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ST ART ER
1991 ELECT RICAL Starters
DESCRIPTION
The Nippondenso direct drive starter is a conventional 12-volt, 4-pole, brush-type starter. The integral solenoid is attached to the drive
housing. When starter is energized, starter solenoid causes the starter pinion to engage with the flywheel ring gear. The overrunning clutch
pinion drive is mounted directly on armature shaft drive end.
Fig. 1: Starter System Schematic
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
TROUBLE SHOOTING
ENGINE CRANKS SLOWLY
Undercharged battery. Loose or corroded cable connections. Bad starter.
ENGINE WILL NOT CRANK
Undercharged battery. Bad ignition switch. Bad clutch engage switch (M/T) or neutral safety switch (A/T). Loose or corroded cable
connections. Bad starter. Faulty circuit grounds.
STARTER SPINS & ENGINE DOES NOT CRANK
Bad starter. Bad flywheel ring gear and/or starter drive pinion.
ENGINE STARTS WITH CLUTCH ENGAGED (M/T)
Bad clutch engage switch. Adjust or replace.
ENGINE STARTS IN GEAR (A/T)
Bad neutral safety switch. Adjust or replace.
ON-VEHICLE TESTING
PRELIMINARY TEST
Ensure battery is fully charged and has load tested okay. If starter will not crank engine with fully charged battery, proceed with the following
test.
1. Using a digital voltmeter, connect positive voltmeter lead to starter solenoid terminal "S", and negative lead to starter housing. See Fig.
1 .
2. Turn ignition switch to START position, and observe voltmeter reading. If voltage at terminal "S" is greater than 8 volts, starter or circuit
malfunction is indicated. See VOLTAGE DROP TEST
and STARTER GROUND CIRCUIT TEST under ON-VEHICLE TESTING.
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3. If voltage is not present or is less than 8 volts at starter solenoid terminal "S", malfunction in circuit to terminal "S" is indicated. Proceed
to the following tests.
IGNITION SWITCH TEST
1. Locate ignition switch connector under dash. Using a 12-volt test light or voltmeter, ensure voltage is present on Black/Yellow wire
when ignition switch is turned to RUN or ON position. This will verify proper operation of ignition switch.
2. If there is no voltage on Black/Yellow wire, the problem is either ignition switch or circuit between battery and ignition switch.
CLUTCH ENGAGE SWITCH (M/T) TEST
Unplug clutch engage switch from main wiring harness. Using an ohmmeter, check for continuity across switch terminals. Continuity should
exist when switch plunger is pushed in and should not exist when switch plunger is released. If clutch engage switch does not operate as
specified, replace switch.
NEUTRAL SAFETY SWITCH (A/T) TEST
Unplug neutral safety switch from main wiring harness. Using an ohmmeter, check for continuity across switch terminals "A" and "B". See Fig.
2 . Place transmission shift selector in Park or Neutral position. Continuity should exist between terminals "A" and "B". Continuity should not
exist in any other transmission shift selector positions. If switch does nor operate as specified, replace switch.
Fig. 2: Identifying Neutral Safety Switch Terminals
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
VOLTAGE DROP TEST
1. Disconnect and ground coil wire from distributor cap to prevent engine from starting. Connect remote starter switch between starter
solenoid terminal "S" and battery positive terminal. See Fig. 3
.
2. Using a digital voltmeter set on low scale, connect positive voltmeter lead to battery positive terminal. Connect negative lead to starter
solenoid terminal "M". See Fig. 3
.
3. Engage remote starter switch. Observe and record voltmeter reading. Voltmeter reading should be less than .5 volt. If voltage at terminal
"M" is greater than .5 volt, move negative voltmeter lead to solenoid terminal "B", and repeat test.
4. If voltage at terminal "B" is less than .5 volt, inspect solenoid cable connections and solenoid contacts for problem.
5 . Cl ean so l en o id t ermin al s "B", "M" an d "S", an d rep eat st ep s 1 ) through 4). If voltmeter still reads greater than .5 volt at termin al "M"
and less than .5 volt at terminal "B", solenoid contacts are bad.
6. If voltmeter reads greater than .5 volt at terminal "B", clean cables and connections at solenoid. If voltmeter still reads greater than .5
volt, check for poor positive battery cable connection or bad cable. Repair or replace as necessary.
