MODEL IDENTIFICATION
Note. For scheduled maintenance intervals and the related fluid capacities, fluid specifications and labor times for major service intervals, see SCHEDULED SERVICES article in this section. Warranty information and specifications for fluid capacities, lubrication specifications, wheel and tire size, and battery type are covered in this article.
VIN LOCATION
The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is located on the left side of the dash panel at the base of the windshield. The VIN chart explains the code characters.
VIN CODE ID EXPLANATION
Numbers preceding the explanations in the legend below refer to the sequence of characters as listed on VIN identification label. See VIN example below.
VIN Code ID Explanation. Scheme 2
SEVERE & NORMAL SERVICE DEFINITIONS
Note. Use the Severe Service schedule if the vehicle to be serviced is operated under ANY (one or more) of these conditions
Service is recommended at mileage intervals based on vehicle operation. Service schedules are based on the following primary operating conditions
Severe Service
- Short Trips (About 10 Miles) In Freezing Temperatures
- Towing Or Heavily Loaded
- Severe Dust Conditions
- Hot Weather, Stop-And-Go Driving
- Extensive Idling Conditions (Taxi Or Delivery Type Service)
Normal Service
- Driven More Than 10 Miles Daily
- No Operating Conditions From Severe Service Schedule
CAMSHAFT TIMING BELT
| CAUTION | Failure to replace a faulty camshaft timing belt may result in serious engine damage. |
The condition of camshaft drive belts should always be checked on vehicles which have more than 50,000 miles. Although some manufacturers do not recommend belt replacement at a specified mileage, others require it at 60,000-100,000 miles. A camshaft drive belt failure may cause extensive damage to internal engine components on most engines, although some designs do not allow piston-to-valve contact. These designs are often called "Free Wheeling".
Many manufacturers changed their maintenance and warranty schedules in the mid-1980's to reflect timing belt inspection and/or replacement at 50,000-60,000 miles. Most service interval schedules in this manual reflect these changes.
Belts or components should be inspected and replaced if any of the following conditions exist
- Cracks Or Tears In Belt Surface
- Missing, Damaged, Cracked Or Rounded Teeth
- Oil Contamination
- Damaged Or Faulty Tensioners
- Incorrect Tension Adjustment
Replace camshaft timing belt every 60,000 miles.
COOLING SYSTEM
Replace engine coolant every 36 months or 30,000 miles. Check condition of hoses and clamps every 12 months or 15,000 miles, whichever comes first. Replace hoses and clamps if necessary.
Scheme 3
Scheme 4
Scheme 5
Note. For more information regarding vehicle lifting refer to the JACKING & HOISTING article in the WHEEL ALIGNMENT section.
Scheme 6
Note. For more information regarding camshaft timing belt service refer to the 1.3L 4-CYL - VINS [H,K] article in the ENGINE MECHANICAL section.
VALVE CLEARANCE ADJUSTMENT (1988-89 CARBURETOR ENGINES)
Note. For more information regarding valve clearance adjustments refer to the 1.3L 4-CYL - VINS [H,K] article in the ENGINE MECHANICAL section.
Scheme 7
SERVICE LABOR TIMES
Note. For 1990 and newer vehicles, labor times are provided, where available, within appropriate SERVICE INTERVAL table in SCHEDULED SERVICES article.
TIRE INFLATION
Tire inflation pressure is listed on a decal attached to right door pillar.
WHEEL TIGHTENING
Tighten wheel lug bolts to 65-87 ft. lbs. (88-118 N.m). If wheels are equipped with locking type lug nuts, ALWAYS position the "keyed" nut opposite the valve stem.
BATTERY SPECIFICATIONS
| CAUTION | When battery is disconnected, vehicles equipped with computers may lose memory data. When battery power is restored, driveability problems may exist on some vehicles. These vehicles may require a relearn procedure. See COMPUTER RELEARN PROCEDURES article in the GENERAL INFORMATION section. |
All 1988-92 models use a BX-35 battery. The 1993 Festiva uses a 50D 20L standard battery.
