What causes Ford code 213?

The SPOUT circuit between the ICM and the PCM is open. The SPOUT wiring or its connector is damaged or loose. The ICM failed and no longer drives the SPOUT signal. The PCM cannot send the spark output signal.

How do I fix Ford code 213?

Check the SPOUT circuit for an open. Check the SPOUT connector and wiring for damage or a poor fit. Test the ICM and replace it only if it fails its own test. Test the ECM last, only after every circuit test has passed. Clear the code, then retest to confirm the SPOUT signal returns.

Ford 213 Spark output (SPOUT) circuit open

Q: What does Ford code 213 mean?

Ford code 213. Spark output (SPOUT) circuit open.

Make: Ford (1981-1995)
Category: Powertrain - Ignition
Severity: Check Engine Light

How to read it

Code 213 reads as 2 flashes, pause, 1 flash, pause, 3 flashes on the check-engine light. Jumper the self-test input to signal return at the test connector, then run the key on engine off self test and the running self test, counting the check-engine flashes each time.

New to flash codes? The How to Read Ford EEC-IV Self-Test Codes walks through the test and what the numbers mean. The general OBD-I guide covers the rest.

What does Ford code 213 mean?

Spark output (SPOUT) circuit open

Common causes of 213

The SPOUT circuit between the ICM and the PCM is open.
The SPOUT wiring or its connector is damaged or loose.
The ICM failed and no longer drives the SPOUT signal.
The PCM cannot send the spark output signal.

How to fix 213

Check the SPOUT circuit for an open.
Check the SPOUT connector and wiring for damage or a poor fit.
Test the ICM and replace it only if it fails its own test.
Test the ECM last, only after every circuit test has passed.
Clear the code, then retest to confirm the SPOUT signal returns.

Source

Source review recorded

Sources and review

Review: checked against the recorded source material.

EEC-IV Ford trouble code table (MIL, description, type)
archived reference page (troublecodes.net via Wayback Machine)
Supports: code identity and meaning
Fetched directly. The three-digit row matches the description used in the data file.
https://web.archive.org/web/20030720231430id_/http://www.troublecodes.net:80/Ford/eec-iv.shtml
Ford trouble codes, Contour, Escort, Mustang, Probe, Taurus and Tempo 1992-1995 (code, description, probable cause)
archived reference page (troublecodes.net via Wayback Machine)
Supports: code identity and probable causes
Independent table on the same archive site with matching code identity and a probable cause column.
http://web.archive.org/web/20160501223306id_/http://www.troublecodes.net:80/ford/contour-escort-mustang-probe-taurus-tempo-1992-1995/
Ford EEC-IV trouble code table: code, fault location, probable cause (Crown Victoria, Mustang, Taurus, Thunderbird 1992-1995)
reference page (troublecodes.net)
Supports: per-code probable causes used for the page cause list and test order
Fetched 2026-09-30. The probable cause column is what the page lists, in source order, with the test order built from it.
https://www.troublecodes.net/ford/crown-victoria-mustang-cobralxgt-taurus-thunderbird-1992-1995/

Last updated 2026-10-10.

Report a correction for 213. Include your vehicle, the issue and a source if you have one.