7. To locate excessive voltage drop, move negative voltmeter lead toward battery, and check each connection point. When high voltmeter
reading is no longer present, last connection point is bad.
NOTE:Make all voltm eter connections at com ponent term inal rather than at cable or wire end.
Page 2 of 6 MITCHELL 1 ARTICLE - STARTER 1991 ELECTRICAL Starters
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Fig. 2: Ground Numbers & Locations (2001 & Prior Model Years)
WIRING DIAGRAM COMPONENT LOCATIONS
When trying to locate a component in a wiring diagram and you don't know the specific system where it is located, use this handy component
locator to find the system wiring diagram in which the component is located. Then, go to that system and locate the component within the
wiring diagram.
For example, if you don't know the specific system in which the ignition switch is located, look up ignition switch in the wiring diagram
component location tables and go to the appropriate wiring diagram(s) which contain either full or partial views of the ignition switch. The full
view of the ignition switch is located in Power Distribution.
The first listing for the component will be the full or most complete view of the component. Additional listings will be partial views of the
component. Not all components are used on all models.
All components will have a partial view in Ground Distribution and Power Distribution. Data Link Connectors show connecting circuits
between modules. Alternate names for components may be listed in wiring diagram component locations tables.
WIRING DIAGRAM COMPONENT LOCATIONS
ComponentWiring Diagram
ABS Electronic Control UnitAnti-Lock Brakes; Data Link Connectors
ABS Hydraulic UnitAnti-Lock Brakes
Acceleration SensorAnti-Lock Brakes
Accessory Delay RelayPower Windows
A/C Compressor Clutch RelayEngine Performance
A/C SensorEngine Performance
A/C Pressure SwitchEngine Performance
Adaptive Lamp Control ModuleExterior Lights
Air Bag(s)Air Bag Restraint System
Air Bag ModuleAir Bag Restraint System
Air Bag Sensor(s)Air Bag Restraint System
Air Injection Pump RelayEngine Performance
Air Temperature SensorOverhead Console
Alternator (Generator)Generators & Regulators
Anti-Theft Control ModuleAnti-Theft System; Starters
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Height SensorElectronic Suspension
HornsSteering Column Switches
Horn RelaySteering Column Switches
Idle Air Control (IAC) Motor/ValveEngine Performance
Ignition Coil(s)Engine Performance
Ignition Key Lock CylinderAnti-Theft System
Ignition ModuleEngine Performance
Ignition SwitchPower Distribution; Engine Performance; Generators &
Regulators; Starters
Illuminated Entry ModuleIllumination/Interior Lights
Illumination LightsIllumination/Interior Lights
Impact SensorAir Bag Restraint System
Inertia Fuel Shutoff SwitchEngine Performance
In h ib it Rel ayStarters
Instrument ClusterAnalog Instrument Panels
Intake Air Temperature (IAT) SensorEngine Performance
Interior LightsIllumination/Interior Lights
In t erl o ck Swit chStarters
Junction BlockPower Distribution
Keyless Entry ReceiverRemote Keyless Entry
Key Reminder SwitchStarters
Knock SensorEngine Performance
Lamp Control ModuleExterior Lights
License Plate LampExterior Lights
Lighting Control ModuleLighting Control Modules; Anti-Theft System; Daytime Running
Lights; Headlight Systems
Lower RelayPower Convertible Top
Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)Engine Performance; Instrument Panels
Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) SensorEngine Performance
Mass Airflow (MAF) SensorEngine Performance
