
Fig. 7: Fuse Panel Identification
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
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) R a d io , In t e r io r C o u r t e sy Ligh t s, Lu gga ge C o mp a r t me n t Ligh t
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)
FUSIBLE LINK BLOCK IDENTIFICATION
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Fig. 8: Underhood Fusible Link Block Identification
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
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
F l a sh e r Ligh t s, C l u st e r & Wa r n in g Ligh t s, R a d io , C iga r e t t e Ligh t e r , C h a r gin g & E missio n C o n t r o l S yst e ms, Wip e r / Wa sh e r S yst e ms,
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
Copyr ight 2009 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Article GUID: A00129179
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Back To Article
SERVICE INDICATOR & WARNING LIGHTS
1988-92 MAINT ENANCE Ford Motor Co. Service Indicator & Warning Lights
SERVICE INDICATOR & WARNING LIGHTS
Fig. 1: Identifying Dash Gauges & W arning Lights
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT
If functioning properly, the Check Engine warning light comes on when ignition switch is in the ON position and goes out after engine is
started. If light fails to glow with ignition on or remains on when engine is running, a malfunction exists in the electronic engine control
system. System needs to be checked and serviced.
CHARGING SYSTEM WARNING LIGHT
Light comes on when ignition switch is in the ON or START position and goes out after engine is started and alternator is charged. Light may
also glow when there is a heavy electrical load on the system. If light remains on after reducing electrical load, check electrical system.
OIL PRESSURE WARNING LIGHT
Light should come on briefly and go out after engine is started. If light remains on with engine running, oil pressure is low. Check oil level.
ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE GAUGE
Gauge should register within the NORMAL band under regular operating conditions. If gauge rises into the HOT range, stop engine, allow it to
cool, and then check coolant level.
BRAKE WARNING LIGHT
The Brake light indicates one of 2 conditions: parking brake is engaged, or malfunction exists in the dual braking system. If functioning
properly, light should come on briefly with ignition switch in the ON position and then go out after engine is started and parking brake is
released. If light remains on, a malfunction is indicated. Service brake system.
Copyr ight 2009 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Article GUID: A00062872
Page 1 of 1 MITCHELL 1 ARTICLE - SERVICE INDICATOR & WARNING LIGHTS 1988-92 MAINTENANCE Ford Motor Co. Service
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the WHEEL ALIGNMENT section.
OVERHAUL
STEERING GEAR
Disassembly
1. With steering gear removed from vehicle, place steering gear in a soft-jawed vise. Mark threaded portion of tie rod for reassembly.
Remove tie rod ends. Remove tie rod boots. Remove lock pins from both ends of rack. See Fig. 1
.
2. Remove tie rod ball socket from end of rack. Remove both tie rods. Remove lock nut from yoke plug. Remove yoke plug, spring and
yoke support. Use a small screwdriver to remove pinion oil seal from pinion shaft. Remove pinion bearing snap ring.
3. Remove pinion and bearing assembly. If necessary use Valve Body Puller (T78P-3504-B) to remove pinion and bearing assembly.
Remove rack from pinion side of housing. If lower pinion bearing needs replacing, use Blind Hole Bearing Puller (D80L-100-L) and
Slide Hammer (T50T-100-A) to remove.
4. Press bushing lock tabs into the 3 slots located at end of rack housing. Use Blind Hole Bearing Puller (D80L-100-L), to remove rack
support bushing from right end of rack housing.
Inspection
1. Check rubber boots, ball bearings and tooth surface of rack for wear or damage. Using a dial indicator and "V" blocks, check rack for
straightness. Maximum allowable runout is 0.012" (0.3 mm). If rack support bushings are worn, use a screwdriver to release the tab lock
on the side opposite the pinion. Use blind hole Bearing Puller (D80L-100R) with slide hammer to remove bushing.
2. Check tie rod ball joints for smooth operation. Replace parts as necessary. Check sliding surface of rack support and gear housing for
cracks or damage. Check rack bushing for excessive wear. Replace entire gear housing assembly if any of these parts are worn or
damaged.
Reassembly
1. Apply lithium grease to ball bearing, roller bearing, inside of gear housing, lip of oil seal, sliding surface and back of rack support,
sliding surface of rack bushing, rack pinion teeth and ball joints. Install rack support bushing into right end of rack housing. Ensure lock
tabs engage with slots in housing.
2. If previously removed, install a new lower pinion bearing using a bushing installer or a piece of wooden dowel stock. Carefully insert
non-toothed side of rack into left end of rack housing, with rack teeth facing pinion bore. Position rack in housing so rack protrudes
2.4" (62 mm) from the left side of housing. Install pinion and upper bearing assembly so that when bearing is seated, notch (for "U" joint
clamp bolt) in pinion splines forms a 35-55 degree angle with the centerline of the housing. See Fig. 2
.
