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INST RUMENT PANEL
1991 ACCESSORIES & SAFET Y EQUIPMENT Ford Motor Co. Switches & Instrum ent Panels - Standard
DESCRIPTION & OPERATION
Instrument panel on Capri contains a speedometer, tachometer, fuel, water temperature, oil pressure and voltmeter gauges. A boost gauge is
incorporated into the tachometer on turbo models. Instrument panel is equipped with indicator/warning lights for charging system, air b ag,
manual shift, seat belt, turn signals, high beam and brakes. A CHECK ENGINE light, located on instrument panel, illuminates if a
computerized engine control fault occurs with engine running.
Instrument panel on Festiva contains a speedometer, fuel and water temperature gauges. Instrument panel is equipped with indicator/warning
lights for charging system, oil pressure, seat belt, rear defogger, turn signals, high beam and brakes. A CHECK ENGINE light, located on
instrument panel, illuminates if a computerized engine control fault occurs with engine running.
TROUBLE SHOOTING
FUEL GAUGE
Fuel Gauge Always Reads Empty
If fuel gauge always reads empty, check these items:
Check fuel gauge for open or damaged wires.
Check for open ground at fuel gauge sending unit.
Check for defective fuel sending unit.
Check for defective fuel gauge.
Check for defective instrument panel voltage regulator (Festiva).
Check for blown 10-amp METER fuse in fuse panel.
Check for open in Black/Yellow power feed wire from fuse panel instrument panel.
Check for fuel tank float full of fuel (sunk).
Fuel Gauge Always Reads Full
If fuel gauge always reads full, check these items:
Check for fuel gauge Yellow wire shorted to ground.
Check for defective fuel sending unit.
Check for defective fuel gauge.
Check for defective instrument panel voltage regulator (Festiva).
Fuel Gauge Inaccurate
If fuel gauge is inaccurate, check these items:
Check for faulty (loose or corroded) wire connections.
Check for defective fuel sending unit.
Check for defective instrument panel voltage regulator (Festiva).
TEMPERATURE GAUGE
Temperature Gauge Always Reads Cold
If temperature gauge always reads cold, check these items:
Check temperature gauge for open wire.
Check for defective temperature sender.
Check for defective temperature gauge.
Check for defective instrument panel voltage regulator (Festiva).
Check for blown 10-amp METER fuse in fuse panel.
Check for open in Black/Yellow power feed wire from fuse panel to instrument panel.
Temperature Gauge Always Reads Hot
CAUT ION: On m odels with Supplem ental Restraint System (SRS), observe safety precautions. T he air bag system
is powered directly from the battery and back-up power supply. Before any repairs are perform ed,
disconnect and shield battery ground cable. Disconnect the back-up power supply BEFORE servicing
ANY air bag com ponent. Use caution when working near steering colum n. Air bag could accidentally
deploy at any tim e.
NOTE:Ensure continuity exists between chassis ground and Black wire of instrum ent panel connector,
especially if fault exists in m ultiple gauge circuits. See appropriate chassis wiring diagram in the
WIRING DIAGRAMS Section.
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Turbo Boost Gauge Always Reads High
If turbo boost gauge always reads high, check these items:
Check for damaged White/Black signal wire.
Check for defective boost sensing unit.
Check for defective boost gauge.
Turbo Boost Gauge Inaccurate
If turbo boost gauge is inaccurate, check these items:
Check for loose or corroded connections.
Check for defective boost sensing unit.
Check for defective boost gauge.
TESTING
FUEL GAUGE SENDING UNIT
Capri
Remove rear seat cushion. Disconnect fuel pump/fuel gauge sending unit electrical connector at access cover. Turn ignition on. Fuel gauge
should read empty. Using a jumper wire, connect Yellow fuel gauge wire of vehicle harness connector to ground. Fuel gauge should read full.
If fuel gauge operates as specified, replace fuel gauge sending unit.
Festiva
Remove fuel gauge sending unit from tank. See FUEL SENDING UNIT under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. Connect an ohmmeter and
check sending unit resistance as indicated in FUEL GAUGE SENDING UNIT RESISTANCE (FESTIVA)
table. Replace sending unit if
resistance is drastically different than specification.