Mega FuseGenerators & Regulators
Memory Seat/Mirror ModuleMemory Systems
M ir r o r De fo gge rRear Window Defogger
Moon Roof MotorPower Moon Roof
Moon Roof RelayPower Moon Roof
Multi-Function Control ModuleWarning Systems
Neutral Safety SwitchStarters
Oil Level SwitchEngine Performance
Oil Pressure Switch/Sending UnitAnalog Instrument Panels; Engine Performance
Overhead ConsoleOverhead Console
Oxygen Sensor(s) (O2S)Engine Performance
Parking Brake SwitchAnalog Instrument Panels
Park LightsExterior Lights
Park/Neutral Position SwitchStarters; Engine Performance; Anti-Theft System; Body Control
Module
Perimeter Lighting Control RelayExterior Lights
Power AmplifierPower Antennas
Power Antenna ModulePower Antennas
Power Antenna MotorPower Antennas
Power Distribution CenterPower Distribution; Generators & Regulators; Starters
Power Door Lock MotorsPower Door Locks
Power Mirror MotorsPower Mirrors; Memory Systems
Power Sliding Door ControllerPower Sliding Side Door
Power Seat MotorsPower Seats; Memory Systems
Power Steering Pressure SwitchEngine Performance
Power Top MotorPower Convertible Top
Power Top Relay(s)Power Convertible Top
Powertrain Control ModuleEngine Performance; Analog Instrument Panels; Cruise Control
Systems; Data Link Connectors; Generators & Regulators; Starters
Power Window MotorsPower Windows
Power Window Relay(s)Power Windows
Radiator Fan Motor(s)Electric Cooling Fans
Radiator Fan Relay(s)Engine Performance; Electric Cooling Fans;
Rainsense ModuleWiper/Washer Systems
Raise RelayPower Convertible Top
Remote Anti-Theft Personality (RAP) ModuleAnti-Theft System; Starters; Warning Systems
Seat Belt PretensionersAir Bag Restraint System
Seat Belt Retractor SolenoidPassive Restraints
Seat Belt SwitchAir Bag Restraint System; Passive Restraints
Shift Interlock SolenoidShift Interlock Systems
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WIRING DIAGRAMS
1991 WIRING DIAGRAMS Ford Motor Co.
IDENTIFICATION
COMPONENT LOCATION MENU
COMPONENT LOCATIONS
WIRING DIAGRAMS
ComponentFigure No. (Location)
A/C RELAY3 (B 8)
A/T SELECT LIGHT3 (E 8)
ALTERNATOR1 (C 3)
BACK-UP LIGHT SWITCH5 (D 19)
BATTERY1 (A 2)
BLOWER SWITCH3 (C 9)
BRAKE WARNING SWITCH1 (C 2)
CIG LTR4 (E 14)
CLUTCH INTERLOCK SWITCH (M/T)1 (B 2)
CONDENSER FAN (A/T)3 (C 8)
COOLANT FAN MOTOR1 (D 3)
COOLANT FAN RELAY1 (D 3)
DEFOG SWITCH5 (C 16)
DIR/HAZARD SWITCH4 (B-C 12)
ELECT CONTROL ASSY (ECA)2 (A 4-7)
FRONT WASHER MOTOR1 (E 3)
FRONT WIPER MOTOR1 (E 3)
FRONT WIPER/WASHER SWITCH5 (A 16)
FUEL PUMP INERTIA SWITCH2 (D 4)
FUEL PUMP RELAY2 (C 4)
FUSE BLOCK3 (D-E 9-10)
HEADLIGHT RELAY4 (D 14)
HORN RELAY3 (E 11)
HORN SWITCH4 (E 15)
IGNITION COIL2 (E 5)
IGNITION KEY REMINDER SWITCH4 (E 13)
IGNITION SWITCH3 (C-D 11)
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER4 (A-E 15)
INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHT CONTROL4 (D-E 12)
INTERIOR LIGHT SWITCH4 (E 14)
LIGHT SWITCH4 (C-D 12)
MAIN FUSE PANEL1 (A 3)
MAIN RELAY2 (D 5)
NEUTRAL SAFETY SWITCH (A/T)1 (B 2)
PARKING LIGHT RELAY4 (C 14)
PASSIVE RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE3 (A 11)
REAR WASHER MOTOR5 (D 17)
REAR WIPER/WASHER SWITCH5 (E 16)
SHIFT LOCK SERVO ASSY4 (A 12)
STARTER1 (B 3)
STOP LIGHT SWITCH5 (D 19)
TIMER/BUZZER UNIT4 (E 12)
TRUNK LIGHT5 (B 16)
WAC RELAY3 (B 8)
Page 1 of 6 MITCHELL 1 ARTICLE - WIRING DIAGRAMS 1991 WIRING DIAGRAMS Ford Motor Co.
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COOLING FAN DOES NOT RUN WITH A/C ON
If cooling fan does not run with A/C on, check the following items to help isolate fault.
Check A/C cooling fan relay.
Check cooling fan wiring harness.
