Basic Testing Ford Festiva I

INTRODUCTION

The following diagnostic steps are here to prevent overlooking a simple problem. This is also the place to start diagnosis for a "NO-START" condition.

The first step in diagnosing any driveability problem is to verify that the problem exists. This may be accomplished by test driving the vehicle under the conditions during which the problem reportedly occurs.

Prior to entering self-diagnostics, a careful and complete inspection of several systems is required. Most driveability or "no-start" problems are not related to computerized engine control systems, but are in fact simple mechanical, electrical, fuel or vacuum related faults. Most engine control problems are the result of mechanical breakdowns, poor electrical connections or damaged or misrouted vacuum hoses.

Before considering the computer system as a possible cause of problems, ignition high tension wires, fuel supply, electrical connections and vacuum hoses should be checked. Failure to do so may result in improper diagnosis or lost diagnostic time.

VISUAL INSPECTION

Perform a visual inspection of all electrical wiring. Look for chafed, stretched, cut or pinched wiring. Inspect electrical connectors and connections for tight fit and corrosion. Repair as necessary. Inspect all vacuum hoses for proper routing, cuts or pinches. If necessary, see VACUUM DIAGRAMS article to verify routing and connections. Repair as necessary. Inspect air induction system for possible vacuum leaks.

COMPRESSION

Engine mechanical condition can be checked using a compression gauge, vacuum gauge, or an engine analyzer capable of performing a relative compression test. See engine analyzer instruction manual for availability and description of relative compression feature.

Exhaust System Backpressure

The exhaust system can be checked with a vacuum gauge or a pressure gauge. Remove O2 sensor or air injection check valve, if equipped. Connect a 1-10 psi gauge and run engine at 2500 RPM. If exhaust system backpressure is over 1 3/4-2 psi, exhaust system or catalytic converter is plugged.

If a vacuum gauge is used, connect it to intake manifold vacuum. Start engine. Observe vacuum gauge. Open throttle part way and hold steady. If vacuum gauge slowly drops after stabilizing, exhaust system should be checked for a restriction.

Fuel Pump

Test pump for pressure and volume. Replace as necessary.

FUEL PUMP PERFORMANCE

FESTIVA & TRACER (FUEL INJECTION)

Fuel Pressure

1. Disconnect circuit opening relay (located behind left kick panel). Start engine (if possible) and allow to die. Connect pressure gauge to fuel line at fuel filter.
2. Turn ignition on. Using a jumper wire, connect terminals (Black and Green/Red on Festiva or Yellow fuel pump check connector on Tracer) together. Fuel pump check connector is located on firewall, near windshield wiper motor. If pump runs, check fuel pump circuit.
3. If possible, start engine. Check fuel pressure with vacuum connected to and disconnected from pressure regulator. Turn engine off and disconnect jumper wire at fuel pump check connector. Wait 10 minutes and ensure residual pressure is at least 21 psi (1.5 kg/cm 2 ).
4. Operate fuel pump by jumpering fuel pump test connector. Check fuel pump performance. Pinch hose between pressure gauge and fuel filter. Do not hold longer than necessary to check pressure. See «FUEL PUMP PERFORMANCE (FUEL INJECTION)»(/ford/festiva/i-1986-1993/remont/testing-diagnostics/#basic-testing) . If pump does not meet specifications, check fuel pump circuits, fuel pump, fuel tank, fuel filter or replace fuel pump.

FUEL PUMP PERFORMANCE (FUEL INJECTION)

REGULATED FUEL PRESSURE

Fuel Pump Circuit

1. Turn ignition on. Connect the terminals (Black and Green/Red on Festiva or Yellow fuel pump check connector on Tracer) together with a jumper wire. Fuel pump check connector is located on firewall, under windshield wiper motor.
2. Listen for fuel pump operating sound. If there is no sound, check main fuse, inertia switch (located at left rear shock tower), circuit operating relay, fuel pump and all electrical connections. Airflow meter grounds circuit opening relay and operates fuel pump whenever air flow is present.

