CEL and Hesitation

[RitzyFestiva]

1993 Festiva L, car has been running fine but at times will idle high. Recently the car will be running fine and I will get an intermitent CEL. It can stay on momentarily or even for a few seconds, after which as soon as it goes out the car seems to hesitate, some times harder then others. Now it seems I am having some starting issues, First thing in the morning, the car will start right up but after getting warm it will have an issue about hard starting, in other words, the engine will turn over but will not start unless I push the accelerator fully to the floor, then it will try to start. I usually have to do this 6-10 times, and even pumping the accelerator helps but still has trouble starting. Once it finally does start it is not running smoothly at all, like it is missing and then finally catches and runs, light smoke but not oil smelling smoke, like it was flooded. It has been getting harder to start but if it sits untill it is totally cold it starts right up. Any ideas? Could CEL codes be a clue to the issue? How do you check for CEL codes on a 93? Thanks for any help on this

[Movin]

Some where there are some good picks of the connector to jump by the brake booster. The code will flash the cel and point somewhere to go.

Ground the single wire connector not plugged in to anything.

[jjk1224]

Check the flap in your VAF and make sure its moving freely. If it has any sort of resistance you might try to spray some sort of electronic cleaner inside to see if you can loosen it up.

[RitzyFestiva]

Check the flap in your VAF and make sure its moving freely. If it has any sort of resistance you might try to spray some sort of electronic cleaner inside to see if you can loosen it up.

Not sure what you are referring to but is the VAF like an MAF(Mass Air Flow) for a Toyota? If so how many sensor wires are there? How do you get to the inside of the sensor to clean the wires(s)? Or are you referring to the pivot points of the VAF? Thanks

[RitzyFestiva]

Some where there are some good picks of the connector to jump by the brake booster. The code will flash the cel and point somewhere to go.

Ground the single wire connector not plugged in to anything.

Good place to start, but if you happen to know or can pont me in the right direction of the pics, those speak volumes! Thanks

[jjk1224]

Not sure what you are referring to but is the VAF like an MAF(Mass Air Flow) for a Toyota? If so how many sensor wires are there? How do you get to the inside of the sensor to clean the wires(s)? Or are you referring to the pivot points of the VAF? Thanks

Sorry, I guess I should clarify. The VAF (Vane air flow) is the "MAF" on the festiva. It is the grey aluminum box above your air filter that has a rectangular pigtail connector going to it. Inside the VAF, there is a small door that swings open and closed depending on the amount of air the engine is sucking. The door is connected to a sensor (similar to a throttle position sensor) that tells the cars computer exactly how much air is flowing so it can correct for the right amount of fuel. What I was suggesting is to disconnect the VAF from the vehicle and physically inspect the door on the inside for movement. The door should be able to swing easily. If it does not, or if it gets stuck, it could cause a false reading and the computer will dump extra or restrict fuel and cause a power loss or starting issues. If you find that the door seems like it is hanging up slightly, use some sort of electric component safe cleaner as not to damage any internal parts.

[Movin]

http://www.fordfestiva.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=10645&d=1351618789

HTC posted the pic, the single connector with yellow in the wire should do it.