Ford Fiesta
Routine maintenance and servicing
This Chapter is designed to help the home mechanic maintain his/her vehicle for safety, economy, long life and peak performance.
The Chapter contains a master maintenance schedule, followed by Sections dealing specifically with each task in the schedule. Visual checks, adjustments, component renewal and other helpful items are included. Refer to the accompanying illustrations of the engine compartment and the underside of the vehicle for the locations of the various components.
OHV engine repair procedures
The engine is of an overhead valve type based upon the “Kent” design used in many earlier Ford models. It is mounted transversely at the front of the vehicle together with the transmission to form a combined power train.
CVH engine repair procedures
This engine, designated CVH (Compound Valve angle, Hemispherical combustion chamber) can be described in more conventional terms as a four-cylinder overhead camshaft (OHC) engine. It is mounted, together with the transmission, transversely at the front of the vehicle and transmits power through open driveshafts to the front roadwheels.
The engine is available in three capacities; 1.3, 1.4 and 1.6 litre. The 1.4 litre engine being introduced to replace the 1.3 litre unit during early 1986.
Cooling, heating and ventilation systems
The cooling system on all models consists of a radiator, a coolant pump, a thermostat and an electrically-operated radiator fan. The system is pressurised and incorporates an overflow container. The system used on the OHV engine differs from that used on the CVH engine in layout and location of components. The coolant pump on the OHV engine is driven by the alternator drivebelt, while the pump on the CVH engines is driven by the toothed timing belt.
Fuel and exhaust systems
The fuel system is composed of four basic components. These are the fuel tank with level indicator, the fuel pump, the carburettor and its controls, and the air cleaner. A basic emission control system is fitted.
The fuel tank is located under the floorpan beneath the rear seats. The filler neck protrudes through the left-hand side of the vehicle, while the combined outlet pipe and fuel level indicator sender unit is located on the right-hand side of the tank. A ventilation or breather pipe is located on the top of the tank.
Mechanical ignition system
A conventional ignition system is used on the 1.0 and 1.1 litre OHV models marketed in the UK before 1986. The system consists of a coil, a distributor with mechanical contact breaker, a ballast resistor and spark plugs. The distributor is mounted on the cylinder block and is driven from a skew gear on the camshaft. It incorporates both mechanical and vacuum advance capability.
Electronic ignition system
The electronic system fitted to Fiesta models manufactured before 1986 consists of a breakerless distributor driven from the end of the camshaft, an electronic amplifier module mounted on the bulkhead on the lefthand side, and a high output type ignition coil fitted next to the amplifier module on the bulkhead.
From 1986 onwards, all Fiesta models are fitted with breakerless electronic ignition systems. 1.6 litre CVH models retain the same basic system as described above for the pre 1986 models, except that the electronic module is integral with the distributor. 1.0 and 1.1 litre OHV and 1.4 litre CVH models are equipped with a new system also incorporating an electronic module integral with the distributor. The new system operates in the following way.
Starting and charging systems
The electrical system is of the 12 volt negative earth type and comprises a 12 volt battery, alternator with integral voltage regulator, starter motor and related electrical accessories, components and wiring. The battery is charged by an alternator which is belt-driven.
Braking system
The braking system is of four-wheeled hydraulic type, with discs at the front and drums at the rear. The hydraulic system is of dual-circuit type, each circuit controls one front brake and one rear brake linked diagonally.
Suspension and steering
The front suspension is of independent type with MacPherson struts. The strut assembly on each side is controlled transversely by a fabricated lower (track control) arm whilst the fore and aft control is by means of a tie-bar connected between the lower arm and a mounting bracket on the chassis. The righthand tie-bar on the XR2 model differs from that fitted to other models in the range.
Bodywork and fittings
The body is of a monocoque all-steel, welded construction with impact absorbing front and rear sections. There are two side doors and a full-length lifting tailgate for easy access to the rear compartment. The side doors are fitted with antiburst locks. The tailgate hinges are bolted to the underside of the roof panel and welded to the tailgate. Gas-filled dampers support the tailgate in the open position; when closed it is fastened by a key-operated lock.
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