Fuel Pump Relay (Festiva)

Remove relay (located near heater duct under carpet). Apply 12 volts to terminals A and B and connect terminals C and D to ground. Ensure 12 volts are present at terminal E. If not, replace relay. (Scheme 1)

Scheme 1

Circuit Opening Relay (Tracer)

1. With relay connected, ensure specified voltage is present at relay terminals. See «FUEL PUMP RELAY CIRCUIT VOLTAGES»(/ford/festiva/i-1986-1993/remont/testing-diagnostics/#basic-testing). Circuit opening relay is behind the driver's side kick panel. FUEL PUMP RELAY CIRCUIT VOLTAGES Terminal Ignition "ON" Volts Ignition "START" Volts Idle Volts Fp 0 12 12 Fc 12 0 0 B 12 12 12 STA 0 12 0 E1 0 0 0
2. If voltages are okay, remove relay from vehicle. Check relay operation using a 12-volt battery source and making resistance tests. (Scheme 1)

Scheme 2

Spark

1. Crank engine. Check for a strong Blue spark at coil wire (if applicable) and at each spark plug wire by using a low voltage spark tester (or holding wire 5/16" from ground). Ensure spark plug wire resistance of each wire is 4880 per foot.
2. Disconnect and inspect all related ignition system connectors and harness. Clean or repair as necessary and recheck spark. If still no spark, go to next step.

Ignition Coil Power Source

Disconnect primary wires at ignition coil. Turn ignition on. Using voltmeter, check voltage between coil positive terminal and ground. Battery voltage should exist. If not, check battery feed, ignition switch and fusible links.

Ignition Coil Resistance

1. Inspect coil for signs of arcing or leakage. Remove primary and secondary leads from ignition coil. Using ohmmeter, check primary resistance between (positive) and (negative) terminals of coil. (Scheme 3)and (Scheme 4).
2. Check secondary resistance between (positive) terminal and coil tower. See «IGNITION COIL RESISTANCE»(/ford/festiva/i-1986-1993/remont/testing-diagnostics/#basic-testing). Replace coil if readings are not within specifications.

Scheme 3

Scheme 4

IGNITION COIL RESISTANCE

Pick-Up Coil (Tracer Only)

1. Disconnect pick-up coil from distributor. Using an ohmmeter, measure resistance between 2 inner terminals. Replace pick-up coil if resistance is not as specified in «DISTRIBUTOR PICK-UP COIL RESISTANCE»(/ford/festiva/i-1986-1993/remont/testing-diagnostics/#basic-testing) .
2. Ensure ignition coil has battery voltage. If ignition coil resistance and pick-up coil test okay, check for SPARK. If spark is still not available, go to DISTRIBUTOR SIGNAL.

DISTRIBUTOR PICK-UP COIL RESISTANCE

Distributor Signal (Tracer)

1. With distributor plugged in, connect test light between distributor Yellow/Blue wire and ground. Crank engine and watch test light. If test light does not illuminate go to next step. If test light illuminates, proceed to step 4.
2. Turn ignition key to "ON" position. Using DVOM, measure voltage between distributor Black/White wire and ground, and White/Black wire and ground. If reading is greater than 10 volts, diagnose for mechanical problem. If reading is less than 10 volts on Black/White wire, proceed to next step. If reading is less than 10 volts on White/Black wire, go to TESTS W/CODES article.
3. Place DVOM on 20-volt scale and turn ignition key to "ON" position. Measure voltage between ignition switch Black/White wire and ground. If reading is greater than 10 volts, repair Black/White wire from ignition switch to coil and/or distributor. Also, check fuses. If voltage is 10 volts or less, proceed to TESTS W/CODES article.
4. With coil connected, connect test light between tach pulse connector and ground. Crank engine and check for test light flash. If test light does not flash, repair Yellow/Blue from coil to ECA. If test light flashes, proceed to next step.
5. Carefully backprobe wire and connect test light between ECA terminal M on 24-pin connector and ECA (ground) terminal. Crank engine and check for test light flashes. If test light does not flash, repair open in Yellow/Blue wire from distributor. If test light flashes, crank engine and check for good spark. If spark jumps tester gap and vehicle will not start, ECA is defective. If spark does not jump tester air gap, recheck secondary spark system or check for a mechanical problem.

