Ford Fiesta (1989-1995). Instruction — part 6

SEFi fuel injection models

7 Disconnect the mass air flow sensor wiring
multi-plug (see illustration).
8 Slacken the hose clip and disconnect the
flexible rubber intake hose from the black
plastic air intake duct (see illustration).
9 Undo the retaining screws or release the
clips and lift off the air cleaner lid complete
with mass air flow sensor (see illustration).

All models

10 Lift out the element, and wipe out the
housing (see illustrations). Check that no
foreign matter is visible, either in the air inlet
or in the air mass meter, as applicable.
11 If carrying out a routine service, the
element must be renewed regardless of its
apparent condition. Note that on models so
equipped, the small foam PCV filter in the rear
right-hand corner of the air cleaner housing
must be cleaned whenever the air filter
element is renewed (see Section 25).
12 If you are checking the element for any
other reason, inspect its lower surface; if it is
oily or very dirty, renew the element. If it is
only moderately dusty, it can be re-used after
blowing it clean from the upper to the lower
surface with compressed air.

Warning: Wear eye protection
when using compressed air!
Because it is a pleated-paper
type filter, it cannot be washed
or re-oiled. If it cannot be

cleaned satisfactorily with compressed air,
discard and renew it.
Caution: Never drive the vehicle with the
air cleaner filter element removed.
Excessive engine wear could result, and
backfiring could even cause a fire under
the bonnet.
13 Refitting is the reverse of the removal
procedure. Ensure that the element and cover
are securely seated, so that unfiltered air
cannot enter the engine.

Air cleaner temperature control
system check (carburettor
models)

14 In order for the engine to operate
efficiently, the temperature of the air entering
the inlet system must be controlled within
certain limits.
15 The air cleaner has two sources of air, one
direct from the outside of the engine
compartment, and the other from a shroud on
the exhaust manifold. On HCS engines, a
wax-controlled thermostatic valve controls a
flap inside the air cleaner inlet. When the
ambient air temperature is below a
predetermined level, the flap admits air
heated from the exhaust manifold shroud; as
the ambient temperature rises, the flap opens
to admit more cool air from the engine
compartment until eventually it is fully open. A
similar system is used on CVH engines,
except that a vacuum actuator modifies any

opening or closing action of the temperature
sensor on the flap valve, according to the level
of the inlet manifold vacuum under running
conditions.

HCS engines

16 This check must be made when the
engine is cold. Detach and remove the air
cleaner inlet trunking. Examine the position of
the check valve within the duct. When the
underbonnet air temperature is below 28ºC,
the valve must be open to allow hot air to
enter the filter (see illustration).
17 Refit the inlet trunking. Start the engine
and run it until it reaches its normal operating
temperature, then stop the engine, remove
the inlet trunking and check that the valve has
closed off the air passage from the exhaust
and opened the main (cool) air inlet.
18 If the flap does not operate correctly,
check that it is not seized. Apart from this
there is no adjustment possible, and the unit
should be renewed if faulty. Refit the air inlet
trunking on completion.

CVH engines

19 This check must be made when the
engine is cold. Disconnect the main air inlet
duct, and visibly check that the flap to the
hot-air inlet is closed (i.e. open to the passage
of cold air).
20 Start the engine, and check that with the

Every 30 000 miles or three years

1•23

24.9 . . . then undo the retaining screws or

release the clips and lift off the air cleaner

lid complete with mass air flow sensor

24.8 . . . slacken the hose clip and

disconnect the intake hose from the air

intake duct . . .

24.7 On SEFi fuel injection engines,

disconnect the mass air flow sensor wiring

multi-plug . . .

24.16 Air cleaner inlet and flap valve on

the HCS engine

A Main air cleaner inlet (cool air)
B Warm air duct (flap open)

24.10b . . . and on EFi and SEFi fuel

injection engine models

24.10a Removing the air filter element on

carburettor engine models . . .

