1991 FORD FESTIVA Ignition switch

Fig. 18: Identifying VREF Circuit & Connector

VREF CIRCUIT PIN IDENTIFICATION
1. On 1.3L, go to next step. On 1.6L, turn ignition on. Measure voltage between throttle position switch VREF and SIGRTN wires. See
VREF CIRCUIT PIN IDENTIFICATION
table. If voltage is 10-12 volts, repair short to voltage. If voltage is zero volts, go to next
step.
2. Turn ignition on. On 1.3L, measure voltage between Black and White-Black wires at VAF sensor. On 1.6L, measure voltage between
White-Black and Blue/Yellow wires at BP sensor. If voltage is 4-5 volts, VREF circuit is okay. If voltage is zero volts, go to next step. If
vo l t a ge is 1 0 - 1 2 vo l t s, r e p a ir sh o r t t o vo l t a ge .
3. Turn ignition off. Install BOB. Install 4EAT tester (if vehicle is equipped with 4EAT transaxle). Unplug connector from VAF, TP, and
BP sensors as applicable to vehicle. Measure resistance between VREF terminals on ECA and 4EAT module. Also measure resistance
between ECA VREF terminal and TP, BP, and VAF VREF harness connector terminals. If any measurement is greater than 5 ohms,
repair wire in question. If resistance is less than 5 ohms for all measurements, go to next step.
4. Turn ignition off. Disconnect 4EAT module (if equipped). Unplug connector from VAF, TP, and BP sensors as applicable to vehicle.
Measure resistance between ECA VREF pin on BOB and ground. If resistance is not greater than 10,000 ohms, repair short in VREF
circuit. If resistance is greater than 10,000 ohms, go to next step.
5. Turn ignition off. Disconnect ECA. Unplug connector from VAF, TP, and BP sensors as applicable to vehicle. Measure resistance
between ECA SIGRTN, 4EAT, and all SIGRTN pins on BOB. If any measurement is greater than 5 ohms, repair wire in question. If
resistance is less than 5 ohms for all measurements, go to next step.
6. Turn ignition off. Install BOB. Connect ECA. Connect 4EAT module (if equipped). Turn ignition on. Measure voltage at ECA SIGRTN
test pin on BOB. If voltage is 0-1 volt, go to PINPOINT TEST PGC
. If voltage is not 0-1 volt, repair short to voltage on SIGRTN
circuit.
SUMMARY
CircuitECA PinBOB PinWire Color
1.3L
SIGRTN2D46, 49BLK
VREF2K26WHT/BLK
1.6L
SIGRTN2C46BLU/YEL
VREF2A26WHT/BLK
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H - T EST S W/O CODES
1991-92 ENGINE PERFORMANCE Ford Motor Co. T rouble Shooting - No Codes
INTRODUCTION
Before diagnosing symptoms or intermittent faults, perform steps in BASIC TESTING and TESTS W/CODES articles in the ENGINE
PERFORMANCE Section. Use this article to diagnose driveability problems existing when a hard fault code is not present or vehicle is not
equipped with a self-diagnostic system.
Symptom checks can direct the technician to malfunctioning component(s) for further diagnosis. A symptom should lead to a specific
component, system test or adjustment.
Use intermittent test procedures to locate driveability problems which DO NOT occur when the vehicle is being tested. These test procedures
should also be used if a soft (intermittent) trouble code was present but no problem was found during self-diagnostic testing.
SYMPTOMS
SYMPTOM DIAGNOSIS
Symptom checks cannot be used properly unless problem occurs while vehicle is being tested. To reduce diagnostic time, ensure steps in
BASIC TESTING and TESTS W/CODES articles in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE Section were performed before diagnosing a symptom.
These symptoms are available for diagnosis.
Backfire through induction or exhaust.
Dieseling (run-on).
Lack of power.
Spark knock (pinging).
Stalls/quits.
Stumble/hesitation during acceleration.
Misses/surges.
Idle is fast/slow return to idle.
Id l e is ro u gh .
Engine speeds up.
Cranks normally/no start.
Cranks normally/slow to start.
Poor fuel economy.
Exhaust smoke/odor.
Fuel odor/leaks.
Fails emission test.
BACKFIRE THROUGH INDUCTION OR EXHAUST
Check vane airflow meter.
Check idle speed control solenoid.
DIESELING (RUN-ON)
Check idle speed control solenoid.
LACK OF POWER
Check vane airflow meter.
Check throttle position switch.
Check heated exhaust gas oxygen sensor.