TESTING
VOLTAGE SUPPLY TEST
Disconnect cooling fan motor connector. Turn ignition on. Check for voltage at Yellow wire terminal of connector. If voltage is NOT present,
check for blown 20-amp COOLING fuse (Capri) or C-FAN fuse (Festiva) or open in Yellow wire between cooling fan and fuse.
Disconnect cooling fan relay connector. Cooling fan relay is located in the left front corner of engine compartment. Turn ignition on. Check
for voltage at Yellow (Capri) or Black/Yellow (Festiva) wire terminal of connector. If voltage is NOT present, check for blown 30-amp
HEATER fuse on Capri or 10-amp METER fuse on Festiva or open in Black/Yellow wire between cooling fan relay and fuse.
Disconnect A/C cooling fan relay connector. On Capri, A/C relay is located in the left rear corner of the engine compartment, on firewall. On
Festiva, A/C relay is located in the left front corner of engine compartment, under a triple relay cover. Relay may be identified by wire colors
to relay connector. See Fig. 2
and Fig. 3 . Turn ignition on. Check for voltage at Blue wire terminal of connector. If voltage is NOT present,
check for blown 15-amp HEATER fuse or open in Blue wire between A/C cooling fan relay and fuse.
GROUND CIRCUIT TEST
Turn ignition off. Unplug connectors from cooling fan and A/C cooling fan relays. Check for continuity between ground and Black wire
terminal of relay connectors. If continuity is NOT present, repair Black ground wire.
FAN MOTOR TEST
Disconnect fan motor wire connector. Apply ground and battery voltage to motor connector. Fan should run. If fan does not run, replace
cooling fan motor.
COOLING FAN RELAY TEST
Unplug cooling fan relay connector. Apply battery voltage and ground to Yellow and Green/Red (Capri) or Black/Yellow and Green/Yellow
(Festiva) wire terminals of relay. Check continuity of relay across Yellow/Green (Capri) or Yellow/Red and Black (Festiva) wire connector
terminals. Ensure continuity is NOT present while relay is energized. When relay is de-energized, continuity should exist.
A/C COOLING FAN RELAY TEST
Unplug A/C relay connector. Apply battery voltage and ground to Blue and White (Capri) or Blue and Green (Festiva) wire terminals of relay.
Check continuity of relay across Blue and Red (Capri) or Yellow/Red and Black (Festiva) wire connector terminals. On Capri, ensure
continuity does NOT exist while relay is energized. On Festiva, ensure continuity exists while relay is energized. On Capri, when relay is de-
energized continuity should exist. On Festiva, when relay is de-energized, continuity should NOT exist.
COOLANT TEMPERATURE SWITCH TEST
Disconnect connector from coolant temperature switch located in thermostat housing. With coolant temperature less than 200°F (93°C) for
Capri or 194°F (90°C) for Festiva, check continuity between ground and coolant temperature switch. Ensure continuity exists. Start engine
and allow coolant temperature to reach 200°F (93°C) for Capri or 207°F (97°C) for Festiva. Check continuity between ground and coolant
temperature switch terminal. Continuity should NOT be present. If switch does not test as indicated, replace switch.
HARNESS & CIRCUIT CHECK TEST
Turn ignition off. Disconnect harness connectors of the following components: ECA, cooling fan motor, coolant temperature switch, cooling
fan relay and A/C cooling fan relay. Using an ohmmeter, check for continuity on the related harness leads of each connector. See Fig. 2
and
Fig. 3
.
WIRING DIAGRAMS
For further detail, see appropriate chassis wiring diagram in the WIRING DIAGRAMS article in the WIRING DIAGRAMS section.
Page 2 of 3 MITCHELL 1 ARTICLE - ENGINE COOLING FAN 1990-92 ENGINE COOLING Ford Motor Co. Engine Cooling Fans
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ST ART ER
1991 ELECT RICAL Starters
DESCRIPTION
The Nippondenso direct drive starter is a conventional 12-volt, 4-pole, brush-type starter. The integral solenoid is attached to the drive
housing. When starter is energized, starter solenoid causes the starter pinion to engage with the flywheel ring gear. The overrunning clutch
pinion drive is mounted directly on armature shaft drive end.
Fig. 1: Starter System Schematic
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
TROUBLE SHOOTING
ENGINE CRANKS SLOWLY
Undercharged battery. Loose or corroded cable connections. Bad starter.
