-20 degrees, festiva started then died and wont start

[David88]

If its the module on a fuel injected car it will be located next to the coil on the same bracket as the coil. It is a flat and about 1" square. Held down with two small screws. I priced one new at around $120. Don't pay that! I have a few used ones lying around here. If you find you need one let me know. You can have one. You're right though the 88-89 carbed models were inside the distributor. I have those too. No sure about the 89 FI models. Those were kind of transitional and have unique set up. Anyhow, I've had the older style fail and it did cause the no spark condition like you're having.

[lukeluke11]

well i already replaced the ignition module($78 Canadian at NAPA), and it didn't help. since i've got a '90 the icm was mounted outsdie the distributor, next to the coil.

thanks for the offer, tho, david88!

[eurotiva]

still no spark?

[m715]

Just to add... 1989 FI had the same module in the distributor as the carb did. Difference was the wiring pigtail.

Michael

[lukeluke11]

Update:

So i replaced both the ignition control module and the coil, and there is still no spark. getting a bit frustrated with this problem. electrical stuff tends to baffle me.

can you guys think of any other possible solutions that i've missed?

[David88]

Yes electrical Problem can be very frustrating. The irony of it is its usually something very simple albeit elusive. You've determined there is spark at the coil. No spark at the plugs. (Is this verified?) Aside from the distributor itself, the only thing between there are the cap rotor and wires. I'm guessing one of these is at fault. Look at the contacts on the inside of the cap. Corroded? If they are, clean or replace. Check the rotor contacts for wear. Make sure the spring loaded tab on top has enough spring to it. Finally if you haven't done so recently, replace the plug wires.

As i write this I remember a my first car did this same thing. Sudden and complete spark loss. I went through all parts replacing a finally found it to be the tiny rotor contact fell off! Id handled it a dozen times in the course of everything else and never noticed it missing. Your Festy will get you home for Christmas! Keep us posted.

[Justin]

everytime I've had something Similar happen it was usually a Fusible Link

[lessersivad]

how would i know if the timing belt broke?

Reading thru the posts and was wondering if you checked for the timing belt being broke. I may have over looked it but I didn't see a confirmation from you that you checked it. No spinny of rotor= no sparky at plugs.

[Levitan]

Fuseable links are corroded or blown.
Didn't see that you confirmed the rotor is spinning.
Distributor is shot, internally...had that happen to one of my cars.

[WmWatt]

I agree with the cleaning suggestion. Wipe the ignition wires and rotor with a clean cloth. You can test the ignition wires for continuity with the ohm meter setting on a volt meter. I suppose you tested the coil by holding the ignition wire from the coil to the distributor cap about 1/4" from the block or body while cranking the engine to see if there's a spark? Try it replacing the wire one of the ignition wires off a spark plug to see if it's the wire.

[lukeluke11]

ok.
so here's what i've done:

replaced ignition control module
replaced coil
replaced plug wires and main wire to cap
replaced distributor(with a used one)
cleaned all electrical connections
replaced fusible links

the rotor is not turning when i crank it, so based on what you guys have said, i guess all things point to a timing belt? i've never done a timing belt before. big process? how long does it take? i have a mechanic friend coming over to take a look tonight, but he's never worked on a festiva.

sure hope he says something like "you dumbarse, it's just this hidden fuse"

[lessersivad]

ok.
so here's what i've done:

replaced ignition control module
replaced coil
replaced plug wires and main wire to cap
replaced distributor(with a used one)
cleaned all electrical connections
replaced fusible links

the rotor is not turning when i crank it, so based on what you guys have said, i guess all things point to a timing belt? i've never done a timing belt before. big process? how long does it take? i have a mechanic friend coming over to take a look tonight, but he's never worked on a festiva.

sure hope he says something like "you dumbarse, it's just this hidden fuse"

Well I don't really mean to come off as a complete jerk wad but after all was said and done you replaced a crap load of stuff that didn't need replacing. Had you simply checked for the rotation of the rotor as was suggested then there would be more money in your pocket and time to do the job right. Diagnose, check ALL possible scenerios, THEN replace parts. Glad you finally got it narrowed down to the timing belt. Now that I've done my razzing I'm going to post a link that has pictures so you and your mechanic friend will have something to refer to.

http://www.fordfestiva.com/forums/showthread.php?t=20415&highlight=timing+belt+replacement

Hope this helps.

[lukeluke11]

thanks for the link lessersivad. nice to have good visuals...

dunno why exactly i jumped ahead of the logical progression of things.

sure learned the lesson - $140 and two days later...

thanks for all the help, you guys. i'll let you all know exactly what went wrong as soon as i'm back on the road.