Fig. 2: Removing & Installing Rack Components
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
3. Install snap ring and spacer, with beveled side of snap ring facing upward (toward oil seal). Install oil seal spacer with tab side down,
locating tab in snap ring gap. Protect pinion shaft splines with tape. Coat tape with a thin coat of grease and install new seal. Using a soft
hammer, tap lightly on seal until it is flush with end surface of housing. Remove protective tape.
4. Mount rack in a soft-jawed vise and install new lock tabs and tie rods. Tighten tie rod with a "crows foot" wrench to 44-58 ft. lbs. (59-
78 N.m). Use a center punch to stake lock tabs washer in 2 places. Slide tie rod boot over tie rod and position on rack. Secure with
mechanic's tie wire. Install other boot and other boot clamps.
5. Center rack so that tie rods are equally extended. Grease rack support yoke. Install rack support yoke, spacer and spring in housing.
Apply sealer to adjusting cover (yoke plug) threads and install in housing. Install adjusting bolt and lock nut.
6. Tighten adjusting cover to 80-97 INCH lbs. (9-11 N.m). Slowly cycle rack back and forth 5 times through 90 percent of its full stroke.
Center rack so tie rods are equally extended. Loosen adjusting cover and retighten to 22-30 INCH lbs. (2.5-3.4 N.m). Using a spring pull
scale, measure force needed to turn pinion 180 degrees from center rack position.
7. Adjust pinion to position where most force was needed to turn it. Tighten adjusting cover to 48 INCH lbs. (5.4 N.m), then back off 5-10
degrees. Hold adjusting bolt with a wrench and tighten the lock nut with a "crows foot" to 29-36 ft. lbs. (39-49 N.m). 8) To comp l et e
reassembly, reverse disassembly procedure. Install tie rod ends and jam nuts. Ensure index marks align. See Fig. 1
. CAUT ION: If rack is taken out of wrong side, dam age m ay result to rack bushing.
NOTE:If fit between housing and bearing is too tight, strike outer ring of bearing lightly while checking
m esh of rack and pinion.
Page 2 of 3 MITCHELL 1 ARTICLE - STEERING SYSTEM - MANUAL 1991 STEERING Ford Motor Co. - Steering - Manual Rack & Pi
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Fig. 3: Exploded View of Power Steering Gear (Festiva)
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
2. Remove tie rod lock nut pins using Lock Nut Pin Remover (T78P-3504-N). Remove tie rods from rack. Remove yoke plug lock nut
using Yoke Lock Nut Wrench (T90C-3504-BH). Remove yoke plug, spring and support yoke. Remove snap ring which retains pinion
and control valve assembly.
3 . R e mo ve se a l u sin g Lo c k Nu t P in R e mo ve r ( T7 8 P - 3 5 0 4 - N) . R e mo ve va l ve h o u sin g a t t a c h in g b o l t s. R e mo ve va l ve h o u sin g a n d p in io n and
control valve assembly. If present, remove shims from steering gear housing. Remove "O" ring. Remove lower pinion bearing using
Collet (D80L-100-L) and Blind Hole Puller Set (D80L-100-A).
4. Remove pinion and control valve assembly from valve housing by tapping lightly with a rubber mallet. Remove 4 Teflon seals from
pinion and control valve assembly. Press bearing out of valve housing using Pinion Seal Replacer (T88C-3504-MH) and Handle (T87P-
3504-D).
5. Using Outer Box Torque Adapter (T88C-3504-CH), rotate the rack bushing until the hooked end of the retaining wire is aligned with
the slot in the steering gear housing. Pry the retaining wire from the bushing hole. Rotate the bushing and remove the retaining wir e .
Remove the rack from the right side of the steering gear.
6 . R e mo ve b u sh in g fr o m r a c k. R e mo ve "O" r in g. R e mo ve se a l u sin g Rack Oil Seal Remover (T87C-3504-A) by bottoming seal into rack
with plastic hammer. Pull seal out with Slide Hammer T50T-100-A. Remove the rack mounting brackets and grommets.
Reassembly
1. Install grommets and mounting brackets. Install new seal using Rack Oil Seal Replacer T81P-3504-C. Install new "O" ring using Piston
Seal Replacer (T81P-3504-L) and Rack Piston Seal Sizer (T81P-3504-K). Place Short Rack Seal Replacer (T81P-3504-N) over end of
rack to protect bushing.
2. Install bushing on rack. Place Rack Seal Protector (T87P-3504-H) on rack. See Fig. 4
. Install rack. Remove rack seal protector. Insert
rack retaining wire through slot and into bushing hole. Install retaining wire using Outer Box Torque Adapter (T88C-3504-CH).
Fig. 4: Installing Rack Seal Protector (Festiva)
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
3. Install lower pinion bearing using Pinion Bearing Replacer (T90C-3504-DH). If valve housing, steering gear, or pinion and control valve
assembly have been replaced, go to step 4). If none of these components have been replaced, go to step 6).
4. Measure valve housing, lower bearing and spacer, and steering gear housing. See Fig. 5
. Use the following formula to determine proper
shim thickness: T = A C - B Where "T" is the shim thickness.
Page 5 of 9 MITCHELL 1 ARTICLE - STEERING SYSTEM - POWER 1991-92 STEERING Ford Motor Co. - Steering - Power Rack & Pi
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WHEEL BEARINGS
Wheel bearing preload is maintained by a selective spacer in the steering knuckle, between the inner and outer hub bearings. For adjustment
procedures and inspection, see WHEEL BEARING under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION.
BALL JOINT CHECKING
Raise and support vehicle until tire is just off ground. Move wheel vertically and check for play. If play is noticed between steering knuckle
and control arm, control arm assembly should be replaced. If play is present but ball joint is okay, wheel bearings should be checked for wear
and replaced if necessary.
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION
STABILIZER BAR
Removal & Installation (Festiva)
1. Remove stabilizer mounting bracket nuts and brackets. Remove split bushings from stabilizer bar. Remove stabilizer bushing nuts at
lower control arms. Remove rear dished washers and bushings.
2. To loosen stabilizer bar, pull forward from control arms. Remove front bushings and washers. Install control arm bushing washers on
ends of stabilizer and install control arm front bushings. Insert ends of stabilizer bar into control arm bushings and install rear bushings
and washers on stabilizer bar ends.
3. Install retaining nuts finger tight. Install split bushings on stabilizer cross bar with split side forward. Position split bushings next to
White locating marks on bar. Install stabilizer mounting brackets. Tighten all bolts and nuts to specification.
STRUT ASSEMBLY & COIL SPRING
Removal
1. Raise and support front of vehicle so struts are fully extended. Remove front wheels. Remove brake line clip from strut lower mounting
bracket and remove brake line.
2. Remove 2 bolts retaining strut lower bracket to steering knuckle. Working inside engine compartment, remove 2 nuts retaining strut
mounting block in strut tower. Disengage strut lower bracket from steering knuckle and lower strut from vehicle.
Disassembly & Reassembly
1. Using spring compressor, compress spring to unload strut. Pry out mounting block cap and remove strut upper nut and lock washer.
2. Remove strut mounting block and spacer plate. Remove washer, bearing seal and bearing from strut rod. Remove spring upper seat, seat
insulator and coil spring. Remove jounce bumper and dust shield from strut. Reverse disassembly procedure to install coil spring a n d
reassemble strut.
Installation
1. Position strut, with spacer plate installed, in strut tower with White alignment mark facing outward. Install and tighten nuts on upper
mounting block studs.
2. Install steering knuckle in strut lower bracket. To complete installation, reverse removal procedure. Tighten all bolts and nuts to
specification.
HUB & KNUCKLE ASSEMBLY
Removal
1. Raise and support vehicle. Remove wheel. Straighten staked edge of drive axle lock nut flange. DO NOT damage groove or threads in
end of drive axle. Apply brakes to prevent hub assembly from turning. Remove and discard drive axle lock nut.
2. Remove clip which secures brake hose to strut bracket. Remove cotter pin and tie rod end attaching nut. Using Tie Rod End Separator
(T85M-3395A), remove tie rod end from steering knuckle.
3. Remove brake caliper attaching bolts and remove assembly from steering knuckle. Do not allow caliper to hang by brake hose. Remove
clamp bolt and nut where lower control arm ball joint connects to steering knuckle.
4. Using a pry bar, pull down on lower control arm and release ball joint from steering knuckle. Remove 2 bolts which attach steering
knuckle between flanges of MacPherson strut bracket. Slide hub/knuckle assembly off end of drive axle. If binding is present or drive
hub is rusted to half-shaft, use a hub puller to push axle from drive hub.
Installation
1. Apply a thin coat of SAE 30 weight oil to drive axle splines. Slide steering knuckle/rotor/hub assembly onto drive axle. Stop at area
where uppermost arm of steering knuckle seats into MacPherson strut bracket.
2. To complete installation, reverse removal procedure. Install NEW drive axle lock nut. Tighten all bolts and nuts to specification. Stake
axle lock nut into shaft groove.
WHEEL BEARING NOTE:Inform ation for stabilizer bar rem oval and installation on Capri is not available from m anufacturer.
NOTE:Always use a new drive axle lock nut when servicing drive hub or drive axle.
CAUT ION: DO NOT use a pointed tool to stake nut. If lock nut flange cracks, even slightly, during staking process,
it m ust be replaced.
Page 2 of 5 MITCHELL 1 ARTICLE - SUSPENSION - FRONT 1991-92 SUSPENSION Front
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Differential Noise
ATF contaminated or level incorrect. Bearings worn or has excessive preload. Teeth on gears worn or damaged or has excessive backlash.
