
2. Turn test switch knob to ON position (current through switch). Road test vehicle with vehicle accessories on (radio, air conditioner, etc).
After road test, turn ignition switch to LOCKED position and remove key. Connect ammeter terminals to test switch terminals. See Fig.
1. Select 10-amp scale.
3. Turn off all electrical accessories. Turn off interior lights, underhood lamp, trunk light, illuminated entry, etc. To avoid damaging
ammeter or obtaining a false meter reading, all accessories must be off before turning test switch knob to OFF position.
4. Turn test switch knob to OFF position to allow current to flow through ammeter. If meter reads wrong polarity, turn test switch to ON
position and reverse leads. Turn test switch to OFF position. Observe current reading. If reading is less than 2 amps, turn test switch to
ON position to keep electrical circuits powered-up.
5. Select low amp scale. Switch lead to the correct meter position. Turn test switch to OFF position and compare results to normal current
draw. See GENERAL MOTORS PARASITIC LOAD TABLE (MILLIAMPS)
. If current draw is unusually high for the vehicle's
overall electrical system, remove system fuses one at a time until current draw returns to normal.
6. Turn test switch to ON position each time door is opened or fuse is removed. Turn switch to OFF position to read current draw va l u e
through meter. When the cause of excessive current drain has been located and repaired, remove test switch and reconnect negative
battery cable to the negative battery terminal.
INTERMITTENT PARASITIC LOAD PROBLEMS
Intermittent parasitic load can occur because of a memory device that does not power down with ignition off. With an intermittent parasitic
load, battery draw can be greater than 1.0 amp.
To find an intermittent problem requires that an ammeter and Disconnect Tool (J-38758) test switch be connected and left in the circuit. See
Fig. 1
. Road test vehicle. After road test, turn ignition off and remove key.
Monitor the milliamps scale for 15-20 minutes after ignition is turned off. This allows monitoring memory devices to determine if they time out
and stop drawing memory current. The test switch is needed to protect ammeter when the vehicle is started.
Fig. 1: Connecting Kent
-Moore Disconnect Tool (J-38758)
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
GENERAL MOTORS PARASITIC LOAD
ComponentNormal DrawMaximum DrawTime-Out (Minutes)
Anti-Theft System0.41.0.....
Auto Door Lock1.01.0.....
Body Control Module3.612.420
Central Processing System1.62.720
Electronic Control Module5.610.0.....
Electronic Level Control2.03.320
Heated Windshield Module0.30.4.....
HVAC Power Module1.01.0.....
Illuminated Entry1.01.01
Light Control Module0.51.0.....
Oil Level Module0.10.1.....
Page 2 of 4 MITCHELL 1 ARTICLE - GENERAL INFORMATION Parasitic Load Explanation & Test Procedures
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Fig. 6: Identification Label Locations
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
SERVICE LABOR TIMES
WHEEL & TIRE SPECIFICATIONS
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
All 1988-92 models use a BX-35 battery. The 1993 Festiva uses a 50D 20L standard battery.
CAUTIONS & WARNINGS
BATTERY WARNING
REPLACING BLOWN FUSES
NOTE:For 1990 and newer vehicles, labor tim es are provided, where available, within appropriate SERVICE
INT ERVAL table in SCHEDULED SERVICES article.
CAUT ION: When battery is disconnected, vehicles equipped with com puters m ay lose m em ory data. When battery
power is restored, driveability problem s m ay exist on som e vehicles. T hese vehicles m ay require a
relearn procedure. See COMPUT ER RELEARN PROCEDURES article in the GENERAL INFORMAT ION
section.
WARNING:When battery is disconnected, vehicles equipped with com puters m ay lose m em ory data. When battery
power is restored, driveability problem s m ay exist on som e vehicles. T hese vehicles m ay require a
relearn procedure. See COMPUT ER RELEARN PROCEDURES article in GENERAL INFORMAT ION
section.
CAUT ION: Before replacing a blown fuse, rem ove ignition key, turn off all lights and accessories to avoid
dam aging the electrical system . Be sure to use fuse with the correct indicated am perage rating. T he use
of an incorrect am perage rating fuse m ay result in a dangerous electrical system overload.
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whichever occurs first.
POWERTRAIN WARRANTY
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 co vered .
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.
FUSES & FUSIBLE LINKS
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 o
f
the steering column. The fuse block is located under the hood.
FUSE PANEL IDENTIFICATION NOTE:Powertrain Warranty varies in coverage length (4 years/50,000 m iles or 6 years/60,000 m iles) depending
on model year.
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