equipped with an automatic transaxle. In the TFI ignition system, the small Blue plastic TFI ignition module replaces the bulky and much larger Dura-Spark module. The TFI Ignition module is mounted on the distributor housing and is attached with 2 retaining screws. It is electrically connected to the distributor's pick-up coil assembly without the use of a wiring harness between the ignition module and the pick-up coil assembly. Vehicles equipped with the TFI ignition system also use an E-Core ignition coil.
The TFI ignition system consists of a distributor, a TFI ignition module, E-Core ignition coil, ignition switch, battery, and primary and secondary wiring.
The distributor contains the following components: Pick-up coil assembly with internal teeth, distributor shaft, reluctor with external teeth (mounted on distributor shaft), TFI ignition module (mounted on outside of distributor housing), centrifugal and vacuum advance mechanisms, rotor and distributor cap (with male terminals).
The new E-Core ignition coil is unlike any previous Ford coil. It is encased in laminated plastic rather than being encased in an oil filled case, as most other coils are. This new ignition coil has a very low primary resistance and is used without a ballast resistor in the electrical system. There are the usual primary connections on this coil.