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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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If temperature gauge always reads hot, check these items:
Check for temperature gauge wire shorted to ground.
Check for defective temperature sender.
Check for defective temperature gauge.
Check for defective instrument panel voltage regulator (Festiva).
Temperature Gauge Inaccurate
If temperature gauge is inaccurate, check these items:
Check for faulty (loose or corroded) wire connections.
Check for defective temperature sender.
Check for defective instrument panel voltage regulator (Festiva).
SPEEDOMETER
Speedometer Does Not Operate
If speedometer does not operate, check these items:
Check for broken speedometer drive cable.
Check for broken drive gear in transmission.
Check for defective speedometer head.
Speedometer Needle Bounces
If speedometer needle bounces, check these items:
Check for binding speedometer drive cable.
Check for missing teeth on drive gear in transmission.
Check for defective speedometer head.
Speedometer Does Not Indicate Correct Vehicle Speed
If speedometer does not indicate correct vehicle speed, check these items:
Check for incorrect size tires.
Check for improper tire inflation.
Check for defective speedometer head.
TACHOMETER (CAPRI)
Tachometer Does Not Work, But All Other Gauges Work Properly
-If tachometer does not work, but all other gauges function properly, check these items:
Check for defective tachometer.
Check for open Yellow/Black tachometer signal wire from ignition coil to instrument panel.
Check for faulty Black ground wire to instrument panel.
Tachometer & All Gauges Do Not Function
If tachometer and all other gauges do not function properly, check these items:
Check for blown 10-amp METER fuse in fuse panel.
Check for open in Black/Yellow wire to fuse panel to instrument panel and Black/White wire from ignition switch to fuse panel
Tachometer Reading Low
If tachometer reading is lower than normal, check these items:
Check for defective tachometer.
Check for faulty Black ground wire at instrument panel.
TURBO BOOST GAUGE (CAPRI)
Turbo Boost Gauge Always Reads Low
If turbo boost gauge always reads low, check these items:
Check boost gauge for open or damaged wires.
Check for defective boost sensing unit.
Check for defective boost gauge.
Check for blown 10-amp METER fuse in fuse panel.
Check for loose or corroded connections.
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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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ELECT RICAL COMPONENT LOCAT OR
1991-92 ELECT RICAL COMPONENT LOCAT ION Ford Motor Co. Electrical Com ponents
BUZZERS, RELAYS & TIMERS
BUZZERS, RELAYS & TIMERS LOCATION
CIRCUIT PROTECTION DEVICES
CIRCUIT PROTECTION DEVICES LOCATION
CONTROL UNITS
CONTROL UNITS LOCATION
SENDING UNITS & SENSORS
SENDING UNITS & SENSORS LOCATION
MOTORS
MOTORS LOCATION
ComponentLocation
A/C Clutch Relay (1991)On right front of engine bay, near power
steering pump.
A/C RelayOn left front corner of engine bay, left of
cooling fan. See Fig. 1
& Fig. 2
A/C Wide Open Throttle (WAC) RelayOn left front corner of engine bay, left of
cooling fan. See Fig. 1
& Fig. 2 .
Cooling Fan RelayOn left front fender panel, near
headlight. See Fig. 1
& Fig. 2 .
Condenser Fan RelayOn left front of engine bay, left of
cooling fan. See Fig. 1
& Fig. 2 .
Daytime Running Light (DRL) Relay (Canada) (1992)On left front corner of engine bay, near
headlight. See Fig. 1
.
Fuel Pump RelayBehind left side of dash, near ECA.
Headlight RelayBehind left headlight. See Fig. 1 .
Horn RelayUnder left side of dash. See Fig. 3 .
Main RelayIn left front corner of engine bay, near
battery.
P a r kin g Ligh t R e l a yOn right front corner of engine bay. See
Fig. 1
.
Turn Signal/Flasher RelayUnder left side of dash, behind ECA.
See Fig. 3
.
ComponentLocation
A/C In-Line FuseOn left side of heater case.
Condenser Fan In-Line FuseOn right side of steering column.
Fuse PanelBehind access panel, to left of steering column.
Fusible LinksOn left front strut tower. See Fig. 1 .
ComponentLocation
Electronic Control Assembly (ECA)Behind left side of dash, left of steering column.
Passive Restraint ModuleUnder driver's seat.
ComponentLocation
Airflow MeterOn right front corner of engine bay. See Fig. 1 .
Coolant Temperature Sending UnitBelow thermostat housing.
Crankshaft Position SensorInside distributor. See Fig. 1 .
EGR Temperature Sensor (1991)In exhaust manifold, near EGR valve.
Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) SensorOn top of engine, near injector No. 1.
Fuel Gauge Sending Unit (1992)In fu el t an k.
Throttle Position Sensor (TPS)On left side of throttle body. See Fig. 1 .
ComponentLocation
Blower MotorUnder center of dash, behind
radio.
Windshield Washer Motors:
Front (1991)On right front fender panel,
bottom of washer reservoir.
Front (1992)On left front corner of engine
bay, in front of battery.
RearOn body panel, behind right
rear quarter panel.
Windshield Wiper Motor
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Autolamp Control RelayHeadlight Systems; Daytime Running Lights
Automatic Shutdown (ASD) RelayEngine Performance; Generators & Regulators
Autostick SwitchEngine Performance
Auxiliary Battery RelayGenerators & Regulators
Back-Up LightsBack-Up Lights; Exterior Lights
Barometric (BARO) Pressure SensorEngine Performance
BatteryPower Distribution
Battery Temperature SensorEngine Performance
Body Control ModuleBody Control Computer; Anti-Theft System; Daytime Running
Lights; Engine Performance; Headlight Systems; Warning Systems
Boost Control SolenoidEngine Performance
Boost SensorEngine Performance
Brake Fluid Level SwitchAnalog Instrument Panels
Brake On/Off (BOO) SwitchCruise Control Systems; Engine Performance; Shift Interlock
Systems
Buzzer ModuleWarning Systems
Camshaft Position (CMP) SensorEngine Performance
Central Control ModuleAnti-Theft System
ClockspringAir Bag Restraint System; Cruise Control Systems; Steering
Column Switches
Clutch Pedal Position SwitchStarters
Clutch Start SwitchStarters
Combination MeterAnalog Instrument Panels
Constant Control Relay Module (CCRM)Engine Performance; Electric Cooling Fans
Convenience CenterPower Distribution; Illumination/Interior Lights
Convertible Top MotorPower Convertible Top
Convertible Top SwitchPower Convertible Top
Crankshaft Position (CKP) SensorEngine Performance
Cruise Control ModuleCruise Control Systems
Cruise Control SwitchCruise Control Systems
Condenser Fan Relay(s)Electric Cooling Fans
Data Link Connector (DLC)Engine Performance
Da yt ime R u n n in g Ligh t s M o d u l eDaytime Running Lights; Exterior Lights
Defogger RelayRear Window Defogger
Diagnostic Energy Reserve Module (DERM)Air Bag Restraint System
Discriminating Sensor (Air Bag)Air Bag Restraint System
DistributorEngine Performance
Door Lock ActuatorsPower Door Locks; Remote Keyless Entry
Door Lock Relay(s)Power Door Locks
Electrochromic MirrorPower Mirrors
Electronic Level Control (ELC) Height SensorElectronic Suspension
Electronic Level Control (ELC) ModuleElectronic Suspension
Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sending UnitAnalog Instrument Panels
Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) SensorEngine Performance
Engine Control ModuleEngine Performance; Generators & Regulators; Starters
ETACS ECUWarning Systems; Power Windows; Remote Keyless Entry
Evaporative (EVAP) Emissions CanisterEngine Performance
EVAP Canister Purge SolenoidEngine Performance
EVAP Canister Vent SolenoidEngine Performance
Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) ValveEngine Performance
Fuel Tank Vacuum SensorEngine Performance
F o g Ligh t sHeadlight Systems; Daytime Running Lights
F o g Ligh t R e l a yHeadlight Systems; Daytime Running Lights
Fuel Door Release SolenoidPower Fuel Door Release
Fuel Gauge Sending UnitAnalog Instrument Panels
Fuel InjectorsEngine Performance
Fuel PumpEngine Performance
Fuel Pump RelayEngine Performance; Power Distribution
Fuse/Relay BlockPower Distribution
Fusible LinksPower Distribution; Generators & Regulators; Starters
GeneratorGenerators & Regulators; Engine Performance; Power Distribution
Generic Electronic Module (GEM)Body Control Modules; Electronic Suspension
Glow Plug RelayEngine Performance
Glow PlugsEngine Performance
GroundsGround Distribution
Headlight Door ModuleHeadlight Doors
Headlight RelayHeadlight Systems; Daytime Running Lights
HeadlightsHeadlight Systems; Daytime Running Lights
Heated Oxygen Sensor(s) (HO2S)Engine Performance
Heated Windshield Control ModuleHeated Windshields
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DRIVE BELT ROUTING
1991-92 ENGINE COOLING BELT ROUT ING
BELT ADJUSTMENT
Tensioners may be used to automatically adjust belt tension to specification. Check belt for fraying. If fraying exists, ensure both belt and
tensioner are properly aligned. See Fig. 1
. Tensioners may contain a belt-wear indicator. See Fig. 2 . If tensioner reaches travel limit, as
indicated by marks on tensioner, replace belt. Ensure serpentine belts are properly installed. See Fig. 3
-Fig. 7 . On models without
tensioners, ensure belt tension is within specification. See BELT ADJUSTMENT SPECIFICATIONS table.
