need help bad please ?

[steve92]

I just bought a 1992 ford festival and already having problems and don't kno what's wrong with it...I turn it on and it runs good for a minute then all of a sudden it starts stalling out on me when I am idled or when I'm stopping, just the other day as soon as I shut it off and turned it right back on it never came back on til I jumped it the next day, but usually when it stalls it will turn right back on ... I thought it could maybe be the battery or the alternator but I had the battery tested and charged and the battery was just bought this month anyways , and I took out the alternator and had that tested too and it passed threw the test and it said it was a good alternator...I don't know much about cars so I don't know what it could be.. please help me guys....

[gergorian]

First off, welcome to the forum!

Second, by it doesn't turn back on do you mean that it will crank but not start? Have you checked the basics like tune up stuff ( plugs, wires, cap and rotor)? It could be a fuel flow issue ( fuel pump or fuel filter), it could be a timing issue ( distributor or worst case a jumped timing belt). A jumped timing belt really isn't bad as the Festiva engine is non interference so you don't have to worry about serious engine damage if it did jump.

If there is anything else that you can think of let us know. ( you can never have to much info)

[steve92]

I drove it today and it was fine after I charged up the battery and no I haven't got a basic tune up.. I don't much about cars lol.. so I take it it could be a numerous of things that could be wrong with it?

[gergorian]

OK, I would check the battery cables and look for loose connections and also check the connection at the starter. I would also like to say that Festivas are great cars to learn on because the are small, simple and don't really require specialty tool for basic maintenance.

It could be multiple things but I would just check the simple things first. ( electrical connections at the battery and other places.) Also, I would highly suggest getting a Haynes manual or other manual for the Festiva and perform a tuneup and possibly and oil change if you think your up to it.

[steve92]

I'm up for anything lol...I'm deffinetly willing to fix it so I can drive it around without it messing up on me... and what would be draining the battery so quickly?

[gergorian]

Are you sure the battery is being drained or could it be a loose connection?

[Studebaker]

tell us were you live. there may be someone near by willing to help you.

[Movin]

Sounds like you have a good alternator that is not getting ignition power to turn on or if that is okay the power from the alternator to the battery must have a bad connection.
Posting general location is pretty normal on here and so is the unbelievable amount of help and friends. Some who live in an area that security is very important post location by state or nearby larger city. Welcome!

[kartracer46]

I concur with movin and the others. I would look for a faulty connection. the battery terminals would be the first place. Make sure the posts on the battery and the terminals themselves are clean and tight when they are re-installed on the battery. You may also want to update the main fuse on the left shock tower, the one in the middle with a new style 40 amp fuse. There are many posts that on here that can help you out. Welcome to the site and hope we can help.

[Sagermeister]

My Festy is kinda in the same situation, I just replaced the fuel pump, fuel filter, gas tank(my last one was rusted), and put new gas/sea foam fuel cleaner in it. It'll start up for 3-5 minutes then just shut off. I have no clue what the problem is this time. But I see your problem is relatable.

[Biff]

Cleanup the ground terminals on the left front fender behind the headlight relays. Mine at one time was not giving good ground causing me grief!

[crazyrog17]

need help bad please ?

And also, ensure the ground from the engine to the passengers side shock tower is good. Ground from the chassis to the alternator is a major power connection, won't charge the battery or anything with a bad connection.

To find the drain, disconnect the positive battery post and connect a digital multimeter between the post and cable. Set it to ohms (labeled 20 upside down u with feet) Start pulling and replacing fuses until you find the circuit that drops the ohm reading. Lookup the circuit diagram if you can and start chasing wires.

In my case, I learned on the room fuse. It controls almost everything inside the cabin. I found the rear cargo light power connector rusted inside the rear fender well which was causing a slow drain, then popped fuses.

[steve92]

Thanks guys I'll check on what y'all telling me to check ... like I said I don't know much about cars so if you all know anything else that you think could be wrong feel free to tell me lol... and I'm in more towards northern ohio... and I would like to find someone to help me fix it Cuz me not knowing shit I don't wanna mess up the car totally

[gergorian]

Crazyrog and I live in MI so if you get that thing running I would love to meet you and see your car. If you get it running you could drive it up here and we could hang out and work on our cars.