wiring FORD FESTIVA 1991 Repair Manual
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: FORD, Model Year: 1991, Model line: FESTIVA, Model: FORD FESTIVA 1991Pages: 454, PDF Size: 9.53 MB
Page 215 of 454

IGNITION SYSTEM TROUBLE SHOOTING
connections
Defective alternator or regulatorSee Bench Tests and On-
Vehicle Tests in
ALTERNATOR article
Defective ammeter, or improper ammeter wiring connectionSee Testing in STANDARD
INSTRUMENTS in the
ACCESSORIES &
EQUIPMENT section
Noisy Alternator
Loose drive pulleyTighten drive pulley attaching
nut
Loose mounting boltsTighten all alternator mounting
bolts
Worn or dirty bearingsSee Bearing Replacement
ALTERNATOR article
Defective diodes or statorSee Bench Test in
ALTERNATOR article
Battery Does Stay Charged
Loose or worn drive beltCheck alternator drive belt
tension and condition. See Belt
Adjustment in appropriate
TUNE-UP article in the TUNE-
UP section
Loose or corroded battery connectionsCheck all charging system
connections
Loose alternator connectionsCheck all charging system
connections
Defective alternator or batterySee On-Vehicle Tests and
Bench Tests in ALTERNATOR
article
Add-on electrical accessories exceeding alternator capacityInstall larger alternator
Battery Overcharged-Uses Too Much Water
Defective batteryCheck alternator output and
repair as necessary
Defective alternatorSee On-Vehicle Test and Bench
Tests in ALTERNATOR article
Excessive alternator voltageCheck alternator output and
repair as necessary
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.
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Page 218 of 454

Broken clutch housingSee STARTER article
Pinion shaft rusted or drySee STARTER article
Engine basic timing incorrectSee Ignition Timing in TUNE-
UP article
Broken teeth on engine flywheelReplace flywheel and check for
starter pinion gear damage
Starter Will Not Crank Engine
Faulty overrunning clutchSee STARTER article
Broken clutch housingSee STARTER article
Broken flywheel teethReplace flywheel and check for
starter pinion gear damage
Armature shaft sheared or reduction gear teeth strippedSee STARTER article
Weak batteryCharge or replace battery as
necessary
Faulty solenoidSee On-Vehicle Tests in
STARTER article
Poor groundsCheck all ground connections
for tight and clean connections
Ignition switch faulty or misadjustedAdjust or replace ignition
switch as necessary
Starter Cranks Engine Slowly
Battery weak or defectiveCharge or replace battery as
necessary
Engine overheatedSee ENGINE COOLING
SYSTEM article
Engine oil too heavyCheck that proper viscosity oil
is used
Poor battery-to-starter connectionsCheck that all between battery
and starter are clean and tight
Current draw too low or too highSee Bench Tests in STARTER
article
Bent armature, loose pole shoes screws or worn bearingSee STARTER article
Burned solenoid contactsReplace solenoid
Faulty starterReplace starter
S t a r t e r E n ga ge s E n gin e On l y M o me n t a r il y
Engine timing too far advancedSee Ignition Timing in TUNE-
UP article
Overrunning clutch not engaging properlyReplace overrunning clutch.
See STARTER article
Broken starter clutchSee STARTER article
Broken teeth on engine flywheelReplace flywheel and check
starter pinion gear for damage
Weak drive assembly thrust springSee STARTER article
Weak hold-in coilSee Bench Tests in STARTER
article
Starter Drive Will Not Engage
Defective point assemblySee Testing in STARTER
article
Poor point assembly groundSee Testing in STARTER
article
Defective pull-in coilReplace starter solenoid
Starter Relay Does Not Close
Dead batteryCharge or replace battery as
necessary
Faulty wiringCheck all wiring and
connections leading to relay
Neutral safety switch faultyReplace neutral safety switch
Starter relay faultyReplace starter relay
Starter Drive Will Not Disengage
Starter motor loose on mountingsTighten starter attach bolts
Worn drive end bushingSee STARTER article
Damaged engine flywheel teethReplace flywheel and starter
pinion gear for damage
Drive yolk return spring broken or missingReplace return spring
Faulty ignition switchReplace ignition switch
Insufficient clearance between winding leads to solenoid terminal and main contact in solenoidReplace starter solenoid
Starter clutch not disengagingReplace starter clutch
Ignition starter switchReplace ignition switch
contacts sticking
Starter Relay Operates but Solenoid Does Not
Faulty solenoid switch, switch connections or relayCheck all wiring between relay
and solenoid or replace relay
or solenoid as necessary
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Page 219 of 454

