Festiva Death

[drddan]

Ok, I just got in from pushing my festy a half block up hill after it just QUIT on me.
Earlier today as I was out, twice, at different times, after starting it, ran a few seconds, then just died, like it lost power. It started right back up both times. It cut off, like it is electrical problem. Anyway, the thrid time, I got a half block from the house and it did it again, only this time, its not restarting. Cranks fine, obviously no power to ignition system. Haven't pulled spark wires or anything yet, but those are the symtoms so far. This car has always just started right up and ran good before. It is a 1988 L model (carb) and just upgraded ignition system not long ago: taylor wires, coil, disty cap and rotor and plugs. So...whats goin on with my car?
Anybody got some ideas for me to check when I go back out to check it?

[bravekozak]

module

You could have burned out the module inside the distributor.
I did that because I did not install an inline resistor when I installed an Accel Super coil. I put in another disty, inline resistor and barummm!

[drddan]

Whats this about a resistor, in line? What is it for, what does it do? How can I check, to see if its the module?

[Pu241]

Found this as a sticky in the repair forum:

http://www.fordfestiva.com/forums/showthread.php?t=22235

[hotfordcat]

Mine just jumped the timing belt, but it didn't exhibit the same problems as yours. Just rolled over and wouldnt start.

[25Horseplay]

My 89 carbed car acted like that when the module in the dist died. Some auto parts stores test the module's. I know both NAPA and Advance test them here.

[bravekozak]

.85 ohms ballast resistor

Accel Ballast Resistor
So you're looking for a ballast resistor for your old car. Looking is easy, but the question is?do you really know what it does and why? You see, though this part may sound like it came from a submarine, the ballast resistor is actually a part of your car's ignition system. It's actually an electrical resistor that switches supply voltage to the ignition coil. As high voltage passes through, the ballast resistor increases or decreases current in accordance to the temperature of your wires.

If your wires are too hot, then that'd cause electrical arcing and would thus damage parts of your ignition components. And as such, your ballast resistor reduces wear and tear on your ignition's electrical components. Now that you know what it does, it's best that you also know which ballast resistor works best for your car. For that we suggest you grab an Accel Ballast Resistor.

The Accel Ballast Resistor is a great replacement for your busted original ballast resistor. This product stabilizes coil current so electrical over-arcing would be minimized?and thus prolong your engine's points. The brand's ballast resistors are all computer-wound so you can be sure that this product would be able to provide excellent resistance values. Also, this resistor also features ceramic bodies that give maximum durability as well as heat transfer. Plus, you can be sure that what you're getting would be fully compatible with your car since the Accel Ballast Resistor is specifically made to be an exact-OEM replacement of your original resistor. That means it would fit and function?as well as even exceed?your stock ballast resistor. So if you want a good ballast resistor for your car, then this one is it. So keep your car's electricity flow constant and safe. To avoid wear and tear on your ignition components, make sure you've got an Accel Ballast Resistor installed in your car! We've got this product here at Car Parts Wholesale, just check out our catalog and see if we've got one that fits your car's make and model. So hurry and order one today!

[drddan]

The Accel Ballast Resistor is a great replacement for your busted original ballast resistor. This product stabilizes coil current so electrical over-arcing would be minimized?and thus prolong your engine's points. The brand's ballast resistors are all computer-wound so you can be sure that this product would be able to provide excellent resistance values. Also, this resistor also features ceramic bodies that give maximum durability as well as heat transfer. Plus, you can be sure that what you're getting would be fully compatible with your car since the Accel Ballast Resistor is specifically made to be an exact-OEM replacement of your original resistor. That means it would fit and function?as well as even exceed?your stock ballast resistor. So if you want a good ballast resistor for your car, then this one is it. So keep your car's electricity flow constant and safe. To avoid wear and tear on your ignition components, make sure you've got an Accel Ballast Resistor installed in your car! We've got this product here at Car Parts Wholesale, just check out our catalog and see if we've got one that fits your car's make and model. So hurry and order one today!

^ Sounds like a commercial! drool
Thanks for the advice.
I'm going out to see what I can do with it now.

[frogman]

I would check the Dist. cap and rotor first. Look for lots of black dust inside the cap and chipped or broken coil/rotor contact button. Then I would check the fuseable links for corrosion and poor contact. Do the easiest things first.

[drddan]

New cap and rotor. All good. Just checked the coil resistance on the new coil (2-3 months old) and my old coil which was working when I replaced it. Using muti meter set to 20 ohm range, i'm getting .8 ohms new coil and 1.0 ohms old coil.
(if i'm checking it right) I have the wire leads to coil removed when checking.
According to FB71 should check 3-6 ohms.

[drddan]

Help...festiva death

Ok, checked out my 1988 festy with meter and this is what I have come up with so far. NO spark from coil. Tried original coil and my mallory after market coil. Both check at 1 ohm resistance, bought new accell coil and it also checks 1 ohm.
Checked voltage on wires to coil and getting 5 1/2 volts with key in on position. The only thing left is ignition switch right? Any help here is appreciated... I have to get to work tomorrow and this is only vehicle. Thanks in advance........

[drddan]

^bump. ^^^Anybody?
Have not been able to locate an ignition switch in town.

[batstiva]

Have you pulled and checked your fusible links for corrosion? Broken wires, etc?

[freshtiva]

ignition module ?

[drddan]

Do the links just pull out? I have wiggled them and looked down into them and seem fine. I guess you are saying to pull them out? That is the the individual wires themselves right? Not the black plastic box they sit in?
And power runs thru these before the coil?