BATTERY WARNING
| WARNING | When battery is disconnected, vehicles equipped with computers may lose memory data. When battery power is restored, driveability problems may exist on some vehicles. These vehicles may require a relearn procedure. See COMPUTER RELEARN PROCEDURES article in GENERAL INFORMATION section. |
REPLACING BLOWN FUSES
| CAUTION | Before replacing a blown fuse, remove ignition key, turn off all lights and accessories to avoid damaging the electrical system. Be sure to use fuse with the correct indicated amperage rating. The use of an incorrect amperage rating fuse may result in a dangerous electrical system overload. |
BRAKE PAD WEAR INDICATOR
| CAUTION | Indicator will cause a squealing or scraping noise, warning that brake pads need replacement. |
CATALYTIC CONVERTER
| CAUTION | Continued operation of vehicle with a severe malfunction could cause converter to overheat, resulting in possible damage to converter and vehicle. |
COOLANT (PROPYLENE-GLYCOL FORMULATIONS)
| CAUTION | To avoid possible damage to vehicle use only ethylene-glycol based coolants with a mixture ratio from 44-68% anti-freeze. DO NOT use 100% anti-freeze as it will cause the formation of cooling system deposits. This results in coolant temperatures of over 300° F (149°C) which can melt plastics. 100% anti-freeze has a freeze point of only -8° F (-22°C). |
| CAUTION | Propylene-Glycol Mixtures has a smaller temperature range than Ethylene-Glycol. The temperature range (freeze-boil) of a 50/50 Anti-Freeze/Water Mix is as follows: Propylene-Glycol -26° F (-32°C) - 257° F (125°C) Ethylene-Glycol -35° F (-37°C) - 263° F (128°C) |
| CAUTION | Propylene-Glycol/Ethylene-Glycol Mixtures can cause the destabilization of various corrosion inhibitors. Also Propylene-Glycol/Ethylene-Glycol has a different specific gravity than Ethylene-Glycol coolant, which will result in inaccurate freeze point calculations. |
ELECTROSTATIC DISCHARGE SENSITIVE (ESD) PARTS
| WARNING | Many solid state electrical components can be damaged by static electricity (ESD). Some will display a warning label, but many will not. Discharge personal static electricity by touching a metal ground point on the vehicle prior to servicing any ESD sensitive component. |
ENGINE OIL
| CAUTION | Never use non-detergent or straight mineral oil. |
FUEL PUMP SHUTOFF SWITCH
This switch stops flow of fuel to engine after a collision. The impact does not have to be great for switch to be triggered. Switch must be reset after collision. Switch is located under left rear speaker in luggage compartment. Press button to reset switch.
FUEL SYSTEM SERVICE
| WARNING | Relieve fuel system pressure prior to servicing any fuel system component (fuel injection models). |
HALOGEN BULBS
| WARNING | Halogen bulbs contain pressurized gas which may explode if overheated. DO NOT touch glass portion of bulb with bare hands. Eye protection should be worn when handling or working around halogen bulbs. |
PASSIVE RESTRAINTS
| CAUTION | Before operating vehicle, securely fasten passive shoulder restraints to the emergency release buckles. The buckle fits in only one way. Ensure to position it properly. |
RADIATOR CAP
| CAUTION | Always disconnect the fan motor when working near the radiator fan. The fan is temperature controlled and could start at any time even when the ignition key is in the OFF position. DO NOT loosen or remove radiator cap when cooling system is hot. |
RADIATOR FAN
| WARNING | Keep hands away from radiator fan. Fan is controlled by a thermostatic switch which may come on or run for up to 15 minutes even after engine is turned off. |
WARRANTY INFORMATION
| CAUTION | Due to the different warranties offered in various regions and the variety of after-market extended warranties available, please refer to the warranty package that came with the vehicle to verify all warranty options. |
BASIC NEW CAR LIMITED WARRANTY
All parts of the vehicle, except tires, are covered against defects in factory-supplied materials and workmanship for 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever occurs first.
POWERTRAIN WARRANTY
Note. Powertrain Warranty varies in coverage length (4 years/50,000 miles or 6 years/60,000 miles) depending on model year.
Under this warranty, certain parts of the engine, transmission, axle and driveline are warranted against defects in materials and workmanship for either 4 years/50,000 or 6 years/60,000 miles, depending on the model year. This coverage begins after 12 months or 12,000 miles. See copy of warranty for specific components covered and length of coverage.
BUMPER-TO-BUMPER COVERAGE
All 1992-93 vehicles have complete warranty coverage against defects in materials and workmanship for 3 years or 36,000 miles, whichever occurs first. There is no deductible with this warranty. Items not covered include tires and parts that are subject to normal wear and tear, such as windshield wiper blades, brake linings, brake pads, clutch linings and scheduled maintenance items. There is no extended powertrain coverage included in this warranty.
BATTERY COVERAGE
Begins at warranty start date and lasts up to 3 years or 36,000 miles, whichever occurs first. For the first 12 months in service (less than 36,000 miles), battery will be replaced at no charge. After that, battery will be replaced on a customer-participation basis: For the 13th-24th month in service, Ford will pay 50%; for the 25th-36th month, Ford will pay 25%. Labor is covered for 3 years or 36,000 miles, whichever occurs first.
SAFETY RESTRAINT SYSTEM COVERAGE
Begins at warranty start date and lasts for 5 years or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first. Covers safety restraint problems not related to comfort or appearance. Coverage for model years earlier than 1990 is 3 years with unlimited miles.