FUEL GAUGE SENDING UNIT RESISTANCE (FESTIVA)
OIL PRESSURE GAUGE (CAPRI)
1. Remove electrical connector from oil pressure sending unit located on right side of engine block. Turn ignition switch on. Oil pressure
gauge should read low. Install a jumper wire between Yellow/Red wire of oil pressure sending unit vehicle harness connector and
ground. Oil pressure gauge should read high.
2. If oil pressure gauge operates as specified, replace sending unit. If gauge does not operate as specified, check instrument panel power
and ground circuits.
OIL PRESSURE WARNING LIGHT (FESTIVA)
Light Stays On With Engine Running
1. Turn ignition on (DO NOT start engine). Disconnect Yellow/Red wire from oil pressure switch connector. Light should go off.
2. If light stays on, repair short in Yellow/Red wire between oil indicator light and oil pressure switch. Reconnect wire to switch. Light
should be on with ignition on. If light does not go off when engine is started, check switch or engine for low oil pressure.
Oil Light Will Not Go On With Ignition On
1. Ground Yellow/Red wire at instrument panel connector. If light goes on, repair Yellow/Red wire between oil pressure switch and
indicator light or replace defective oil pressure switch.
2. If light does not illuminate, check bulb or check instrument panel ground circuit.
TEMPERATURE GAUGE (CAPRI)
1. Remove electrical connector from temperature sending unit located at front of cylinder head. Connect one lead of Gauge System Tester
(021-00055) to connector and other tester lead to ground. Set tester to 18 ohms, turn ignition switch on and observe temperature gauge.
Gauge should read 250°F.
2. Turn tester to 60 ohms. Gauge should read 175°F. Turn tester to 223 ohms. Gauge should read 100°F. If all readings are within twice
the needle width of correct reading, gauge is functioning properly. If readings are not as specified, replace gauge.
TEMPERATURE GAUGE (FESTIVA)
See TROUBLE SHOOTING for possible service areas.
TEMPERATURE SENDING UNIT (CAPRI)
Remove sending unit from engine and place in container of water. Heat water to 176°F (80°C). Measure resistance between sending unit
connector and case. Resistance should be 49.3-57.7 ohms. If resistance is not as specified, replace sending unit. NOTE:Inspect fuel tank for distortion or dam age. If distorted or dam aged, repair or replace tank before testing.
Float PositionOhms
Full Position (Up)Approximately 7
Half-Full Position (Middle)Approximately 33
Empty Position (Down)Approximately 95
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2. Lift access plate and disconnect sending unit wiring. To relieve fuel pressure, start engine and run it until engine stalls. Turn ignition off.
Disconnect and plug fuel lines at sending unit. Remove sending u n it a t t a c h in g sc r e ws. R e mo ve se n d in g u n it . To in st a l l , r e ve r se removal
procedure.
TACHOMETER
Removal & Installation
Remo ve in st ru men t p an el . See INSTRUMENT PANEL under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. Disassemble panel and remove tachometer.
To install tachometer, reverse removal procedure. On Capri, the tachometer/speedometer/boost gauge assembly must be replaced as an
assembly.
TEMPERATURE GAUGE
Removal & Installation
Remo ve in st ru men t p an el . See INSTRUMENT PANEL under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. Disassemble panel and remove temperature
gauge. To install gauge, reverse removal procedure. On Capri, the temperature/oil pressure gauge assembly must be replaced as an assembly.
TEMPERATURE SENDING UNIT
Removal
Disconnect sending unit wire, located on side of block below thermostat housing (Festiva) or cylinder head (Capri). Remove radiator cap to
relieve cooling system pressure. Position drain pan below sending unit. Remove temperature sending unit.
Installation
To install, apply Pipe Sealant With Teflon (D8AZ-19554-A) to threads of sending unit. Reverse removal procedure to complete installation.
Fill cooling system to proper level. Start engine and check for coolant leaks at sending unit.
WIRING DIAGRAMS
CAUT ION: T achom eter is calibrated at factory. Rough handling could disturb calibration.
NOTE:Refer to the appropriate WIRING DIAGRAMS article in the WIRING DIAGRAMS section.
Copyr ight 2009 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Article GUID: A00028301
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BRAKE SYST EM
1991-92 BRAKES Disc & Drum
DESCRIPTION & OPERATION
On Capri, vehicle braking is provided by front and rear disc brakes. Front and rear brakes are a full-floating, single piston design. The rear
caliper houses a self-adjusting parking brake.
On Festiva, vehicle braking is provided by front disc brakes and rear drum brakes. Rear brakes are a standard non-servo, self-en e r giz in g d e sign .
