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94 Escort Wagon - Strange fuel cut off issue


hakachukai
03-12-2013, 07:02 PM
Ok, so first let me say that I already read this entire post without finding any helpful solutions: http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=361126

Here is my car info:
-------------------
1994 Ford Escort LX (Wagon)
1.9L SEFI engine
Just installed a new timing belt, water pump, thermotat and serpintine belt (the car was running great)

Here is the exact sequence of events that caused the issue:
----------------------------------------------------------
I was working on the car
I backed up on to wheel ramps so that I could check the exhaust
I noticed that the car was idling high, so I removed and lubed the IAC with WD-40
I put the IAC back in place with grey RTV and tightened it down ( It's not leaking at all )

Here are the exact symptoms:
-----------------------------
I turn on the ignition switch
The fuel pump pumps and sounds normal
The Fuel gauge shows about 3/4 tank (which is accurate... I recently filled the tank)
The low fuel light comes on (which makes no sense to me)

When I turn the ignition to the start position, the car cranks and sounds normal, but it doesn't even attempt to run.
Also: when I crank the car the Low Fuel light goes off, but the Fuel Cutoff light comes on (only while cranking)
I also notice a slight smell of gasoline, but I can't find any fuel leaking or dripping anywhere!

What I've tried:
----------------

Looking for fuel leaks ( can't find any)
Made sure the IAC is properly connected

Verified and tested the Inertia switch in the right rear of the car ( it is working properly and has not been tripped). When I trip it, the fuel pump does not run. When I reset it the fuel pump works properly again.

Disconnected the + battery cable for 5 minutes or more in an attempt to reset the ECU. It didn't help. Symptoms remain the same.


+++++++++++++++++++++++

Any ideas?
What more can I try to troubleshoot this? I wish that I had an FSM for this car!

hakachukai
03-12-2013, 08:11 PM
ok, here is some additional info that I found reading a Haynes manual:

"To clear the trouble codes on a 1.9L model, start the KOEO test. When the trouble codes begin to appear, remove the jumper wire from the STI terminal. DO NOT disconnect the battery to clear codes on a 1.9L model."

I don't know what a KOEO test is, or how to perform it. Nor do I know what the STI terminal is, but atleast I go some info :-)

hakachukai
03-13-2013, 02:50 AM
Ok, so I found out how to do a KOEO test and how to reset the ECU.

Here is a vid that I made on how to do the KOEO test even when your check engine light doesn't work and you don't have an analog volt meter.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iovtXc8muuA&feature=youtu.be

The result that I got were:

116 Coolant temp sensor is out of range
111 Test ok / complete

The issue still persists. I have no idea what is causing it right now...

hakachukai
03-13-2013, 12:21 PM
My problem seems to be solved.

The last thing that I did before the car had this problem was clean the IAC with WD-40.

I read on the Internetz that a wet IAC can cause the computer to malfunction, but give no trouble code.

So I went out in the morning (after it had a good 12 hours to dry off). It started right up!

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