check engine light problems

[syfir]

My check engine light comes on and off perdiodically while I am driving, usually after driving for more than 10 minutes. There does not seem to be any driveability issues, however, the coolant temperature has seemed to fluctuate somewhat(runs colder). A couple of times, it has stayed on until I got home. I attempted to pull the codes by jumpering the STO and GND terminals as per the Haynes manual, but the blinks on the check engine light don't make any sense. It blinked fast over 40 times before I stopped counting them. Did I jumper the terminals wrong or something? also, does the check engine have to be lit to get the codes? I know on my other car with OBD II the light stays on until you pull the codes, is OBD I the same? I have a 93 EFI. Thanks.

[Ogrestiva]

Double check all the fluids(Oil,Trans,Coolant)...Other than that I don't know that much about codes

[j-stauf7]

I never had any luck pulling festy codes, we lost all the proper adaptors in our shop long ago. Best guess on your issue is an O2 sensor failure.They tend to turn the light on only after driveing awhile.

[BigWheel]

I have a 93 EFI as well and have no problem pulling the codes. As a matter of fact somewhere in the repair forum (use the search engine) I give detailed instructions on how to pull the code. That said if the light is intermitent that may cause a problem in pulling the codes. Keep a wire with you so that when the light comes on you can check the code right then. That should help.

Here's the link: "http://www.fordfestiva.com/forums/showthread.php?t=17417&highlight=check+engine+ligh t"

[jglutz]

Some QED for the check engine light
Check for a lose Gas Cap
Underscale sensor input...Loose electrical conector.
Bad Gas...fill the tank.

[indy tech]

MIL Turn ignition on. Connect a jumper wire between STI connector and ground.
Observe MIL,(check engine light or service engine now, light) and record pulses to determine codes stored.


TROUBLE CODE DEFINITION Service Code Fault
01 Ignition Diagnostic Monitor
02 (1) Crankshaft Position Sensor
03 (2) Cylinder Identification Sensor
06 (2) Vehicle Speed Sensor
08 Vane Airflow Meter
09 Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor
10 Vane Air Temperature Sensor
12 (2) Throttle Position Sensor
14 Barometric Pressure Sensor
15 Oxygen Sensor
17 Oxygen Sensor
25 (2) Fuel Pressure Regulator Control Solenoid
26 Canister Purge Control Solenoid
34 Idle Speed Control
Codes Not Listed Power & Ground Connections
(1) Festiva only. (2) Capri only.

Remember if you get a code 09 this does not mean you have to go out and buy the coolant sensor, you have to check the connections, wiring for grounding out and check the sensor for correct Ohms.
If you have a work shop manuel this will give you the ohm chart for the sensors.
Indy

[indy tech]

I never had any luck pulling festy codes, we lost all the proper adaptors in our shop long ago. Best guess on your issue is an O2 sensor failure.They tend to turn the light on only after driving awhile.

I agree with j-stauf7 seen it happen.

[mechanicaldj]

Some QED for the check engine light
Check for a lose Gas Cap
Underscale sensor input...Loose electrical conector.
Bad Gas...fill the tank.

you do know that the Festiva does not have OBDII????

[indy tech]

1996 onwards has obd II for you that are not sure.

[BigWheel]

1996 onwards has obd II for you that are not sure.

Not on the Festiva.

[indy tech]

Not on the Festiva.

Of cause not, they stop making it in 93/94

[jglutz]

What I have previosly mentioned has nothing to do with OBDII

If the gas cap is not sealed and the purge solenoid opens the ECU expects a response fron the engine both in RPM and O2 sensor level.

All sensors have a minimum voltage above zero that the ECU expects to see..if the sensor is off scale...voltage to low...a code will be generated. Just unplug one of the sensors and wait for the CEL.

Bad gas could cause a miscue...bad reading...with the O2 Sensor.

All of these conditions are possible and have nothing to do with OBDI or OBDII.

[BigWheel]

Of cause not, they stop making it in 93/94

My bad...I misread your e-mail. Sorry about that. Been reading way too much today :blackeye:

[indy tech]

Not on the Festiva.

wasn't the festiva only made to 93/4 :fred: