First Festiva - A Few Questions

[Beau89]

I just bought an '89 Festiva L. All of the important systems seem to be great (engine, carburetor, ignition, tranny, exhaust, etc.). It has a few small quirks I wanted to look into. I joined this forum and have been searching around. Here is a list of it's issues and the 'solutions' I think I've found. If any of you have extra input or think I've got something wrong I'd really appreciate the help.

1) high beam headlights don't work. The dims are just fine, and I can pull the lever back to 'flash', but when the lever is pushed forward to go bright, the lights turn off altogether. From what I've read I may be able to fix this problem by cleaning the contacts on the switch?

2) When using the heater, cold air blows through the dash vents when that setting is selected. I read this is how the car is supposed to work. Only A/C blows through the dash vents (which my car doesn't have). I suppose heat only blows through the defrost and floor vents?

3) The e-brake doesn't fully engage. I understand this may be fixed by tightening the 10mm bolt by the pull handle. Otherwise, the 'rockers' may be frozen up on the drums.

4) The driver's side door unlocks itself when the door is slammed shut. I read this is a 'safety' measure to prevent locking keys in the car and is therefore not an issue.

5) Dome light doesn't work. I'm still looking into this, but I understand a possible solution is to replace it with an Escort dome light.

Again, if anyone has more (or correct) input please let me know. I appreciate the threads I've learned from so far.

[Ogrestiva]

wow...you've done your homework. Welcome to the site 2, 3 and 4 are spot on. although mine doesn't on 4(not sure why). 1 I'm still trying to figure out myself. 5 have you taken out, inspected the wiring and replaced the bulb? check the conectors on your festiva before you go to a junk yard and start looking for a replacement as certain escorts have different connectors. depending on which replacement you find you may also need to trim your roof liner in order to screw on the upgraded one.

[GenevaDirt]

as stated above it sounds like you are on the right track....as for one....if what you are going to try does not work I would say you need a new switch assembly....very easy to fix. And should be pretty easy to come by if it is needed.

Number 5 is probably more an issue with the switches at the bottom of the doors....by the rocker panel.

[MONSOON]

1) That is a good start. The headlight relay may also be the culprit. 91 - 96 Escort relay will work just has a tab that needs to be broken off to fit properly.
2) Correct
3) Correct
4) Correct
5) Correct and GD is right also, those switches are notoriously awful. But if you want an Escort domelight I can help you out with 1 for a price. Let me know.

Welcome to the site BTW. Nice to see someone whos done their homework before posting.

[Beau89]

Thanks for the replies. I have not yet dug into the dome light issue, but will definitely check out all of the wiring and switches before replacing anything.

If it turns out the switch assembly for the lights needs replacing is it possible to purchase a new one, or should I start calling salvage yards?

[MONSOON]

It may be possible. But probably cheaper to hit the JY I believe the door switch from older Mazdas may work, possibly 91 - 96 Escort as well. But dont quote me. Im wrong from time to time.

Oh and do yourself a favor and add your location in your profile. There may one of us close by that can help you out with a part or whatever.

[V8Festiva]

Beau89,

What city and state are you in?

Thanks

Dean
Raleigh, NC

[Beau89]

I added my location (Chattanooga, TN). I've got sort of an odd situation though - my Festiva is in Southern Indiana. My wife and I are originally from Indiana and due to our families (i.e. aging parents) being there we go 'home' quite often, typically every 4-6 weeks, but more often during the holiday season.

Anyway, the both of us having to get by on one car has always been a pain, so I picked up this Festiva so she can keep our regular car and I'd also have transportation. It's a great little car and I'd like to try to get it as close to fully functional as I can. I did a few little things to it last weekend after I got it and just purchased a Factory Service Manual.

I find myself really looking forward to our next trip home so I can work on it and drive it more!

[eurotiva]

Welcome, and WOW you searched first ...... you may also look into the switch that is in the door jam, for the interior light. I'm from TN. but now in FL.

[Beau89]

Update!

1) High beams. Well, I can't figure this one out. I put a multimeter to the plug prongs on the combination switch. Full voltage when 'dims' are on - check. Full voltage when the lever is pulled back for 'flash' mode - check. Full voltage when the lever is pushed forward for brights - check. BUT, when the plug is connected and I push the lever forwards to select the brights the lights completely turn off. I still don't understand this one??? Any advice?

3) Got the parking brake working! The mechanism for the parking brake inside the drum assembly was rusted horribly and frozen. I went to a Pull-A-Part hoping to find a new one and struck out on the Festiva, but found a '94 Aspire that had a nearly identical one to replace it.

5) Also tried to get a dome light at the Pull-A-Part, but again struck out on the Festiva. Found a usable one on an Escort though.

I appreciate the feedback to my first post. If anyone has a suggestion on the high-beam issues I'm still having it would be a huge help.

Edit: Oh yeah, I forgot something. I'm looking for a radio to put in my Fiesta and was wondering if anyone can tell me what other year/make/model of cars or trucks would fit if I can find a match?

[GenevaDirt]

might need to get a new assembly....easy to replace. Can take them from early 323's and 626's....other Festy's of course. Or you could try a [WTB] add in the for sale forum.