PLEASE HELP!!!festiva starts but stalls!!!

[carlosandpeppes]

Hi all, this one's got me quite confused, 1 got a 91 automatic that suddenly would not run anymore.Everytime i start it, it dies right away. It has fuel, spark.etc. Anyone ever had this happen???This is my only mode of transportation and i got a limited budget.Feel free to email me with any suggestions or ideas.Thanks in advance all!
carlosandpeppes@hotmail.com

[Seth]

check your MAF. it wont run without it. you might have lost the clip somewere along the way. try wiggling it, or atleast check to see if its plugged in. i know none of mine will start without it and does the same thing your describing. its free and worth a try.

[Seth]

im sorry. MAF. mass airflow sensor. its on top of your airbox/filterbox.

[carlosandpeppes]

Thanks Seth, ill go check it right now!

[JoDan]

could possibly be a throttle body gasket i had that happen once... spray some starting fluid on the throttle body and have someone start it and see if it gets sucked in

[carlosandpeppes]

I just went and checked the vaf connection and it was ok.I then unplugged it and the car runs for 5 seconds then stalls.I plug it again and it stalls immediately when i start it.Time to go check the gasket, thanks JoDan

[Pu241]

Seth, doesn't the Festiva have a VAF?

[carlosandpeppes]

Maf, sorry...

[turqfest]

Had a similar problem, turned out that it was the optical sensor inside the distributor, which is no longer availible as a repair part in my area - Went to the junk yard and got a replacement, no more problems since.

You might also check out your Throttle Position Sensor, I've had one of those expire on me as well.

Good luck!

[Pu241]

Maf, sorry...

I believe you were correct with VAF!

[carlosandpeppes]

How do i check the tps guys?

[Pu241]

How do i check the tps guys?

I presume you don't have a Haynes or Ford manual?

[carlosandpeppes]

X-actly...

[Pu241]

Even on a "limited budget" it is a resource worth having and it will pay for itself many times over!

That said, can someone scan and post the relevant portion of either the Haynes or Ford manual regarding the testing of the TPS.
Carlosandpeppes do you have a multimeter or a voltage meter it is required to test the TPS?

[carlosandpeppes]

Yes I do, its quite handy.Multimeter that is.