Fires then dies instantly

[1992Festiva]

Hey everyone. I went to start my Festiva this morning and it fired up right away. When I let off the key it just died isntantly like I had turned the key to off. Didn't bog or anything. When I tried again I held the key for a couple seconds in start and it ran fine until I let off the key again and it died instantly just like before . Anyone have this issue and/or suggestions?

[tooldude]

This belongs in repair. You might start by checking the fusible links and engine fuse.

[Damkid]

Fires then dies instantly

This belongs in repair.

Thank you for the help but hitting the report button in the future will work better since it will notify the staff members and we can move the thread

Thread moved

[1992Festiva]

Thanks

[1990new]

Sounds like the problem could be related to the fuel pump relay and/or the VAF connection to it.
The fuel pump is triggered to operate when the switch is in the start position but the trigger for the
fuel pump to continue operating when the switch is in the on position comes from the VAF which must sense
air moving through it into the intake manifold to let the fuel pump know that it should continue to run.

Check the plug connecting the wires to the VAF. It could also be a ground wire problem.
Are you located where road salt is present?

Check this thread http://www.fordfestiva.com/forums/sh...uel+pump+relay

tooldude and others posted lots of good info about how to do the fuel pump test there.

[Damkid]

I agree it sounds just like the VAF is unplugged, or a poor connection as 1990new said

[scitzz]

I agree it sounds just like the VAF is unplugged, or a poor connection as 1990new said

X3

[nonamekid]

Fires then dies instantly

With an unplugged VAF it will run for about 2 seconds after you let go of the key. At least when my VAF started acting up, that is what it did. Even unplugged it would run for 2 seconds before shutting off.

It sounds like a bad ignition switch.

[1990new]

Ignition switches do go bad and it could be the problem. They usually go bad gradually and you get warnings that they are going bad...like intermittent drop in power connection of
the electrical components that must have the switch on to operate. For example, turn your wipers on and see if they quit when you return the key from start to on.
1992Festiva... have you had any problems like that that seem to come and then go away?
Did you perhaps accidentally dump a beverage on the plastic shroud behind the steering wheel recently?
We need more info..

[nitrofarm]

Hey everyone. I went to start my Festiva this morning and it fired up right away. When I let off the key it just died isntantly like I had turned the key to off. Didn't bog or anything. When I tried again I held the key for a couple seconds in start and it ran fine until I let off the key again and it died instantly just like before . Anyone have this issue and/or suggestions?

Does your car have a Carb or EFI ?

[drddan]

Hey

Hey

[WmWatt]

If its a 1992 it would be fuel injected?
A quick thing to try is spraying WD-40 or contact cleaner into the ignition keyhole.
Put the key in and out and turn it on and off to work it around a bit.
The key is turned against a spring to START to engage the starter
then springs back to ON for running so the change in position might be causing the problem?

[crazyrog17]

VAF

[nitrofarm]

If its a 1992 it would be fuel injected?
A quick thing to try is spraying WD-40 or contact cleaner into the ignition keyhole.
Put the key in and out and turn it on and off to work it around a bit.
The key is turned against a spring to START to engage the starter
then springs back to ON for running so the change in position might be causing the problem?

Oh missed that my bad-

[1992Festiva]

It's efi. It was working fine with no issues when I parked it . Issue started next morning when I tried to start it