AIR CONDITIONING & HEAT
AIR CONDITIONING TROUBLE SHOOTING
BASIC AIR CONDITIONING TROUBLE SHOOTING CHART
HEATER SYSTEM TROUBLE SHOOTING
BASIC HEATER SYSTEM TROUBLE SHOOTING CHART
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 wiresolenoid
Low Current Draw
Worn brushes or weak brush springsReplace 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
WARNING: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.
CONDITIONPOSSIBLE CAUSE
Compressor Not WorkingCompressor clutch circuit open.
.....Compressor clutch coil inoperative.
.....Poor clutch ground connection.
.....Fan belts loose.
.....Thermostatic switch inoperative.
.....Thermostatic switch not adjusted.
.....Ambient temperature switch open.
.....Superheat fuse blown.
Excessive Noise or VibrationMissing or loose mounting bolts.
.....Bad idler pulley bearings.
.....Fan belts not tightened correctly.
.....Compressor clutch contacting body.
.....Excessive system pressure.
.....Compressor oil level low.
.....Damaged clutch bearings.
.....Damaged reed valves.
.....Damaged compressor.
In su fficien t o r No Co o l in g; Co mp resso r
WorkingExpansion valve inoperative.
.....Heater control valve stuck open.
.....Low system pressure.
.....Blocked condenser fins.
.....Blocked evaporator fins.
.....Vacuum system leak.
.....Vacuum motors inoperative.
.....Control cables improperly adjusted.
.....Restricted air inlet.
.....Mode doors binding.
.....Blower motor inoperative.
.....Temperature above system capacity.
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 DIAGNOST IC,
or T EST ING articles available in the section(s) you are accessing.
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Page 220 of 454

BRAKES
BRAKE SYSTEM TROUBLE SHOOTING
BRAKE SYSTEM TROUBLE SHOOTING CHART
CONDITIONPOSSIBLE CAUSE
Insufficient, Erratic, or No HeatLow Coolant Level
.....Incorrect thermostat.
.....Restricted coolant flow through core.
.....Heater hoses plugged.
.....Misadjusted control cable.
.....Sticking heater control valve.
.....Vacuum hose leaking.
.....Vacuum hose blocked.
.....Vacuum motors inoperative.
.....Blocked air inlet.
.....Inoperative heater blower motor.
.....Oil residue on heater core fins.
.....Dirt on heater core fins.
Too Much HeatImproperly adjusted cables.
.....Sticking heater control valve.
.....No vacuum to heater control valve.
.....Temperature door stuck open.
Air Flow Changes During AccelerationVacuum system leak.
.....Bad check valve or reservoir.
Air From Defroster At All TimesVacuum system leak.
.....Improperly adjusted control cables.
.....Inoperative vacuum motor.
Blower Does Not Operate CorrectlyBlown fuse.
.....Blower motor windings open.
.....Resistors burned out.
.....Motor ground connection loose.
.....Wiring harness connections loose.
.....Blower motor switch inoperative.
.....Blower relay inoperative.
.....Fan binding or foreign object in housing.
.....Fan blades broken or bent.
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
Brakes Pull Left or Right
Incorrect tire pressureInflate tires to proper pressure
Front end out of alignmentSee WHEEL ALIGNMENT
Mismatched tiresCheck tires sizes
Restricted brake lines or hosesCheck hose routing
Loose or malfunctioning caliperSee DISC BRAKES or
BRAKE SYSTEM
Bent shoe or oily liningsSee DRUM BRAKES or
BRAKE SYSTEM
Malfunctioning rear brakesSee DRUM, DISC BRAKES
or BRAKE SYSTEM
Loose suspension partsSee SUSPENSION
Noises Without Brakes Applied
Front linings worn outReplace linings
Dust or oil on drums or rotorsSee DRUM, DISC BRAKES
or BRAKE SYSTEM
Noises With Brakes Applied
Insulator on outboard shoe damagedSee DISC BRAKES or
BRAKE SYSTEM
Incorrect pads or liningsReplace pads or linings
Brake Rough, Chatters or Pulsates
Excessive lateral runoutCheck rotor runout
Parallelism not to specificationsReface or replace rotor
Wheel bearings not adjustedSee SUSPENSION
Rear drums out-of-roundReface or replace drums
Disc pad reversed, steel against rotorRemove and reinstall pad
Excessive Pedal Effort
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Page 229 of 454

