
Engine overheatingCheck cooling system, See
COOLING
Auto. Trans. pressure regulator valve faultyReplace pressure regulator
va l ve
Auto. Trans. fluid level too lowAdd fluid as necessary
Improper vacuum diverter valve operationReplace vacuum diverter valve
Vacuum leaksInspect vacuum system and
repair as required
Leaking piston ringsReplace piston rings, See
ENGINES
Faulty High Speed Operation
Low fuel pump volumeReplace fuel pump
Le a kin g va l ve s o r wo r nReplace valves and/or springs,
See ENGINES
Incorrect valve timingReset valve timing,See
ENGINES
In t ake man ifo l d rest rict edRemove restriction
Worn distributor shaftReplace distributor
Faulty Acceleration
Improper fuel pump strokeRemove pump and reset pump
stroke
Incorrect ignition timingReset ignition timing, See
TUNE-UP
Le a kin g va l ve sReplace valves, See ENGINES
Worn fuel pump diaphragm or pistonReplace diaphragm or piston
In t ake Backfire
Improper ignition timingReset ignition timing, See
TUNE-UP
Faulty accelerator pump dischargeReplace accelerator pump
Improper choke operationCheck choke and adjust as
required
Defective EGR valveReplace EGR valve
Fuel mixture too leanReset air/fuel mixture, See
TUNE-UP
Choke valve initial clearance too largeReset choke valve initial
clearance
Exhaust Backfire
Vacuum leakInspect and repair vacuum
system
Faulty vacuum diverter valveReplace vacuum diverter valve
Faulty choke operationCheck choke and adjust as
required
Exhaust system leakrepair exhaust system leak
Engine Detonation
Ignition timing too far advancedReset ignition timing, See
TUNE-UP
Faulty ignition systemCheck ignition timing, See
TUNE-UP
Spark plugs loose or faultyRetighten or replace plugs
Fuel delivery system cloggedInspect lines, pump and filter
fo r cl o g
EGR valve inoperativeReplace EGR valve
PCV system inoperativeInspect and/or replace hoses
or valve
Vacuum leaksCheck vacuum system and
repair leaks
Excessive combustion chamber depositsRemove built-up deposits
Leaking, sticking or broken valvesInspect and/or replace valves
External Oil Leakage
Fuel pump improperly seated or worn gasketRemove pump, replace gasket
and seat properly
Oil pan gasket broken or pan bentStraighten pan and replace
ga ske t
Timing chain cover gasket brokenReplace timing chain cover
ga ske t
Rear main oil seal wornReplace rear main oil seal
Oil pan drain plug not seated properlyRemove and reinstall drain
plug
Camshaft bearing drain hole blockedRemove restriction
Oil pressure sending switch leakingRemove and reinstall sending
switch
Excessive Oil Consumption
Worn valve stems or guidesReplace stems or guides, See
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VACUUM PUMP DIAGNOSIS
FUEL INJECTION TROUBLE SHOOTING
BASIC FUEL INJECTION TROUBLE SHOOTING CHART
EGR valve malfunctionReplace EGR valve
Blocked or damaged exhaust systemRemove restriction and/or
replace components
Blocked fuel tank filterReplace filter
Restricted fuel filterRemove restriction and/or
replace filter
Block vent in gas capRemove restriction and/or
replace cap
Tank-to-injection pump fuel supply blockedCheck fuel lines and
connections
Blocked fuel return systemRemove restriction
Incorrect or contaminated fuelReplace fuel
Blocked injector nozzlesCheck nozzle for blockage, see
FUEL SYSTEMS
Low compressionCheck valves, rings, pistons,
see ENGINES
Loud Engine Noise With Black Smoke
Basic timing incorrectReset timing, see FUEL
SYSTEMS
EGR valve malfunctionReplace EGR valve