1

1595Ford Fiesta Remake

engine idling, the hot-air inlet is open to allow
warm air from the exhaust manifold area to
enter the air cleaner. If the flap operates as
described, it is functioning correctly (see
illustration).
21 If the flap fails to operate as described,
check the condition of the vacuum pipe and
its connections, and check that the flap valve
has not seized. If these are in order, either the
temperature sensor or vacuum actuator is
faulty, and a new air cleaner assembly must
be obtained. Refit the main air duct on
completion.

25 Emission control system

check

1

General

1 Of the emission control systems that may
be fitted, only the crankcase ventilation
system and the evaporative emission control
systems require regular checking, and even
then, the components of these systems
require minimal attention.
2 Should it be felt that the other systems are
not functioning correctly, the advice of a
dealer should be sought.

Crankcase ventilation system

3 The function of the crankcase ventilation
system is to reduce the emission of unburned
hydrocarbons from the crankcase, and to
minimise the formation of oil sludge. By
ensuring that a depression is created in the
crankcase under most operating conditions,
particularly at idle, and by positively inducing
fresh air into the system, the oil vapours and
“blow-by” gases collected in the crankcase
are drawn from the crankcase, through the air
cleaner or oil separator, into the inlet tract, to
be burned by the engine during normal
combustion.
4 On HCS engines, the system consists of a
vented oil filler cap (with an integral mesh
filter) and a hose connecting it to the oil
separator/engine breather valve connector on
the underside of the air cleaner housing. A

further hose leads from the adapter/filter to
the inlet manifold.
5 On CVH engines, a closed-circuit type
crankcase ventilation system is used, the
function of which is basically the same as that
described for the HCS engine types, but the
breather hose connects directly to the rocker
cover. A separate filter is fitted in the hose to
the rocker cover in certain applications (see
illustration).
6 The system fitted to the PTE engines is
similar to that used on the earlier (CVH)
engines on which these engines are based,
but with revisions to the hose arrangement to
suit the remotely sited air cleaner and fuel
injection system layout.
7 On Zetec engines, the crankcase ventilation
system main components are the oil
separator mounted on the front (radiator) side
of the cylinder block/crankcase, and the
Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve set
in a rubber grommet in the separator’s left-
hand upper end. The associated pipework
consists of a crankcase breather pipe and two
flexible hoses connecting the PCV valve to a
union on the left-hand end of the inlet
manifold, and a crankcase breather hose
connecting the cylinder head cover to the air
cleaner assembly. A small foam filter in the
air cleaner prevents dirt from being drawn
directly into the engine.
8 Check that all components of the system
are securely fastened, correctly routed (with
no kinks or sharp bends to restrict flow) and in
sound condition; renew any worn or damaged
components.
9 On HCS engines, remove and inspect the
oil filler cap to ensure that it is in good
condition, and not blocked up with sludge.
10 Disconnect the hoses at the cap, and
clean the cap if necessary by brushing the
inner mesh filter with petrol, and blowing
through with light pressure from an air line.
Renew the cap if it is badly congested.
11 If oil leakage is noted, disconnect the
various hoses and pipes, and check that all
are clear and unblocked. Remove the air
cleaner lid, and check that the hose from the
cylinder head cover to the air cleaner housing
is clear and undamaged.

12 Where fitted, the PCV valve is designed to
allow gases to flow out of the crankcase only,
so that a depression is created in the
crankcase under most operating conditions,
particularly at idle. Therefore, if either the oil
separator or the PCV valve are thought to be
blocked, they must be renewed (see Chap-
ter 4E). In such a case, however, there is
nothing to be lost by attempting to flush out
the blockage using a suitable solvent. The
PCV valve should rattle when shaken.
13 While the air filter element is removed (see
Section 24), wipe out the housing, and on
Zetec engines, withdraw the small foam filter
from its location in the rear right-hand corner
of the housing (see illustration). If the foam is
badly clogged with dirt or oil, it must be
cleaned by soaking it in a suitable solvent,
and allowed to dry before being refitted.