CORROSION COVERAGE
Begins at warranty start date and lasts for 6 years or 60,000 miles, whichever occurs first. 1992-93 models are covered for 6 years or 100,000 miles, whichever occurs first. Covers any holes in body sheet metal caused by corrosion.
EMISSIONS DEFECT & PERFORMANCE WARRANTIES (EXCEPT CALIFORNIA)
Defect Warranty ensures that vehicle meets applicable EPA regulations and that vehicle's emission control system is free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of 5 years or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first.
The Performance Warranty covers all costs of repairing or adjusting any components or parts as needed for the vehicle to pass a Federally required state or local emissions test.
Other emission control parts related to these components are covered by the Performance Warranty, where applicable. If another part fails due to the failure of one of these components, both parts are covered. See customer's copy of warranty information for specific items covered. Performance Warranty coverage is limited to fewer components after 2 years or 24,000 miles.
EMISSIONS PERFORMANCE WARRANTY (CALIFORNIA)
If vehicle fails a Smog Check inspection, all necessary repairs and adjustments will be made by manufacturer to ensure that vehicle passes the inspection. Warranty begins at warranty start date and lasts for a period of 3 years or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first.
EMISSIONS DEFECT WARRANTY (CALIFORNIA)
If any emission-related part on the vehicle is defective, the part will be repaired or replaced by manufacturer. Warranty begins at warranty start date and lasts for a period of 3 years or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first.
Some emission-related parts are warranted for 7 years or 70,000 miles whichever occurs first, and will be repaired or replaced by manufacturer if found to be defective in material or workmanship. See customer's copy of warranty information for specific items covered.
FUSE PANEL & FUSIBLE LINK BLOCK LOCATIONS
The vehicle has a fuse block with fusible links and a fuse panel with circuit fuses. The fuse panel is located behind the instrument panel, left of the steering column. The fuse block is located under the hood.
Scheme 8
Fuse Identification
- 1 - 15 Amp License Plate Light, Rear Side Marker Light, Front Parking Lights, Cluster and Tail Lights
- 2 - 15 Amp Horn, Brakelights, High-Mount Brakelight
- 3 - 15 Amp (1988-89) Safety Belt Warning, Turn & Hazard Warning Flasher Lights, Radio, Trunk Light, Ignition Key Reminder Buzzer
- 15 Amp (1990-93) Safety Belt Warning, Turn & Hazard Warning Flasher Lights, Ignition Key Reminder Buzzer
- 4 - 15 Amp Audio System, Cigarette Lighter, Remote Control Mirror
- 5 - 15 Amp Rear Wiper/Washer, Daytime Running Light System (Canada)
- 6 - 15 Amp Heater & Air Conditioner
- 7 - 20 Amp Heater & Air Conditioner, Cooling Fan System
- 8 - 10 Amp (1988-89) Interior Courtesy Lights
- 10 Amp (1990-93) Radio, Interior Courtesy Lights, Luggage Compartment Light
- 9 - 15 Amp (1988-89) Front Wiper/Washer
- 15 Amp (1990-93) Front Wiper/Washer, Shift-Lock System (ATX), Engine Control System
- 10 - 10 Amp Charging System, Emission Control System
- 11 - 10 Amp (1988-90) Safety Belt Warning, Turn & Hazard Warning Flasher Lights, Back-Up Lights, Instrument Cluster, Warning Lights
- 10 Amp (1991-93) Safety Belt Warning, Turn & Hazard Warning Flasher Lights, Back-Up Lights, Instrument Cluster, Warning Lights, Shift-Lock System
- 12 - 15 Amp Rear Window Defroster
- 13 - Not Used (1988-89) Spare
- 30 Amp (1990-93) Passive Restraint System (Automatic Seat Belt)
In-Line Fuse Identification
- 15 Amp (1990-93) Condenser Fan Motor (A/T Models Only)
- 10 Amp (1990-93) A/C System (located on left side of heater case)
Scheme 9
Fusible Link Identification
- A - Brown (PTC) (1988-89 Carburetor) EFE Carburetor Heater
- Brown (EGI) (1989-93 EFI) EFI System (1989-92), EGI-EFI System (1993)
- B - Red (Main) Back-Up, Interior & Parking Lights, Brakelights, Taillights, Horn, Luggage Compartment Light, Turn Signal & Hazard Flasher Lights, Cluster & Warning Lights, Radio, Cigarette Lighter, Charging & Emission Control Systems, Wiper/Washer Systems, A/C-Heater System, Cooling Fan System, Rear Window Defroster, Ignition & Starting Systems, Shift Lock System, Remote Control Mirror, Ignition Key Reminder, Passive Restraint System (1990-93)
- C - Brown (Head) Headlights, Daytime Running Lights, Starting & Charging System