Front brakes are a full-floating, single piston design with caliper attached to steering knuckle.
BLEEDING BRAKE SYSTEM
BLEEDING PROCEDURES
Manual Bleeding
1. Exhaust vacuum from power brake unit by depressing brake pedal several times. Fill master cylinder with clean brake fluid. Install clear
vinyl bleeder hose onto first bleeder valve to be serviced. See BRAKE LINE BLEEDING SEQUENCE table. Place other end of hose in
clean transparent container.
2. Partially fill container with clean brake fluid. Open the bleeder valve 3/4 turn. Slowly depress brake pedal through its full travel. Close
bleeder valve and release pedal. Pump pedal several times to push air toward wheel cylinders. Repeat procedure until flow of brake
fluid is clear and shows no signs of air bubbles. Proceed to next bleeder valve in sequence and repeat procedure.
BRAKE LINE BLEEDING SEQUENCE
Pressure Bleeding
1. Exhaust vacuum from power brake unit by depressing brake pedal several times. Fill master cylinder with clean brake fluid. With
pressure bleeder at least 1/2 full, connect pressure bleeder to master cylinder using appropriate adaptor.
2. Install clear vinyl bleeder hose onto first bleeder valve to be serviced. See BRAKE LINE BLEEDING SEQUENCE table. Place other
end of hose in clean transparent container. Partially fill container with clean brake fluid. Open bleeder valve 1-2 turns. Allow fluid to
run until flow of fluid is clear and shows no signs of air bubbles. Proceed to next bleeder valve in sequence and repeat procedure.
Remove pressure bleeder and fill master cylinder with clean brake fluid.
ADJUSTMENTS
BRAKE PEDAL HEIGHT (FESTIVA)
1. Block wheels to prevent vehicle from rolling. Start engine and place transmission in Neutral. Fully release parking brake. Move carpet
and insulation away from firewall and brake pedal. Measure distance horizontally between upper center of brake pedal pad and firewall.
Distance should be 8.03-8.23" (204-209 mm).
2. If pedal height is incorrect, inspect pedal assembly for missing, worn or damaged bushings or for loose attaching bolts. Ensure firewall is
not distorted and pedal is not bent. If pedal height is still not within specifications, check brake pedal, booster or master cylinder for
correct and/or correctly installed parts
BRAKE PEDAL FREE PLAY (FESTIVA)
Pump brake pedal several to bleed vacuum from power brake booster. Gently depress brake pedal by hand and measure and measure play
before resistance is felt. Free play should be .16-.28" (4-7 mm). If free play is not within specifications, adjust brake pedal push rod.
BRAKE PEDAL FLOOR CLEARANCE
Capri
1. Move carpet and insulation away from floor board and brake pedal. With engine running and using Brake Pedal Effort Gauge (021-
00001), apply 132 lbs. (59.9 kg) of force to brake pedal. Measure distance from upper surface of brake pedal pad to floor board. If
distance is less than 3.27" (83 mm), inspect pedal assembly for missing, worn or damaged bushings or for loose attaching bolts.
2. Verify that floor board is not distorted and pedal is not bent. If pedal height is still not within specifications, check brake pedal, booster
or master cylinder for correct and/or correctly installed parts. Check for air in hydraulic system.
Festiva
Move carpet and insulation away from floor board and brake pedal. Using Brake Pedal Effort Gauge (021-00001) or equivalent, apply 132
lbs. (59.9 kg) of force to brake pedal. Measure distance from upper surface of brake pedal pad to floor board. If distance is less than 2.68" (68
mm), check for air in hydraulic system, faulty automatic adjusters or excessive shoe clearance.
POWER BRAKE UNIT PUSH ROD
Capri
ApplicationSequence
CapriRR, LF, LR & RF
FestivaRR, LR, RF & LF
NOTE:Check fluid level in m aster cylinder frequently during the bleeding sequence.
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Fig. 2: Moving Quadrant on Drum Brake Adjuster (Festiva)
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
FRONT AXLE BEARINGS
Front bearing preload is adjusted during bearing replacement by changing preload spacer. See FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS under
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION.
REAR AXLE BEARINGS
With bearings installed, tighten NEW lock nut to 18-22 ft. lbs. (24-30 N.m) while rotating wheel. Slightly loosen lock nut so it can be turned
by hand. Install a lug nut into axle hub. Attach an inch-pound torque wrench to lug nut at 12 o'clock position. Measure bearing preload.
