broke down

[Evil D]

Drove the car to work, ran as it always does. Got out in it to leave work and i have no ignition. It doesn't turn over, i have no dash lights and no stereo but the headlights work. It won't jump start, won't turn over, and won't push start. Any ideas?

[batstiva]

Check the fusible links, check to make sure you don't have moisture there, or in the dizzy cap. Don't know what the weather has been like today in Cincy, but it's been raining cats and dogs here. Any chink in the Festiva's armor, and moisture will find its way in.

[kartracer46]

Check the fusible links, check to make sure you don't have moisture there, or in the dizzy cap. Don't know what the weather has been like today in Cincy, but it's been raining cats and dogs here. Any chink in the Festiva's armor, and moisture will find its way in.

I was thinking the fusible link too. If you have a 30/40/30 set of the plastic fuses it will be the 40 that is bad. If not remove the center rope fusible link and jump the two terminals and see if it starts. The rope style are very hard to tell if they have burnt and are no longer making contact.

[wybnrml]

I'm not sure if it's the fusible link, because if it was, the headlights wouldn't work.

[kartracer46]

I'm not sure if it's the fusible link, because if it was, the headlights wouldn't work.

Ah, he might have to check the battery post connection and the battery connection at the starter and see if they are loose or corroded.

[GenevaDirt]

I'm not sure if it's the fusible link, because if it was, the headlights wouldn't work.

headlights will work....happened 3 times to me so far...no dash lights radio nothing, but the headlights work.

Middle fusible link is dead....replace it and all should be well.
IMO....lol

[Evil D]

Ok help me out here, where are they and how much are they to replace? What do i ask for from the parts store? Im retarded when it comes to wiring.

[kartracer46]

Look on the front of the left or driverside shock tower. You will see a brown box with what look like three wires looped in the top of it. The middle wire is most likely your culprit. jump the two prongs together with a piece of wire and have someone try to start the car. If that works let me know and I will send you a picture and description of the replacement fuse that will fit in its place or text me at 757.705.3592 and I will text you some pictures back.

[Evil D]

Sweet i'll be screwing with it in the morning so i may take you up on the text if i get stumped.

[kartracer46]

Sweet i'll be screwing with it in the morning so i may take you up on the text if i get stumped.

no problem, i'll be glad to help you.

[Evil D]

Wow you guys know your stuff. I got out of work this morning and this is my "Friday" so i've been expected my weekend to totally suck and be out in the sun baking trying to fix this turd...but you guys nailed it on the head. I jumped a wire between the two prongs on the middle link and it fired right up. Now all i need is pics/info on what fuse to get to replace the wire and she'll be back on the road just in time to not screw up my days off.

:notworthy:


Actually....there are a couple Festivas locally in the junkyards...would it be better to pull the rope fuse off one of those or am i just asking for this to happen again?

[Roboskittle]

http://www.folandsales.com/catalog.asp?prodid=486827&showprevnext=1

This should be what you need. The 40 amp goes in the middle and you can get the 30 amp fuses for the outer two.

[drddan]

Should have those "fuses" to replace the "fusible links" at any good part store.

[miami man]

i just went through the same thing last week and it was the center fusible link. my lights would still work but no ignition. batstiva is correct

[Evil D]

Yep. I was gonna hit the junkyard and score some for free but said screw it and hit Pepboys and got a new one. I'll grab a couple 30s next time i'm at the yard. Thanks again guys