Ignition Module 1988 GT are wires for the 2 pins on top specific or reversible? (Page 1/1)
jrr JUN 30, 11:00 AM
When replacing the ignition module for a 1988 GT, the two male pins on the top of the module are connected to two wires with a separate female connector for each wire coming from behind the distributor. On my 2.8L they are not molded, just wrapped in electrical tape. Does it matter which side they connect to? If they are reversed does it matter? Thanks JRR
Patrick JUN 30, 11:11 AM

Are you referring to the connection to the pickup coil inside the distributor? If so, it would be a good idea to replace the inexpensive pickup coil when replacing the ICM.
css9450 JUN 30, 12:17 PM
Yeah, the pickup-coil-to-module connector is supposed to have a locking tab which is supposed to prevent you from plugging it in "backwards". Like yours, my harness connector was broken off and the wires wrapped with tape..... Changing the module one night in a parking lot, I couldn't remember which wire went to which terminal on the new module.

If you're just trying to plug the two wires into the module temporarily, the white wire from the coil goes to the module plug with the little tab; the green wire goes to the side without the little tab. But like Patrick said, the better fix is to get a new pickup coil.
Patrick JUN 30, 12:27 PM

quote
Originally posted by css9450:

But like Patrick said, the better fix is to get a new pickup coil.



I just wanted to emphasize that it's always a good idea to replace the pickup coil when the ICM is replaced even if the connector is fine. It's cheap insurance to replace the pickup coil.
82-T/A [At Work] JUN 30, 02:22 PM

jrr JUN 30, 06:59 PM
Thank you for the diagram and ex[planation. I may have it backwards. Will Take apart tonight to look. The Ignition Module came with white silicone for the base. Can I still remove the module to see the wire colors and reinstall it? Do I need to clean it and add silicone again?
jrr JUN 30, 11:21 PM
Replaced the Cap (Which was worn on the lead to the rotor) Rotor, Ignition Module, Coil, and plug wires. Runs Great now. Thank you everyone! The 2 ignition module wires are worn. I covered them in shrink wrap. Can these be changed without removing the distributor? With the exception of the cap and rotor everything else is original from 1988. 62K miles.
First time in 23 years of owning this car where it do not start! Much appreciated. JRR
82-T/A [At Work] JUL 01, 10:54 AM

quote
Originally posted by jrr:

Replaced the Cap (Which was worn on the lead to the rotor) Rotor, Ignition Module, Coil, and plug wires. Runs Great now. Thank you everyone! The 2 ignition module wires are worn. I covered them in shrink wrap. Can these be changed without removing the distributor? With the exception of the cap and rotor everything else is original from 1988. 62K miles.
First time in 23 years of owning this car where it do not start! Much appreciated. JRR




Beautiful car!!!

At some point, you may want to rebuild your distributor. They sell a few different rebuild kits... but this video might help. It's for a 4cyl distributor, but is basically identical... minus two additional spark plug wires. heh...

I recommend rebuilding the distributor, rather than replacing it... that's because the gear is already worn properly with the cam gear... no need to create more wear with a new distributor.
Patrick JUL 01, 02:36 PM

quote
Originally posted by jrr:

The 2 ignition module wires are worn. I covered them in shrink wrap. Can these be changed without removing the distributor?



If you're referring to the pickup coil, the distributor needs to be pulled out of the engine for disassembly. It's a simple process covered in multiple threads here.

If your distributor is original, it's a good idea to not only replace the pickup coil... but to also to replace the rubber O-ring which is probably hard as rock by now. The distributor sits in an area of high oil pressure, and when that O-ring fails, it makes for a bad oil leak.

The high temp O-ring sold by Rodney Dickman is perfect for this application.

[This message has been edited by Patrick (edited 07-01-2025).]