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I have a 1989 Ford Festiva with 185,000 miles that stalls ...

Sent to Ford Experts July 12 2008 at 2:31 PM
   

I have a 1989 Ford Festiva with 185,000 miles that stalls every 1-2 miles, with check engine light on. There are no error codes, and oxygen sensor, throttle position sensor, and air mass sensor have been replaced. Car has 1.3L engine, fuel-injected, with automatic transmission. Fuel pump has also been replaced, and has fairly new battery. Car is maintained by the book, After stalling, starts up with no problem and drives fine. Stalling is soft, with no shuddering or shaking as the engine quits; engine shutdown is not sudden, but gradual loss of power over about five to seven seconds. Stalling most likely to occur while coasting on streets; never occurs on freeways. Any recommendations?? Thank you! /s/Dale B., XXXXX@XXXXXX.XXX

 

Optional Information:
1989 Ford Festiva L 1.3

Already Tried:
Replaced fuel pump, oxygen sensor, throttle position sensor, and air mass sensor. No change in stalling.

Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status:  Closed   Value: $15
Answer
July 13 2008 at 2:25 AM (11 hours and 54 minutes and 25 seconds later)
         
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Geordie -- Mobile Mechanic & Motor Trader -- 100% Positive Feedback on 44 Ford Accepts
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Reply
July 13 2008 at 5:28 PM (15 hours and 2 minutes and 36 seconds later)
         
Does the idle control valve go by any other name?? My repair manual for a Festiva only mentions an "idle speed control-bypass air" unit that controls idle speed. It is a solenoid that controls air flow into the engine. There is no mention of a valve. The parts lists at Autozone, Kragen, Napa, etc., make no mention of an idle control valve for a fuel-injected Ford Festiva.    

Thank you!
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
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July 15 2008 at 12:14 PM (1 day and 18 hours later)
         
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Geordie -- Mobile Mechanic & Motor Trader -- 100% Positive Feedback on 44 Ford Accepts
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July 15 2008 at 3:01 PM (2 hours and 46 minutes and 50 seconds later)
         
Thank you for the reply. I believe I have found the problem. I discovered the distributor cap was loose because one of the two screws that holds it on had backed out. How that happened is beyond me. After I put the distributor cap back on TIGHT, I'll test the car and see what happens. If that doesn't work, I'll clean the idle control valve after I get a new gasket for it.    

/s/Dale B.
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
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July 16 2008 at 12:00 AM (8 hours and 58 minutes and 49 seconds later)
         
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Geordie -- Mobile Mechanic & Motor Trader -- 100% Positive Feedback on 44 Ford Accepts
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