tsarge1985

I have a 87 taco. most of the time it runs ok, some back fire. Every once in awhile it wants to die going down the road and then come back on. Does this a few times then runs normal. Engine check light comes on so I jumped it and flashed 6 times. RPM signal (Crank Angle Pulse). Does anyone know what this means? Thanks

sb5walker

The RPM signal is generated by the signal coil in the distrib - passed through the igniter and on to ecu terminal "NE", probably a black wire with orange stripe. These posts have some info that might help. The first is for an 92 that has the newer style computer with more codes: 12 & 13 are equivalent to your code 6 (but the ignition works the same):
https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f116.../#post51485502
https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f116.../#post51222359
https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f116.../#post51190760

The only significant difference in ignition wiring between yours and the later trucks, I think (besides some resistance specs), is that your coil and igniter power lead comes from the EFI main relay in drivers kick, while the ignition power on later trucks comes straight from the ignition switch. So you might check that the relay puts out solid, uninterrupted power. Cleaning up the igniter ground & verifying signal coil resistance and all the connections between signal coil, igniter and ecu are other good things to do. Also check resistance on both circuits of coil, and verify the cable between coil & distrib. I think all the plug wires should have under 25k ohms, but I'm not sure of that spec. Also check that they are not hard, inflexible, cracked, or have carbon tracks inside the boots. And, verify your grounds: almost no resistance between engine & neg batt post, chassis & neg batt post, ecu terminal E1 & chassis, and terminals E01/E02 and engine. Good luck.

mattaway

No, you have an 87 PICKUP! "Taco" refers to "Tacoma."