P0320 on Ford
Ignition/Distributor Engine Speed Input Circuit Malfunction
P0320 on Ford vehicles indicates ignition/distributor engine speed input circuit malfunction. Au7o has documented this code across 1 Ford model — most commonly on Bronco. The ECM/PCM detected a malfunction in the ignition or distributor engine-speed (RPM) input circuit. This circuit supplies the engine-speed reference used for spark timing and fuel control; a general fault here (open, short, or signal loss) is flagged as P0320. On distributorless systems this maps to the crank/ignition RPM reference. Typical repair costs on Ford range from $40 to $350, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Common Causes of P0320
- •Faulty crankshaft/distributor RPM pickup sensor
- •Damaged wiring or connector in the RPM input circuit
- •Poor ground or corroded connector
- •Faulty ignition module
- •Air gap or damaged reluctor/trigger wheel
P0320 on Ford by Model
Ford Bronco(1 issue)
- TFI Ignition Module Heat-Soak Stalling / No-Start1990-1996
The distributor-mounted Thick Film Ignition (TFI) module is a chronic weak point on these Broncos. Because the module is bolted to the distributor and baked by engine heat, its internal electronics break down over time, causing the engine to miss, stumble, and stall once fully warmed up, then restart fine after cooling for 20-30 minutes. The module tends to fail once its temperature exceeds ~257F. This exact defect was the subject of a class-action lawsuit (Howard v. Ford) that Ford settled, covering an estimated 22 million Ford vehicles built 1983-1995. It is one of the single most common driveability complaints on the platform.
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View P0320 across all makes →Frequently Asked Questions
What does P0320 mean on Ford?▼
P0320 stands for "Ignition/Distributor Engine Speed Input Circuit Malfunction." The ECM/PCM detected a malfunction in the ignition or distributor engine-speed (RPM) input circuit. This circuit supplies the engine-speed reference used for spark timing and fuel control; a general fault here (open, short, or signal loss) is flagged as P0320. On distributorless systems this maps to the crank/ignition RPM reference. On Ford specifically, this code is documented across 1 model.
What causes P0320 on Ford vehicles?▼
Common causes on Ford: Faulty crankshaft/distributor RPM pickup sensor, Damaged wiring or connector in the RPM input circuit, Poor ground or corroded connector, Faulty ignition module, Air gap or damaged reluctor/trigger wheel. Specific causes vary by model and year — see the per-model sections below.
How much does it cost to fix P0320 on a Ford?▼
Repair costs on Ford range from $40 to $350, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Which Ford models have P0320 documented?▼
Au7o has documented P0320 on 1 Ford model: Bronco.