The Thick Film Integrated (TFI) ignition control module has been the weak link in Ford ignition systems, partially because it is subjected to a lot of heat!

The Ford PIP is a Hall effect sensor, and has a characteristically longer dwell at idle and shorter dwell at high speeds. Longer dwell also means more heat! The gray TFI module is the most common style module, although a black module is also used in CCD (Computer Controlled Dwell) systems. WeÕll cover the differences between these two systems a little later.

To limit heat damage to the module, Ford switched from an open bowl to a closed bowl distributor design. Open bowl describes a distributor with a notched cutout where the module connects to the PIP sensor. In an open bowl design, the module bolts to and, grounds through, the distributor body. Closed bowl distributor housings are sealed, and the module is mounted away from the hot distributor at its own heat sink.