Tighten lock nut until bearing preload, including seal drag, is 3.5-6.2 INCH lbs. (.4-.7 N.m). Stake NEW lock nut into notch on spindle.
TESTING
POWER BRAKE UNIT
Functional Test
1. Check master cylinder fluid level and hydraulic system for leaks. Place transaxle in Neutral or Park, turn ignition off and apply parking
brake. Pump brake pedal several times to eliminate vacuum from system, and hold pedal in depressed position.
2. Start and idle engine. If vacuum system is functioning properly, pedal moves downward under constant foot pressure. If no pedal motion
is felt, vacuum booster is not functioning properly. Go to next step.
3. Run engine for at least one minute and turn ignition off. Depress brake pedal several times. Booster is okay if pedal stroke is long at first
and becomes shorter with each stroke. If stroke does not shorten, check for a damaged, restricted or improperly connected check va l ve
vacuum hose. Repair and recheck. Go to next step.
4. Restart engine. Depress and hold pedal down. Turn ignition off and wait 30 seconds. Booster is okay if pedal height remains unchanged.
If pedal height changes, check for a damaged, restricted or improperly connected check valve or vacuum hose. Go to next step.
5. Connect a pressure gauge to master cylinder output line. Connect a vacuum gauge to booster and a pedal depression force gauge to
brake pedal. Bleed air from pressure gauge. Start engine. When vacuum gauge reads 19.7 in. Hg, turn ignition off. Watch vacuum ga u ge
for 15 seconds. Booster is okay if vacuum gauge reads 18.7-19.7 in. Hg. If vacuum gauge reads less than 18.7 in. Hg, proceed to next
step.
6. Restart engine. Apply and hold 44 lbs. (196 N) force to brake pedal. When vacuum gauge reading reaches 19.7 in. Hg, turn ignition off.
Watch vacuum gauge for 15 seconds. Booster is okay if vacuum gauge reads 18.7-19.7 in. Hg. If vacuum gauge reads less than 18.7 in.
Hg, proceed to next step.
7. With engine stopped and vacuum gauge at zero, check pressure gauge. Apply 44 lbs. (196 N) force to brake pedal and check pressure
gauge. Booster is okay if pressure gauge reads 256 psi (18 kg/cm
2 ).
8. Remove pedal force and start engine. When vacuum gauge reaches 19.7 in. Hg, apply 44 lbs. (196 N) force to pedal. Booster is okay if
pressure gauge read 768 psi (54 kg/cm
2 ).
Diagnosis
If booster does not function properly, see Fig. 3 .
NOTE:Axle lock nut on right side has left-hand threads. Always install NEW lock nut when rem oved.
NOTE:Inspect all vacuum hoses for holes, collapsed areas and secure connections. Ensure all unused
vacuum ports are capped.
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Fig. 3: Power Brake Unit Troubleshooting
CHECK VALVE
On Capri, check valve is located on power brake unit. On Festiva, check valve is located in vacuum hose connecting power booster to intake
manifold. Disconnect check valve vacuum hose from manifold. Alternately apply vacuum and pressure to hose. Ensure air flows only toward
engine. If pressure by-passes check valve or if check valve blocks vacuum, replace hose and check valve.
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION
FRONT BRAKE CALIPER & PADS
Removal & Installation (Capri)
1. Raise and support front of vehicle. Remove wheels. Using needle-nose pliers, remove brake pad pin retainer spring. Remove brake pad
pins. Remove brake pads and shims. Mark shims so they can be reinstalled in their original position. DO NOT discard shims from inner
brake pad.
2. Remove flex hose-to-caliper banjo bolt. Remove caliper retaining bolts and caliper. To install, reverse removal procedure. Ensure brake
pad shims are installed behind inner brake pad.
Removal & Installation (Festiva)
1. Raise and support front of vehicle. Remove wheels. Remove brake pad pin retainer clip. Remove brake pad pins and anti-rattle spring.
Remove brake pads and shims. Mark shims so they can be reinstalled in their original position. DO NOT discard shims from inner brake
pad.