TESTING
PARK/NEUTRAL SWITCH TEST
1. Ensure engine starts in "P" or "N". Ensure back-up lights glow when ignition is on and selector lever in "R". If park/neutral switch is not
operating properly, disconnect connector at transaxle and check continuity between terminals. See Fig. 4
. If continuity is not as
indicated, replace park/neutral switch.
Fig. 4: Testing Park/Neutral Switch
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
KICKDOWN (DOWNSHIFT) SOLENOID TEST
1.Check Fuse
Ensure ignition is off. Inspect condition of 15 amp METER fuse located in interior fuse junction panel. If fuse is okay, go to step 4). If
fuse is blown, go to next step.
2.Check System
Ensure ignition is off. Replace 15 amp fuse. Turn ignition on. If fuse blows, go to next step. If fuse is okay, go to step 4).
3.Check For Short To Ground
Turn ignition off. Remove 15 amp METER fuse. Disconnect kickdown switch harness connector. Check continuity between
Black/Yellow wire terminal of interior fuse holder and ground. If continuity exists, inspect and repair short circuit as needed. If
continuity does not exist, replace 15 amp fuse. Go to next step.
4.Check Power Supply To Kickdown Switch
Ensure ignition is off. Disconnect kickdown switch harness connector. Turn ignition on. Measure voltage between Black/Yellow wire
terminal of kickdown switch harness connector and ground. If voltage is more than 10 volts, go to next step. If voltage is 10 volts or less,
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See STALL SPEED SPECIFICATIONS .
Testing Procedures
1. With engine at normal operating temperature, tachometer installed and parking and service brakes applied, perform transaxle stall test in
"D", "2", "1" and "R" ranges at full throttle and note maximum RPM obtained. Correct stall speed should occur at specified RPM. See
the STALL SPEED SPECIFICATIONS
.
STALL SPEED SPECIFICATIONS
2. If stall speed is too high in all shift ranges, the following components may be faulty:
Worn Oil Pump.
Oil leakage from oil pump, valve body or transaxle case.
Sticking pressure regulator valve.
3. If stall speed is too high in "D", "2" and "1", the following component may be faulty:
Slipping rear clutch.
4. If stall speed is too high in "D", the following component may be faulty:
Slipping one-way clutch.
5. If stall speed is too high in "2", the following components may be faulty:
Slipping intermediate band.
6. If stall speed is too high in "R", the following components may be faulty:
Slipping Low/Reverse Clutch.
Slipping Front Clutch.
7. If stall speed is too low in all shift ranges, the following components may be faulty:
Slipping torque converter one-way clutch.
ROAD TEST
1. Before road test, ensure that fluid level, fluid condition and control linkage adjustments are okay. During test, transaxle should upshift
or downshift at about same speed as specified. See appropriate SHIFT SPEED SPECIFICATIONS
.
2. All shifts may vary slightly due to production tolerances or tire size. The quality of the shifts are more important. All shifts should be
smooth, responsive and with no slippage or engine flare. Slippage or engine flare in any gear usually indicates clutch or band problems.
3. The slipping clutch or band in a particular gear can usually be identified by noting transaxle operation in other selector positions and
comparing internal units which are applied in these positions. See CLUTCH & BAND APPLICATION
.
SHIFT SPEED SPECIFICATIONS
VEHICLE SHIFT SPEED SPECIFICATIONS (ASPIRE & FESTIVA)
VEHICLE SHIFT SPEED SPECIFICATIONS (TRACER)
ApplicationEngine RPM
Aspire2300-2500
Festiva & Tracer2300-2500
Operating Condition (1) Shift Speed MPH (km/h)
Half Throttle (50%)
1-29-17 (15-28)
2-316-34 (26-55)
Full Throttle (WOT) (2)
1-228-33 (44-53)
2-355-63 (88-101)
3-253-48 (86-78)
2-124-22 (39-35)
Coasting (2-1)9-6 (14-9)
(1)Transmission is in "D" range.
(2)To determine deceleration shift speeds, release throttle once transaxle has shifted into 3rd gear. Manually downshift shift lever
into next lower gear and record speed at which downshift occurs. Continue downshifting and recording vehicle speed until
transaxle has downshifted into low gear.
Operating Condition (1) Shift Speed MPH
Half Throttle (50%)
1-2 - Carbureted10-19
1-2 - EFI12-21
2-3 - Carbureted17-37
2-3 - EFI37-48
Full Throttle (WOT)
1-230-36
2-360-68
3-253-58
2-124-26
Fully Closed Throttle
Fro m "D" Ran ge (3 -1 )6-9
Page 8 of 26 MITCHELL 1 ARTICLE - 1988-94 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS Ford ATX Overhaul
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