Check A/C switch.
Check wide open throttle A/C (WAC) relay.
SPARK KNOCK (PINGING)
Verify ignition timing is correct.
Check vane airflow meter.
STALLS/QUITS NOTE:Som e driveability problem s m ay have been corrected by m anufacturer with a revised com puter
calibration chip or com puter control unit. Check with m anufacturer for latest chip or com puter
application.
NOTE:For specific testing procedures, see SYST EM/COMPONENT T EST S article in the ENGINE
PERFORMANCE Section. For specifications, see ADJUST MENT S or SPECIFICAT IONS article in the
ENGINE PERFORMANCE Section.
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Check vane airflow meter.
Check idle speed control solenoid.
Check pressure regulator control solenoid.
Check heated exhaust gas oxygen sensor.
Check engine coolant temperature sensor.
Check A/C load control solenoid.
STUMBLE/HESITATION DURING ACCELERATION
Check throttle position switch.
Check vane airflow meter.
Check canister purge solenoid.
Check heated exhaust gas oxygen sensor.
Check wide open throttle A/C (WAC) relay.
Check A/C thermostatic switch.
MISSES/SURGES
Check exhaust gas oxygen sensor.
Check throttle position switch.
Check vane airflow meter.
Check wide open throttle vacuum switch.
Check A/C load control solenoid.
Check engine coolant temperature sensor.
IDLE IS FAST/SLOW RETURN TO IDLE
Check idle speed control solenoid.
Check by-pass air control valve.
Check engine coolant temperature sensor.
Check A/C load control solenoid.
IDLE IS ROUGH
Check idle speed control solenoid.
Check A/C load control solenoid.
Check by-pass air control valve.
Check throttle position switch.
Check vane airflow meter.
Check vane air temperature sensor.
Check canister purge solenoid.
Check engine cooling fan.
Check headlight switch.
Check blower control switch.
Check A/C thermostatic switch.
Check neutral safety switch.
Check neutral gear switch or clutch engage switch.
Check heated exhaust gas oxygen sensor.
ENGINE SPEEDS UP
Check idle speed control solenoid.
Check heated exhaust gas oxygen sensor.
Check by-pass air control valve.
CRANKS NORMALLY/NO START
Verify secondary ignition spark is present.
Verify fuel pressure is within specification.
Check vane airflow meter.
Check engine coolant temperature sensor.
CRANKS NORMALLY/SLOW TO START
Check ignition module.
Check engine coolant temperature sensor.
Check vane airflow meter.
Check evaporative emission control components.
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POOR FUEL ECONOMY
Verify intake air is not restricted.
Verify fuel pressure is within specification.
Check ignition module.
Check canister purge solenoid.
Check vane air temperature sensor.
Check vane airflow meter.
Check heated exhaust gas oxygen sensor.
EXHAUST SMOKE/ODOR
Check vane air temperature sensor.
Check vane airflow meter.
Check exhaust gas oxygen sensor.
FUEL ODOR/LEAKS
Check evaporative emission control components.
Check rollover vent valve.
Check by-pass air control valve.
FAILS EMISSION TEST
Check canister purge solenoid.
Check pressure regulator control solenoid.
Check heated exhaust gas oxygen sensor.
Check by-pass air control valve.
INTERMITTENTS
INTERMITTENT PROBLEM DIAGNOSIS
Intermittent fault testing requires duplicating circuit or component failure to identify problem. These procedures may lead to computer setting
a fault code (on some systems) which may help in diagnosis.
If problem vehicle does not produce fault codes, monitor voltage or resistance values using a DVOM while attempting to reproduce conditions
causing intermittent fault. A status change on DVOM indicates a fault has been located.
Use a DVOM to pinpoint faults. When monitoring voltage, ensure ignition switch is in ON position or engine is running. Ensure ign it io n
switch is in OFF position or negative battery cable is disconnected when monitoring circuit resistance. Status changes on DVOM during test
procedures indicate area of fault.
TEST PROCEDURES
INTERMITTENT SIMULATION
To reproduce conditions creating an intermittent fault, use following methods:
Lightly vibrate component.
Heat component.
Wiggle or bend wiring harness.
Spray component with water.
Remove/apply vacuum source.
Monitor circuit/component voltage or resistance while simulating intermittent. If engine is running, monitor for self-diagnostic codes. Use test
results to identify a faulty component or circuit.