2. To install, reverse removal procedure. Ensure brake pad shims are installed behind inner brake pad.
FRONT BRAKE ROTOR & HUB
Removal
1. Raise and support front of vehicle. Remove wheel. Unstake axle shaft lock nut tab. Apply brakes (to lock hub) and remove drive shaft
NOTE:On Festiva, check valve is pressed into hose. An arrow on hose indicates direction of vacuum flow.
NOTE:Front knuckle, disc brake rotor and hub are rem oved as an assem bly.
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AXLE SHAFT S - FRONT
1988-93 Drive Axles - FWD Axle Shafts
DESCRIPTION & OPERATION
Axle shafts transfer power from transaxle to driving wheels. All axle shafts consist of a shaft with a flexible Constant Velocity (CV) joint at
each end. Inner CV joint is coupled to transaxle by splines. Outer CV joint is splined to hub assembly and secured by axle shaft nut.
Three different types of axle shaft CV joints are used: Double Offset Joint (DOJ) or Rzeppa type, Birfield Joint (BJ) and the Tripot Joint (TJ).
CV joint boots protect CV joints by maintaining proper lubrication and preventing contaminants from entering joint. Boots must be replaced
when signs of leakage or cracks are present. Inner CV joint may be disassembled and serviced. Outer CV joint boot may be replaced, but outer
Birfield CV joint must NOT be disassembled. It must be replaced as an assembly, if faulty.
To prevent torsional vibration and torque steer on turbocharged Capri vehicles, an intermediate shaft and conventional axle shaft are used on
the right side. Both shafts are of similar length and are supported by a bearing, which is attached to engine.
CV JOINT IDENTIFICATION
TROUBLE SHOOTING
REMOVAL, DISASSEMBLY, REASSEMBLY & INSTALLATION
FWD AXLE SHAFTS
Removal
1. Raise and support vehicle. Remove lower underbody splash shields. Drain transaxle fluid. Remove front wheels and loosen axle shaft
lock nut. On Capri, remove stabilizer bar-to-control arm attaching nuts, bolt, washers and bushings. On Festiva, remove stabilizer bar
attaching nuts and bracket. On all models, remove joint clamp bolt from lower control arm. Pry downward and separate steering knuckle
from ball joint, taking care not to damage ball joint dust boot.
2. On Capri turbo, remove bolts securing intermediate shaft bearing bracket to engine. On all models, slowly pry axle shaft from transaxle
using a flat-tip screwdriver or pry bar. Axle is held into transaxle by a circlip fitted to the end of the axle. Remove axle shaft from wheel
hub. If difficult to remove, use axle puller to remove axle from drive hub. Remove axle shaft from transaxle. Plug transaxle openings
with Plugs (T87C-7025-C ). Remove axle shaft assembly from vehicle. See Fig. 1
.
Fig. 1: Removing & Installing Axle Shafts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
ApplicationJoint Type
Outer JointBirfield (BJ)
In n er Jo in t
Automatic TransaxleTripot (TJ)
Manual TransaxleRzeppa (DOJ)
NOTE:See TROUBLE SHOOTING - BASIC PROCEDURES article in GENERAL INFORMATION.
CAUTION: Dam age to CV joint will occur if a ham mer is used to separate half-shaft from wheel hub.
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ALTERNATOR & REGULATOR
1991 ELECT RICAL Alternators & Regulators
DESCRIPTION
Mitsubishi alternator is a 50-amp, conventional 3-phase, self-rectifying type unit, containing 6 diodes (3 main diodes and a smaller diode trio)
and a case-mounted Integrated Circuit (IC) regulator. A charge indicator light in the instrument panel indicates charging system mal fu n ct io n s.
See Fig. 1
.
Fig. 1: Charging System Wiring Schematic
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
ADJUSTMENTS
BELT TENSION
BELT ADJUSTMENTS
(1)
ON-VEHICLE TESTING
ALTERNATOR OUTPUT
ApplicationNew BeltUsed Belt
A/C & P/S Belts110-125 (50-57)92-110 (42-50)
Alt. Belt110-130 (50-60)95-110 (43-50)
(1)Tension in Lbs. (Kg) Using Strand Tension Gauge
NOTE:Before testing, check alternator wiring harness connections, drive belt tension and battery voltage.
Ensure battery cables and engine ground cable are clean and tight. Wait at least 30 seconds after
starting engine before m easuring voltage.
CAUT ION: DO NOT start engine with "L" and "S" term inal connectors disconnected from alternator. DO NOT allow
"L" term inal to contact ground while engine is running. See Fig. 2
.
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