92 Festiva Slow Start / No Start

[rickbz28]

Ok, it looks like I'm not getting spark. removed a spark plug wire and inserted a spark plug, grounded it, and it did not spark.

what is the coil wire?

It looks like a spark plug wire and runs from the coil on the drivers side strut tower to the center terminal on the distributor cap.

[Timothy]

It looks like a spark plug wire and runs from the coil on the drivers side strut tower to the center terminal on the distributor cap.

Cool. Thanks. Everything was plugged in. Here are some photos of the terminal ends after removing the wire. IMG_0093.jpgIMG_0094.jpgo[ATTACH=CONFIG]20302[/ATTACH

[dalebwilson]

Check your fuse links near the drivers side strut tower. There are 3 of these and they are the main distribution point of power for your car.


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[Timothy]

Ok I'll check those fuses.

Also I just bought a voltage meter so if you guys had some tests you wanted me to run I'd be glad to do it.

I tested the battery and it is 12.7 v and then when I crank the car it goes down to 9-10 range. I then checked the coil and I get the same results. Then I checked the end of the coil cord going into the distributor and get similar results.

[Timothy]

Ok I just replaced those three main fuses. Still nothing.

[WmWatt]

Inside the distributor there is an ignition control module (ICM), aka transitorized points, which could be the culprit If you have power into the distributor and none out it could mean the points aren't opening, ie failed ICM. Unfortunately they are an electronic circuit difficult to test and pricey to replace. A couple of options are to find a parts store which can test them, or test by swapping distributors with a working donor car.

[Timothy]

The distributor cap looked good and here is a video of the distributor motor rotating.

[FestYboy]

Ok I'll check those fuses.

Also I just bought a voltage meter so if you guys had some tests you wanted me to run I'd be glad to do it.

I tested the battery and it is 12.7 v and then when I crank the car it goes down to 9-10 range. I then checked the coil and I get the same results. Then I checked the end of the coil cord going into the distributor and get similar results.

You should never see battery voltage at the distributor. With the key in the ON position, the coil harness plug should show battery voltage at the black with white stripe wire.

[WmWatt]

If you have time to do a little reading a search of the Internet on "car distributor diagnostics" brings up information with photos.

[firebush357]

IF you are getting 12Volts on the Black with White Stripe wire before the coil but your not getting spark at the plugs I would start by replacing the Coil itself because they are only $10-$20 online.

[FestYboy]

It's easy to test the coil first. And the distributor doesn't control the coil, the ICM next to the coil does. The pickup in the dizzy only tells the ICM when to open and close the circuit.

[Timothy]

IF you are getting 12Volts on the Black with White Stripe wire before the coil but your not getting spark at the plugs I would start by replacing the Coil itself because they are only $10-$20 online.

Ok thanks for the tip. I tested the volts from the black wire with my meter and I'm getting a 11.89v. It's also 18 degrees out and I've cranked my battery a couple times before taking the reading. I guess I'll check into finding a coil. I checked for spark on the course l cord and I didn't see anything. I tried to find spark by putting a screwdriver very close to the terminal and I also put my finger on the terminal end and felt no spark.

[Timothy]

I know it is I'll advised, but are there any other coils from different cars that will work on this car because I'm thinking of going to a junk yard. Oriellys charges $65 and I want to get my little festy up and running today so I don't want to order online.

[TominMO]

I know it is I'll advised, but are there any other coils from different cars that will work on this car because I'm thinking of going to a junk yard. Oriellys charges $65 and I want to get my little festy up and running today so I don't want to order online.

Go to Rock Auto, look up your car, find the coil, click on the part#. It will tell you what other cars use it. Motorcraft only lists Festiva and Aspire, but other brands list a bunch of cars.

[firebush357]

It's easy to test the coil first. And the distributor doesn't control the coil, the ICM next to the coil does. The pickup in the dizzy only tells the ICM when to open and close the circuit.

What methods do you use to test the coil? I've only read about using a Multi Meter to test for resistance but then you have to know the to correct specs of the OEM part.

Couldn't you put a spark plug tester between the coil wire and a grounded plug and just bump the ignition to see if the light comes on?