Copyr ight 2009 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Article GUID: A00022699
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E - T HEORY/OPERAT ION
1991 ENGINE PERFORMANCE Ford/Mercury T heory & Operation
INTRODUCTION
This article covers basic description and operation of engine performance-related systems and components. Read this article before attempting
to diagnose systems with which you are not completely familiar.
COMPUTERIZED ENGINE CONTROLS
An electronic Control Assembly (ECA) receives and processes signals from various sensors and switches. See Fig. 1 . It then generates signals
which control ignition timing, fuel injection functions and various emission control devices. The ECA has system diagnostic capabilities and
will store trouble codes for use by service technicians.

Fig. 1: Identifying Input Devices & Output Signals (Not All Shown)

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
ELECTRONIC CONTROL ASSEMBLY (ECA)
The ECA is located under the instrument panel on the driver side. It receives and processes data from sensors, switches and other components.
The ECA generates output signals to control fuel injection, spark timing, other engine functions and emission systems.
CEC INPUT DEVICES
Vehicles are equipped with different combinations of input devices. Not all devices are used on all models. To determine input device usage of
a specific model, see appropriate wiring diagram in WIRING DIAGRAMS article. The available input devices include the following:
BAROMETRIC PRESSURE SENSOR (BP)
This device senses changes in barometric pressure. The ECA uses this information in calculating fuel metering, ignition timing and idle speed.
On Festiva, BP is incorporated into the ECA. On Capri, BP is located on the passenger-side cowl.
BRAKE ON-OFF (BOO) SWITCH
This switch, located at the brake pedal, senses brake operation. The ECA uses this information in calculating fuel metering.
NOTE:Com ponents are grouped into 2 categories. T he first category is CEC INPUT DEVICES, which control or
produce voltage signals m onitored by the control unit. T he second category is CEC OUT PUT SIGNALS,
which are com ponents controlled by the control unit.
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CLUTCH ENGAGE SWITCH (CES)
This switch is located on the manual transaxle and informs the ECA of transmission operating conditions. The ECA uses this data fo r id l e
speed control and canister purge valve operation.
CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR (CPS) (FESTIVA)
This sensor is located in the distributor and sends engine RPM and crankshaft position data to the ECA. The ECA uses this data in calculating
fuel metering, ignition timing, idle speed control and canister purge valve operation.
CYLINDER IDENTIFICATION SENSOR (CID) (CAPRI)
This sensor is located in the distributor and provides crankshaft position data to the ECA. The ECA uses this data in calculating fuel metering
and ignition timing.
ELECTRICAL LOAD SWITCHES
Blower control, cooling fan, rear window defroster, air conditioning and headlight switches all send signals to the ECA. The ECA uses these
signals for idle speed control.
ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE (ECT) SENSOR
This sensor is located in the intake manifold and sends coolant temperature data to the ECA. The ECA uses this data in calculating fuel
metering, idle speed control and canister purge valve operation.
EXHAUST GAS OXYGEN (EGO) SENSOR
This sensor is located in the exhaust manifold and senses oxygen concentration in the exhaust gas. The ECA uses this data in calculating fuel
metering, idle speed control and canister purge valve operation.
NEUTRAL SAFETY SWITCH (A/T)
This switch is located on the automatic transaxle and sends a signal to the ECA whenever the transaxle is in Neutral or Park ranges. The ECA
uses this signal in calculating fuel metering, idle speed control and canister purge valve operation.
POWER STEERING PRESSURE SWITCH (PSPS)
This switch is located on the power steering pump and sends data about power steering operation to the ECA. The ECA uses this data for idle
speed control.
THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR (TP)
This device is located on the throttle body and contains 2 switches. The Wide Open Throttle (WOT) Switch sends a signal to the ECA when
throttle valve opening is more than 70 degrees. The ECA uses this signal in calculating fuel metering.
The Idle Switch (IDL) sends a signal to the ECA when throttle valve opening is less than 1.5 degrees. The ECA uses this signal for idle speed
control and canister purge valve operation.
VANE AIRFLOW (VAF) METER
This sensor is located in the air cleaner housing and sends intake airflow data to the ECA. The ECA uses this data in calculating fuel metering.
VANE AIR TEMPERATURE (VAT) SENSOR
This sensor is located inside the vane airflow sensor and senses intake air temperature. The ECA uses this data in calculating fu el met erin g,
idle speed control and canister purge valve operation.
CEC OUTPUT SIGNALS
CANISTER PURGE (CANP) SOLENOID
See EMISSION SYSTEMS.
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT
See SELF-DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM.
FUEL INJECTORS
See FUEL CONTROL.