Internal injection pump malfunctionReplace injection pump, see
FUEL SYSTEMS
Incorrect injector pump housing pressureCheck pressure, see FUEL
SYSTEMS
Engine Overheating
Cooling system leaksCheck cooling system and
repair leaks
Belt slipping or damagedCheck tension and/or replace
belt
Thermostat stuck closedRemove and replace
thermostat, see ENGINE
COOLING
Head gasket leakingReplace head gasket
Oil Light on at Idle
Low oil pump pressureCheck oil pump operation, see
ENGINES
Oil cooler or line restrictedRemove restriction and/or
replace cooler
Engine Won't Shut Off
Injector pump fuel solenoid does not return fuel valve to OFF positionRemove and check solenoid
and replace if needed
CONDITION & POSSIBLE CAUSECORRECTION
Excessive Noise
Loose pump-to-drive assembly screwsTighten screws
Loose tube on pump assemblyTighten tube
Valves not functioning properlyReplace valves
Oil Leakage
Loose end plugTighten end plug
Bad seal crimpRemove and re-crimp seal
NOTE:This is GENERAL inform ation. This article is not intended to be specific to any unique situation or
individual vehicle configuration. T he purpose of this T rouble Shooting inform ation is to provide a list
of com m on causes to problem sym ptom s. For m odel-specific T rouble Shooting, refer to SUBJECT ,
DIAGNOST IC, or T EST ING articles available in the section(s) you are accessing.
CONDITION & POSSIBLE CAUSECORRECTION
Engine Won't Start (Cranks Normally)
Cold start valve inoperativeTest valve and circuit
Poor connection;vacuum or wiringCheck vacuum and electrical
connections
Contaminated fuelTest fuel for water or alcohol
Defective fuel pump relay or circuitTest relay and wiring
Battery too lowCharge and test battery
Low fuel pressureTest pressure regulator and
fuel pump, check for restricted
lines and filters
No distributor reference pulsesRepair ignition system as
necessary
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TUNE-UP TROUBLE SHOOTING - GAS ENGINE VEHICLES
BASIC SPARK PLUG TROUBLE SHOOTING CHARTS
Faulty solenoid switch, switch connections or relayCheck all wiring between
relay and solenoid or replace
relay or solenoid as necessary
Broken lead or loose soldered connectionsRepair wire or wire
connections as necessary
Solenoid Plunger Vibrates When Switch is Engaged
Weak batteryCharge or replace battery as
necessary
Solenoid contacts corrodedClean contacts or replace
solenoid
Faulty wiringCheck all wiring leading to
solenoid
Broken connections inside switch coverRepair connections or replace
solenoid
Open hold-in wireReplace solenoid
Low Current Draw
Worn brushes or weakReplace brushes or brush
springs as necessary
High Pitched Whine During Cranking Before Engine Fires but Engine Fires and Cranks Normally
Distance too great between starter pinion and flywheelAlign starter or check that
correct starter and flywheel
are being used
High Pitched Whine After Engine Fires With Key released. Engine Fires and Cranks Normally
Distance too small between starter pinion and flywheelFlywheel runout contributes
to the intermittent nature
NOTE:This is GENERAL inform ation. This article is not intended to be specific to any unique situation or
individual vehicle configuration. T he purpose of this T rouble Shooting inform ation is to provide a list
of com m on causes to problem sym ptom s. For m odel-specific T rouble Shooting, refer to SUBJECT ,
DIAGNOST IC, or T EST ING articles available in the section(s) you are accessing.