ENGINE WILL NOT CRANK
Undercharged battery. Bad ignition switch. Bad clutch engage switch (M/T) or neutral safety switch (A/T). Loose or corroded cable
connections. Bad starter. Faulty circuit grounds.
STARTER SPINS & ENGINE DOES NOT CRANK
Bad starter. Bad flywheel ring gear and/or starter drive pinion.
ENGINE STARTS WITH CLUTCH ENGAGED (M/T)
Bad clutch engage switch. Adjust or replace.
ENGINE STARTS IN GEAR (A/T)
Bad neutral safety switch. Adjust or replace.
ON-VEHICLE TESTING
PRELIMINARY TEST
Ensure battery is fully charged and has load tested okay. If starter will not crank engine with fully charged battery, proceed with the following
test.
1. Using a digital voltmeter, connect positive voltmeter lead to starter solenoid terminal "S", and negative lead to starter housing. See Fig.
1 .
2. Turn ignition switch to START position, and observe voltmeter reading. If voltage at terminal "S" is greater than 8 volts, starter or circuit
malfunction is indicated. See VOLTAGE DROP TEST
and STARTER GROUND CIRCUIT TEST under ON-VEHICLE TESTING.
Page 1 of 6 MITCHELL 1 ARTICLE - STARTER 1991 ELECTRICAL Starters
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3. If voltage is not present or is less than 8 volts at starter solenoid terminal "S", malfunction in circuit to terminal "S" is indicated. Proceed
to the following tests.
IGNITION SWITCH TEST
1. Locate ignition switch connector under dash. Using a 12-volt test light or voltmeter, ensure voltage is present on Black/Yellow wire
when ignition switch is turned to RUN or ON position. This will verify proper operation of ignition switch.
2. If there is no voltage on Black/Yellow wire, the problem is either ignition switch or circuit between battery and ignition switch.
CLUTCH ENGAGE SWITCH (M/T) TEST
Unplug clutch engage switch from main wiring harness. Using an ohmmeter, check for continuity across switch terminals. Continuity should
exist when switch plunger is pushed in and should not exist when switch plunger is released. If clutch engage switch does not operate as
specified, replace switch.
NEUTRAL SAFETY SWITCH (A/T) TEST
Unplug neutral safety switch from main wiring harness. Using an ohmmeter, check for continuity across switch terminals "A" and "B". See Fig.
2 . Place transmission shift selector in Park or Neutral position. Continuity should exist between terminals "A" and "B". Continuity should not
exist in any other transmission shift selector positions. If switch does nor operate as specified, replace switch.
Fig. 2: Identifying Neutral Safety Switch Terminals
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
VOLTAGE DROP TEST
1. Disconnect and ground coil wire from distributor cap to prevent engine from starting. Connect remote starter switch between starter
solenoid terminal "S" and battery positive terminal. See Fig. 3
.
2. Using a digital voltmeter set on low scale, connect positive voltmeter lead to battery positive terminal. Connect negative lead to starter
solenoid terminal "M". See Fig. 3
.
3. Engage remote starter switch. Observe and record voltmeter reading. Voltmeter reading should be less than .5 volt. If voltage at terminal
"M" is greater than .5 volt, move negative voltmeter lead to solenoid terminal "B", and repeat test.
4. If voltage at terminal "B" is less than .5 volt, inspect solenoid cable connections and solenoid contacts for problem.
5 . Cl ean so l en o id t ermin al s "B", "M" an d "S", an d rep eat st ep s 1 ) through 4). If voltmeter still reads greater than .5 volt at termin al "M"
and less than .5 volt at terminal "B", solenoid contacts are bad.
6. If voltmeter reads greater than .5 volt at terminal "B", clean cables and connections at solenoid. If voltmeter still reads greater than .5
volt, check for poor positive battery cable connection or bad cable. Repair or replace as necessary.
7. To locate excessive voltage drop, move negative voltmeter lead toward battery, and check each connection point. When high voltmeter
reading is no longer present, last connection point is bad.
NOTE:Make all voltm eter connections at com ponent term inal rather than at cable or wire end.
Page 2 of 6 MITCHELL 1 ARTICLE - STARTER 1991 ELECTRICAL Starters
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