IDLE SPEED CONTROL BY-PASS AIR (ISC-BPA) VALVE
See IDLE SPEED. NOTE:Vehicles are equipped with different com binations of com puter-controlled com ponents. Not all
com ponents listed below are used on every vehicle. For theory and operation of each output
com ponent, refer to indicated system .
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IDLE SPEED
While the engine is cold, the Idle Speed Control By-Pass Air (ISC-BPA) Valve increases idle speed to warm the engine quickly. At engine
temperatures less than 140°F (60°C), the valve is open. As the engine warms, the valve begins to close. The valve is fully closed at engine
temperatures higher than 140°F (60°C). Idle speed is also affected by various switches, sensors and load on the engine.
ELECTRONIC IGNITION SYSTEM
CAPRI
A pick-up coil within the distributor sends a signal to a Distributor-Mounted Ignition Module With Vacuum Advance (DMIVA) within the
distributor. The DMIVA then sends a signal which fires the coil. When the coil fires, the distributor directs high voltage current to the spark
plugs. The DMIVA system operates independently of the ECA.
FESTIVA
A pick-up coil within the distributor sends a signal to a transistorized ignition module on the coil bracket. A timing signal also goes from the
ECA to the ignition module. The ignition module then sends a signal which fires the coil. When the coil fires, the distributor directs high
voltage current to the spark plugs.
IGNITION TIMING CONTROL SYSTEM
CAPRI
Spark timing is controlled by vacuum and centrifugal advance mechanisms and by a signal from the ECA. The ECA does not affect ignition
timing on turbo models. On turbo models, a knock sensor and control unit retard ignition timing when knock occurs.
FESTIVA
The ECA generates a spark timing signal from data received from the BP, CPS and VAF. This signal goes to the ignition module. The ignition
module then sends a signal to fire the coil.
HIGH ALTITUDE SPARK ADVANCE CORRECTION
A barometric pressure sensor is incorporated into the ECA on Festiva and is a separate component on Capri. At high altitudes, the ECA sends
a signal to the ignition module to advance ignition timing. This feature is not used on turbo models.
KNOCK SENSOR (CAPRI)
A Knock Sensor (KS) generates a signal when knock occurs. A control unit processes this signal and then sends it to the ignition module to
retard spark timing. The KS is located in the engine block, near the oil pressure switch. This device is only used on 1.6L turbo engines.
KNOCK CONTROL UNIT (CAPRI)
The Knock Control Unit filters normal engine vibration signals from the KS, then sends a signal to the ignition module to retard spark timing.
This unit, used only on 1.6L turbo engines, is located on right side of engine compartment.
EMISSION SYSTEMS
DECELERATION SYSTEM (DASHPOT)
The deceleration control system closes the throttle plate gradually during deceleration. The dashpot prevents engine stalling on deceleration
and provides a smooth transition from deceleration to sudden acceleration.
EVAPORATIVE SYSTEM
CARBON CANISTER
The carbon canister stores vapors from the fuel tank until they are purged and burned in the engine. On Festiva, carbon canister is
located under the brake booster. On Capri, carbon canister is located on the right side of the engine compartment near the cowl panel.
CANISTER PURGE SOLENOID
This component is connected between the carbon canister and intake manifold. When the ECA sends a signal to the solenoid to open,
fuel vapors in the carbon canister are drawn into the engine.
CANISTER PURGE VALVE
This valve opens to purge vapors from the carbon canister into the engine intake system. The valve is part of the canister purge solenoid.
ROLLOVER VENT VALVE
This valve, located in front of the fuel tank, blocks the vapor line in case of vehicle rollover.
This valve, located in front of the fuel tank, blocks the vapor line in case of vehicle rollover.
CATALYTIC CONVERTER
The catalytic converter is in the exhaust system, between the exhaust manifold and the muffler. It converts certain pollutants in the exhaust
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High Performance
HSC
High Swirl Combustion
HSO
High Specific Output
HTR
Heater
Hz
Hertz (Cycles Per Second)
"I"
IAC
Idle Air Control
IACV
Idle Air Control Valve
IAT
Intake Air Temperature
IC
Integrated Circuit
ID
Identification
I.D.
Inside Diameter
Ign.
Ignition
IMRC
Intake Manifold Runner Control
In.
In ch es
INCH Lbs.
Inch Pounds
in. Hg
Inches of Mercury
Inj.
Injector
IP
Instrument Panel
ISC
Idle Speed Control
IVSV
Idle Vacuum Switching Valve
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