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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Page 230 of 454

IGNITION SYSTEM TROUBLE SHOOTING
Open coolant temperature sensor circuitTest sensor and wiring
Shorted W.O.T. switch in T.P.S.Disconnect W.O.T. switch,
engine should start
Defective ECMReplace ECM
Fuel tank residual pressure valve leaksTest for fuel pressure drop
after shut down
Hard Starting
Disconnected hot air tube to air cleanerReconnect tube and test
control valve
Defective Idle Air Control (IAC) valveTest valve operation and
circuit
Shorted, open or misadjusted T.P.S.Test and adjust or replace
T.P.S.
EGR valve openTest EGR valve and control
circuit
Poor Oxygen sensor signalTest for shorted or circuit
Incorrect mixture from PCV systemTest PCV for flow, check
sealing of oil filter cap
Poor High Speed Operation
Low fuel pump volumeFaulty pump or restricted fuel
lines or filters
Poor MAP sensor signalTest MAP sensor, vacuum
hose and wiring
Poor Oxygen sensor signalTest for shorted or open
sensor or circuit
Open coolant temperature sensor circuitTest sensor and wiring
Faulty ignition operationCheck wires for cracks or poor
con- nections, test secondary
voltage with oscilloscope
Contaminated fuelTest fuel for water or alcohol
Intermittent ECM groundTest ECM ground connection
for resistance
Restricted air cleanerReplace air cleaner
Restricted exhaust systemTest for exhaust manifold back
pressure
Poor MAF sensor signalCheck leakage between sensor
and manifold
Poor VSS signalIf tester for ALCL hook-up is
available check that VSS
reading matches speedometer
Ping or Knock on Acceleration
Poor Knock sensor signalTest for shorted or open
sensor or circuit
Poor Baro sensor signalTest for shorted or open
sensor or circuit
Improper ignition timingSee VEHICLE EMISSION
CONTROL LABEL (where
applicable)
Check for engine overheating problemsLow coolant, loose belts or
electric cooling fan inoperative
NOTE:For additional electronic fuel injection trouble shooting inform ation, see the appropriate article in the
ENGINE PERFORMANCE section (not all vehicles have Com puter Engine Control articles). Inform ation
is provided there for diagnosing fuel system problem s on vehicles with electronic fuel injection.
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.
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Page 233 of 454