CONDITION & POSSIBLE CAUSECORRECTION
Normal Spark Plug Condition
Light Tan or Gray depositsNo Action
Electrode not burned or fouledNo Action
Gap tolerance not changedNo Action
Cold Fouling or Carbon Deposits
Overrich air/fuel mixtureAdjust air/fuel mixture, see
ENGINE PERFORMANCE
section
Faulty chokeReplace choke assembly, see
ENGINE PERFORMANCE
section
Clogged air filterClean and/or replace air filter
Incorrect idle speed or dirty carburetorReset idle speed and/ or clean
carburetor
Faulty ignition wiresReplace ignition wiring
Prolonged operation at idleShut engine off during long
idle
Sticking valves or worn valve guide sealsCheck valve train
Wet Fouling or Oil Deposits
Worn rings and pistonsInstall new rings and pistons
Excessive cylinder wearRebore or replace block
Excessive valve guide clearanceWorn or loose bearing
Gap Bridged
Deposits in combustion chamber becoming fused to electrodeClean combustion chamber of
deposits
Blistered Electrode
Engine overheatingCheck cooling system
Wrong type of fuelReplace with correct fuel
Loose spark plugsRetighten spark plugs
Over-advanced ignition timingReset ignition timing see
ENGINE PERFORMANCE
Pre-Ignition or Melted Electrodes
Incorrect type of fuelReplace with correct fuel
Incorrect ignition timingReset ignition timing see
ENGINE PERFORMANCE
Burned valvesReplace valves
Engine OverheatingCheck cooling system
Wrong type of spark plug, too hotReplace with correct spark
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BASIC DRIVEABILITY PROBLEMS TROUBLE SHOOTING
Corroded spark plugsReplace spark plugs
Cylinders Not Firing
Cracked distributor cap terminalsReplace distributor cap
Shorted spark plug wireDetermine cause and repair
Mechanical problem in engineDetermine cause and repair
Defective spark plugsReplace spark plugs
Spark plugs fouledReplace spark plugs
CONDITION & POSSIBLE CAUSECORRECTION
Hard Starting
Binding carburetor linkageEliminate binding
Binding choke linkageEliminate binding
Binding choke pistonEliminate binding
Restricted choke vacuumCheck vacuum lines for
blockage
Worn or dirty needle valve and seatClean carburetor, see ENGINE
PERFORMANCE
Float stickingReadjust or replace float see
the ENGINE
PERFORMANCE section
Incorrect choke adjustmentReset choke adjustment see
ENGINE PERFORMANCE
Defective coilReplace coil
Improper spark plug gapRegap spark plugs
Incorrect ignition timingReset ignition timing see
ENGINE PERFORMANCE
Detonation
Over-advanced ignition timingReset ignition timing see
ENGINE PERFORMANCE
Defective spark plugsReplace spark plugs
Fuel lines cloggedClean fuel lines
EGR system malfunctionCheck and repair EGR system
PCV system malfunctionRepair PCV system
Vacuum leaksCheck and repair vacuum
system
Loose fan beltsTighten or replace fan belts,
see ENGINE
PERFORMANCE
Restricted airflowRemove restriction
Vacuum advance malfunctionCheck distributor operation
Dieseling
Binding carburetor linkageEliminate binding
Binding throttle linkageEliminate blinding
Binding choke linkage or fast idle camEliminate binding
Defective idle solenoidReplace idle solenoid see
ENGINE PERFORMANCE
Improper base idle speedReset idle speed, see see
ENGINE PERFORMANCE
Incorrect ignition timingReset ignition timing see
ENGINE PERFORMANCE
Incorrect idle mixture settingReset idle mixture, see
ENGINE PERFORMANCE
Faulty Acceleration
Incorrect ignition timingReset ignition timing see
ENGINE PERFORMANCE
Engine cold and choke too leanAdjust choke and allow engine
to warm-up
Defective spark plugsReplace spark plugs
Defective coilReplace coil
Faulty Low Speed Operation
Clogged idle transfer slotsClean idle transfer slots, see
FUEL
Restricted idle air bleeds and passagesDisassemble and clean
carburetor, see FUEL
Clogged air cleanerReplace air filter
Defective spark plugsReplace spark plugs
Defective ignition wiresReplace ignition wire see
ENGINE PERFORMANCE
Defective distributor capReplace distributor cap
Faulty High Speed Operation
Incorrect ignition timingReset ignition timing see
ENGINE PERFORMANCE
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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.....
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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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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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