engine stalls when I turn blinker on

[scitzz]

I would definitely be looking for a short somewhere...

[Mike McKown]

I just don't think it's in the steering column. maybe in the key switch maybe?

M

I bought a Festiva that wouldn't start. It had a fuel pump locked up.

I had some problems diagnosing it because when the key was in the "ON" position, it wasn't making contact. The fuel pump wouldn't run and the engine cooling fan wouldn't run.

If I turn the key back slightly toward "OFF" after it starts, everything works like it's supposed to. Might be something to think about.

[mattswabb]

I have a Festiva that did the same thing with the fan. I turned the key just before it would crank and the fan would come on. The car would have a hard time starting and sometimes would take forever. The I realized that if I wiggle the back and forth a bit the fan would shut off and then it would start on the 1st crank. I replaced the ignition switch and that fixed it.

[nascarjunkie]

It looks to the ignition switch, how hard is it to change one out?

[Aaronbrook37]

How are your grounds and battery terminals looking?

My car would stall out when I put it in reverse. Cleaning the engine bay grounds (front, passenger side behind the headlight) and terminals took care of the problem.


-Tim

Definitely this one is a great place to start for any problem. <Useless Anecdote>I had loose connections one time without realizing it, and my car died during a left turn in the middle of an uphill intersection. I popped the hood, got out, jiggled the cable, and it came back to life. I let out a roar of success and everyone looked at me like I was some kind of car-deity.</Useless Anecdote>

[Pu241]

It looks to the ignition switch, how hard is it to change one out?

Not too hard.
Have to remove the column shroud covers only held on by a few screws on the bottom, I think.
You can leave the steering wheel on, if you want, but it's removal gives you some work room, you may or may not need.
Having done the above the ignition lock is exposed and you'll see it is attached via two "headless" bolts.
You can use a small vise gripe/locking pliers and back the bolts out or you use a dremal/hack saw and cut slots in them and use a screwdriver to back them out.
Then disconnect the wiring and your good to go.

Your real problem is going to be getting another switch.
You might want to place a [WTB], after reading this:

http://www.fordfestiva.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1932

Remember when you swap out ignitions, in all probability you will now need two keys; one for the doors and one for the "new" ignition.
There is a small chance the new ignition might also open your doors.
BTW were are you located?

[mattswabb]

The electrical and the key are 2 seperate parts so if the key portion is working then you won't have a problem with 2 different keys. If you leave the key portion on you won't need to cut slots on the headless bolts.

John - the one I changed is in your BP car.

[Pu241]

^^^
Thanks Matt!
I've never swapped them out myself, I have however, removed several for back-ups!
Never noticed about the lock vs electrical portion, I just snagged the lock assembly.
So he may want to just swap the electrical switch and see if that solves the issue.
Can he get to this by just removing the shroud around the column?

BP is fine, no issues related to ignition switch.
Did up-grade to Aspire MC at 2nd 4th Meet in Lincolnton, NC.
Again thanks to Festyboy and Motoexpress help with this!
Really did make a big difference, I was somewhat skeptical about the advantage of the larger MC.

[lessersivad]

^^^
Thanks Matt!

Can he get to this by just removing the shroud around the column?

I'm not Matt, nor do I play him on television but, the answer is yes. The electrical portion of the ignition switch can be removed by taking off the column shroud. There should be a single screw that holds it to the lock assembly. The screw should be off to the left (driver side) of the assembly. It may be slightly obscured by one of the wire connections.

Hope this helps.

[Pu241]

It's OK if your not Matt's TV body double!

Just needed to see if this could be done with relative ease.
Best if someone who has actually done it commented on it, as I have not performed this operation myself.
Thanks

[nascarjunkie]

Thanks guys I will let you know how it all works out, I plan on switching in old this wkend. I have a parts car that I'm going to swap out that one.

M