Starter Turns but Engine Does Not Rotate
Starter clutch slippingSee STARTER article
Broken clutch housingSee STARTER article
Pinion shaft rusted or drySee STARTER article
Engine basic timing incorrectSee Ignition Timing in
TUNE-UP article
Broken teeth on engine flywheelReplace flywheel and check
for starter pinion gear damage
Starter Will Not Crank Engine
Faulty overrunning clutchSee STARTER article
Broken clutch housingSee STARTER article
Broken flywheel teethReplace flywheel and check
for starter pinion gear damage
Armature shaft sheared or reduction gear teeth strippedSee STARTER article
Weak batteryCharge or replace battery as
necessary
Faulty solenoidSee On-Vehicle Tests in
STARTER article
Poor groundsCheck all ground connections
for tight and clean
connections
Ignition switch faulty or misadjustedAdjust or replace ignition
switch as necessary
Starter Cranks Engine Slowly
Battery weak or defectiveCharge or replace battery as
necessary
Engine overheatedSee ENGINE COOLING
SYSTEM article
Engine oil too heavyCheck that proper viscosity
oil is used
Poor battery-to-starter connectionsCheck that all between
battery and starter are clean
and tight
Current draw too low or too highSee Bench Tests in
STARTER article
Bent armature, loose pole shoes screws or worn bearingsSee STARTER article
Burned solenoid contactsReplace solenoid
Faulty starterReplace starter
S t a r t e r E n ga ge s E n gin e On l y M o me n t a r il y
Engine timing too far advancedSee Ignition Timing in
TUNE-UP article
Overrunning clutch not engaging properlyReplace overrunning clutch.
See STARTER article
Broken starter clutchSee STARTER article
Broken teeth on engine flywheelReplace flywheel and check
starter pinion gear for damage
Weak drive assembly thrust springSee STARTER article
Weak hold-in coilSee Bench Tests in
STARTER article
Starter Drive Will Not Engage
Defective point assemblySee Testing in STARTER
article
Poor point assembly groundSee Testing in STARTER
article
Defective pull-in coilReplace starter solenoid
Starter Relay Does Not Close
Dead batteryCharge or replace battery as
necessary
Faulty wiringCheck all wiring and
connections leading to relay
Neutral safety switch faultyReplace neutral safety switch
Starter relay faultyReplace starter relay
Starter Drive Will Not Disengage
Starter motor loose on mountingsTighten starter attach bolts
Worn drive end bushingSee STARTER article
Damaged engine flywheel teethReplace flywheel and starter
pinion gear for damage
Drive yolk return spring broken or missingReplace return spring
Faulty ignition switchReplace ignition switch
Insufficient clearance between winding leads to solenoid terminal and main contact in solenoidReplace starter solenoid
Starter clutch not disengagingReplace starter clutch
Ignition starter switch contacts stickingReplace ignition switch
Starter Relay Operates but Solenoid Does Not
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Page 234 of 454

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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Page 235 of 454

BASIC ELECTRONIC IGNITION TROUBLE SHOOTING CHARTS
BASIC ELECTRONIC IGNITION TROUBLE SHOOTING CHARTS - USING OSCILLOSCOPE PATTERNS
plug, see ENGINE
PERFORMANCE
Chipped Insulators
Severe detonationCheck for over-advanced
timing or combustion
Improper gapping procedureRe-gap spark plugs
Rust Colored Deposits
Additives in unleaded fuelTry different fuel brand
Water In Combustion Chamber
Blown head gasket or cracked headRepair or replace head or head
ga ske t
NOTE:Before diagnosing an electronic ignition system , ensure that all wiring is connected properly between
distributor, wiring connector and spark plugs. Ignition problem will show up either as: Engine Will Not
Start or Engine Runs Rough.
CONDITION & POSSIBLE CAUSECORRECTION
Engine Won't Start
Open circuit between distributor and bulkhead connectorRepair circuit
Open circuit between bulkhead connector and ignition switchRepair circuit
Open circuit between ignition switch and starter solenoidRepair circuit
Engine Runs Rough
Fuel lines leaking or cloggedTigh t e n fit t in g, r e mo ve
restriction
Initial timing incorrectReset ignition timing see
ENGINE PERFORMANCE
Centrifugal advance malfunctionRepair distributor advance
Defective spark plugs or wiringReplace plugs or plug wiring
Component Failure
Spark arc-over on cap, rotor or coilReplace cap, rotor or or coil
Defective pick-up coilReplace pick-up coil
Defective ignition coilReplace ignition coil
Defective vacuum unitReplace vacuum unit
Defective control moduleReplace control module
CONDITION & POSSIBLE CAUSECORRECTION
Firing Voltage Lines are the Same, but Abnormally High
Retarded ignition timingReset ignition timing, see
ENGINE PERFORMANCE
section
Fuel mixture too leanReadjust carburetor, see
ENGINE PERFORMANCE
High resistance in coil wireReplace coil wire
Corrosion in coil tower terminalClean and/or replace coil
Corrosion in distributor coil terminalClean and/or replace
distributor cap
Firing Voltage Lines are the Same but Abnormally Low
Fuel mixture too richReadjust carburetor, see
ENGINE PERFORMANCE
Breaks in coil wire causing arcingReplace coil wire
Cracked coil tower causing arcingReplace coil
Low coil outputReplace coil
Low engine compressionDetermine cause and repair
One or More, But Not All Firing Voltage Lines are Higher Than Others
Carburetor idle mixture not balancedReadjust carburetor, see
ENGINE PERFORMANCE
EGR valve stuck openClean and/or replace valve
High resistance in spark plug wiresReplace spark plug wires
Cracked or broken spark plug insulatorReplace spark plugs
Intake vacuum leakRepair leak
Defective spark plugsReplace spark plugs
Corroded spark plug terminalsReplace spark plugs
One or More, But Not All Firing Voltage Lines Are Lower Than Others
Curb idle mixture not balancedReadjust carburetor, see
ENGINE PERFORMANCE
Breaks in plug wiresReplace plug wires causing
arcing
Cracked coil tower causing arcingReplace coil
Low compressionDetermine cause and repair
Defective spark plugsReplace spark plugs
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Page 237 of 454