1. Crank engine. Check for a strong Blue spark at coil wire (if applicable) and at each spark plug wire by using a low voltage spark tester (or holding wire 5/16" from ground). Ensure spark plug wire resistance of each wire is 4000-6000 ohms per foot.
2. Disconnect and inspect all related ignition system connectors and harness. Clean or repair as necessary and recheck spark. If still no spark, go to next step.
3. Check distributor rotor, cap, armature and module for wear, breakage, cracks, carbon build-up and oxidation. Crank engine to verify that distributor turns steadily. If distributor is okay, go to IGNITION COIL POWER SOURCE below. If distributor is not okay, go to «N - REMOVE/INSTALL/OVERHAUL»(/ford/festiva/i-1986-1993/remont/removal-installation/#removeinstalloverhaul) article for distributor disassembly.

Disconnect primary wires at ignition coil. Turn ignition on. Using voltmeter, check voltage between coil positive terminal and ground. Battery voltage should exist. If not, check battery feed, ignition switch and fusible links.

1. Inspect coil for signs of arcing or leakage. Remove primary and secondary leads from ignition coil. Using ohmmeter, check primary resistance between (positive) and (negative) terminals of coil. (Scheme 3)and (Scheme 4).
2. Check secondary resistance between (positive) terminal and coil tower. See «IGNITION COIL RESISTANCE»(/ford/festiva/i-1986-1993/remont/testing-diagnostics/#basic-testing). Replace coil if readings are not within specifications.

Distributor Signal

To prevent replacement of good components, be aware that the following non-EEC related areas may be at fault: fuel quantity and quality, ignition system damage, cracks, moisture, etc., engine mechanical conditions such as valves, timing belt, etc. Also included are starter and battery circuit problems.

1. Spark At Coil Check. Connect the spark tester between the ignition coil secondary wire and ground. Crank the engine. If a spark appears on the tester, go to step 2. If no spark appears, go to step 3.
2. IDM To ECA Check. Install the breakout box. Connect test light between the breakout box Pin No. 47 and ground. Crank the engine. If the light flashes, replace the ECA. If the light does not flash, service the White wire from the ignition coil to the ECA.
3. IDM At Coil Negative Terminal Check. Disconnect the ignition coil Yellow/Green wire. Connect test light between battery positive and the Yellow/Green wire. Crank the engine. If the light flashes, go to step 6. If the light does not flash, go to step 4.
4. IDM From Distributor Check. Disconnect White wire from distributor connector. Connect test light Connect test light between battery positive and the White wire. Crank the engine. If the light flashes, service the wire from the distributor to the ignition coil. If the light does not flash, go to step 5.
5. Power To Distributor Check. Measure voltage between distributor Black wire and ground. With the ignition key in the "OFF" position, zero volts should be displayed. With the key in the "ON" position, there should be more than 10 volts displayed. With the engine cranking, there should be more than 8.5 volts displayed. If voltage readings are correct, see SPARK above. If voltages are not to specification, perform TEST FC - VEHICLE POWER in appropriate G - TEST W/CODES article.
6. Power To Coil (+) Check. Measure voltage between ignition coil (+) (Black wire for EFI, Black/White wire for Carb.) and ground. With the ignition key in the "OFF" position, zero volts should be displayed. With the key in the "ON" position, there should be more than 10 volts displayed. With the engine cranking, there should be more than 8.5 volts displayed. If voltage readings are correct, ignition coil is faulty and must be replaced. If voltages are not to specification, perform TEST FC - VEHICLE POWER in appropriate G - TEST W/CODES article. If TEST FC - VEHICLE POWER is okay, replace wire from ignition switch to coil.

IDLE SPEED & IGNITION TIMING

Ensure idle speed and base ignition timing are set to specification. If necessary, see ADJUSTMENTS article.

IGNITION TIMING

SUMMARY

If no faults were found while performing BASIC TESTING , proceed to TESTS W/CODES article. If no codes are present, proceed to TESTS W/O CODES for diagnosis by symptom (i.e. ROUGH IDLE, NO START, etc.).

See also:
• N - REMOVE/INSTALL/OVERHAUL
• FUEL PUMP PERFORMANCE (FUEL INJECTION)