BELT TENSION ADJUSTMENT SPECIFICATIONS
(1)
ApplicationNew Belt(2) Used Belt
Continental(3) (3)
Cougar & Thunderbird(3) (3)
Crown Victoria & Grand Marquis
5.0L & 5.8L
1/4" "V" Belt70 (32)50 (23)
6 Rib Belt170 (77)150 (68)
Escort & Tracer
1.8L(4) (5) (4) (5)
1.9L(3) (3)
Mark VII(3) (3)
Mustang(3) (3)
Probe
2.2L & 2.2L Turbo
Alternator(4) (6) (4) (6)
A/C90 (41)90 (41)
Sable & Taurus
2.5L(3) (3)
3.0L (7)
Alternator140-160 (63-67)110-130 (50-59)
P/S & A/C(3) (3)
3.0L SHO
A/C & Alt.220-265(100-120) 148-192 (67-
87)
P/S & W/P154-198 (70-90)112-157 (51-71)
3.8L(3) (3)
Tempo & Topaz
2.3L
Alternator150-170 (68-77)130-150 (59-68)
W/P150-90 (23-41)40-60 (18-27)
Town Car(3) (3)
(1)Tension is measured in Lbs. (kg) using tension gauge.
(2)Used belt is a belt in operation for at least 10 minutes.
(3)Belt tension is automatically adjusted by tensioner.
(4)Manufacturer lists only belt deflection with 22 lbs. applied on belt.
(5)Belt deflection on new belt is .31-.35" (7.9-8.9 mm) or .35-.39" (8.9-9.9 mm) on used belt.
(6)Belt deflection on new belt is .24-.31" (6.1-7.9 mm) or .27-.35" (6.9-8.9 mm) on used belt.
(7)Specification is for models without belt tensioner.
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DRIVE BELT ROUTING
1991-92 ENGINE COOLING BELT ROUT ING
BELT ADJUSTMENT
Tensioners may be used to automatically adjust belt tension to specification. Check belt for fraying. If fraying exists, ensure both belt and
tensioner are properly aligned. See Fig. 1
. Tensioners may contain a belt-wear indicator. See Fig. 2 . If tensioner reaches travel limit, as
indicated by marks on tensioner, replace belt. Ensure serpentine belts are properly installed. See Fig. 3
-Fig. 7 . On models without
tensioners, ensure belt tension is within specification. See BELT ADJUSTMENT SPECIFICATIONS table.
BELT TENSION ADJUSTMENT SPECIFICATIONS
(1)
ApplicationNew Belt(2) Used Belt
Continental(3) (3)
Cougar & Thunderbird(3) (3)
Crown Victoria & Grand Marquis
5.0L & 5.8L
1/4" "V" Belt70 (32)50 (23)
6 Rib Belt170 (77)150 (68)
Escort & Tracer
1.8L(4) (5) (4) (5)
1.9L(3) (3)
Mark VII(3) (3)
Mustang(3) (3)
Probe
2.2L & 2.2L Turbo
Alternator(4) (6) (4) (6)
A/C90 (41)90 (41)
Sable & Taurus
2.5L(3) (3)
3.0L (7)
Alternator140-160 (63-67)110-130 (50-59)
P/S & A/C(3) (3)
3.0L SHO
A/C & Alt.220-265(100-120) 148-192 (67-
87)
P/S & W/P154-198 (70-90)112-157 (51-71)
3.8L(3) (3)
Tempo & Topaz
2.3L
Alternator150-170 (68-77)130-150 (59-68)
W/P150-90 (23-41)40-60 (18-27)
Town Car(3) (3)
(1)Tension is measured in Lbs. (kg) using tension gauge.
(2)Used belt is a belt in operation for at least 10 minutes.
(3)Belt tension is automatically adjusted by tensioner.
(4)Manufacturer lists only belt deflection with 22 lbs. applied on belt.
(5)Belt deflection on new belt is .31-.35" (7.9-8.9 mm) or .35-.39" (8.9-9.9 mm) on used belt.
(6)Belt deflection on new belt is .24-.31" (6.1-7.9 mm) or .27-.35" (6.9-8.9 mm) on used belt.
(7)Specification is for models without belt tensioner.
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