Defective distributor centrifugal advanceReplace advance mechanism
Defective distributor vacuum advanceReplace advance unit
Incorrect spark plugs or plug gapCheck gap and/or replace
spark plugs
Faulty choke operationCheck choke and repair as
required
Clogged vacuum passagesRemove restrictions
Improper size or clogged main jetCheck jet size and clean, see
FUEL
Restricted air cleanerCheck filter and replace as
necessary
Defective distributor cap, rotor or coilReplace cap, rotor or coil
Misfire at All Speeds
Defective spark plugsReplace spark plugs
Defective spark plug wiresReplace spark plug wires
Defective distributor cap, rotor, or coilReplace cap, rotor, or coil
Cracked or broken vacuum hosesReplace vacuum hoses
Vacuum leaksRepair vacuum leaks
Fuel lines cloggedRemove restriction
Hesitation
Cracked or broken vacuumReplace vacuum hoses hoses
Vacuum leaksRepair Vacuum leaks
Binding carburetor linkageEliminate binding
Binding throttle linkageEliminate binding
Binding choke linkage or fast idle camEliminate binding
Improper float settingReadjust float setting, see
FUEL
Cracked or broken ignition wiresReplace ignition wires
Rough Idle, Missing or Stalling
Incorrect curb idle or fast idle speedReset idle speed, see see
ENGINE PERFORMANCE
Incorrect basic timingReset ignition timing see
ENGINE PERFORMANCE
Improper idle mixture adjustmentReset idle mixture, see
ENGINE PERFORMANCE
Improper feedback system operationCheck feedback system see
ENGINE PERFORMANCE
Incorrect spark plug gapReset spark plug gap, see
ENGINE PERFORMANCE
Moisture in ignition componentsDry components
Loose or broken ignition wiresReplace ignition wires
Damaged distributor cap or or rotorReplace distributor cap or
rotor
Faulty ignition coilReplace ignition coil
Fuel filter clogged or wornReplace fuel filter
Damaged idle mixture screwReplace idle mixture screw,
see FUEL
Improper fast idle cam adjustmentReset fast idle cam adjustment,
see TUNE- see ENGINE
PERFORMANCE
Improper EGR valve operationReplace EGR valve
Faulty PCV valve air flowReplace PCV valve
Choke binding or improper choke settingReset choke or eliminate
binding
Vacuum leakRepair vacuum leak
Improper float bowl fuel levelReset float adjustment, see
FUEL
Clogged air bleed or idle passagesClean carburetor passages, see
FUEL
Clogged or worn air cleaner filterReplace air filter
Faulty choke vacuum diaphragmReplace diaphragm, see
ENGINE PERFORMANCE
Exhaust manifold heat valve inoperativeReplace heat valve
Improper distributor spark advanceCheck distributor operation
Leaking valves or valve componentsCheck and repair valvetrain
Improper carburetor mountingRemo ve an d remo u n t
carburetor
Excessive play in distributor shaftReplace distributor
Loose or corroded wiring connectionsRepair or replace as required
Engine Surges
Improper PCV valve airflowReplace PCV valve
Vacuum leaksRepair vacuum leaks
Page 24 of 36 MITCHELL 1 ARTICLE - GENERAL INFORMATION Trouble Shooting - Basic Procedures
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