Evaporative emission control
systems

14 Refer to the checks contained in Chap-
ter 4E.

26 Automatic transmission fluid

renewal

1

1 The automatic transmission fluid should
only be changed when the transmission is
cold.
2 Position the vehicle over an inspection pit,
on vehicle ramps, or jack it up and securely
support it on axle stands, but make sure that
it is level.
3 Place a suitable container beneath the drain
plug on the transmission sump pan. Remove
the transmission fluid dipstick to speed up the
draining operation.
4 Thoroughly clean the area around the drain
plug in the transmission sump pan, then
unscrew the plug and allow the fluid to drain
into the container.
5 When all the fluid has drained (this may take
quite some time) clean the drain plug, then
refit it together with a new seal and tighten it
securely.
6 Place a funnel with a fine mesh screen in
the dipstick tube, and fill the transmission with

1•24

Every 30 000 miles or three years

25.13 The crankcase ventilation system

foam filter is located in the air cleaner

housing on Zetec engines

25.5 Crankcase ventilation system filter on

CVH engines

24.20 Air cleaner inlet and flap valve on

the CVH engine

A Flap open (cool air inlet closed)
B Warm air inlet

1595Ford Fiesta Remake

the specified type of fluid. It is essential that
no dirt is introduced into the transmission
during this operation.
7 Depending on the extent to which the fluid
was allowed to drain, it is possible that the
amount of fluid required when filling the
transmission may be more than the specified
amount (see “Lubricants, fluids and tyre
pressures”). However, due to fluid remaining in
the system, it is more likely that less than the
specified amount will be required. Add about
half the specified amount, then run the engine
up to its normal operating temperature and
check the level on the dipstick. When the level
approaches the maximum mark, proceed as
detailed in Section 20 to check the level and
complete the final topping-up as described.

27 Handbrake adjustment

3

1 Chock the front wheels then jack up the
rear of the car and support it on axle stands
(see “Jacking and Vehicle Support”). Fully
release the handbrake.
2 Check that the handbrake cables are
correctly routed and secured by the retaining
clips at the appropriate points under the vehicle.
3 The handbrake is checked for adjustment
by measuring the amount of movement
possible in the handbrake adjuster plungers.
These are located on the inside face of each
rear brake backplate (see illustration). The

total movement of the two plungers combined
should be between 0.5 and 2.0 mm. If the
movement measured is outside of this
tolerance, the handbrake is in need of
adjustment. Adjustment is made altering the
position of the in-line cable adjuster sleeve.
4 When adjustment to the handbrake is
necessary, a new adjustment sleeve locking
pin will be required, and this must therefore
be obtained before making the adjustment.
5 To adjust the handbrake, first ensure that it
is fully released, then firmly apply the
footbrake a few times to ensure that the rear
brake adjustment is taken up by the automatic
adjusters. Extract the locking pin from
the adjuster sleeve (see illustration), then
turn the sleeve to set the combined move-
ment of the plungers within the tolerance

range specified (0.5 to 2.0 mm). Turn the
locking nut by hand as tight as is possible
(two clicks) against the adjustment sleeve.
Now grip the locknut with a suitable wrench,
and turn it a further two clicks (maximum).
6 Secure the adjustment by inserting the new
lock pin.
7 Check that the operation of the handbrake
is satisfactory, then lower the vehicle to the
ground, apply the handbrake and remove the
chocks from the front wheels.

28 Front wheel alignment check

4

Refer to Chapter 10, Section 29.

Every 30 000 miles or three years

1•25

27.5 Handbrake cable adjuster locking

pin (A), locknut (B) and adjuster sleeve (C)

27.3 Handbrake adjustment plunger

located on the inside face of each rear

brake backplate

1

1595Ford Fiesta Remake

Every 40 000 miles

29 Timing belt renewal

4

Refer to Chapter 2, Part B or C as

applicable.

Every 60 000 miles

30 Fuel filter renewal

1

Warning: Petrol is extremely
flammable, so extra precautions
must be taken when working on
any part of the fuel system. Do

not smoke, or allow open flames or bare
light bulbs, near the work area. Also, do
not work in a garage if a natural gas-type
appliance with a pilot light is present.
While performing any work on the fuel

system, wear safety glasses, and have a
suitable (Class B) fire extinguisher on
hand. If you spill any fuel on your skin,
rinse it off immediately with soap and
water.
1 On fuel injection engines, an in-line fuel
filter is provided in the fuel pump outlet line.
The filter is located in the engine compartment
either below and behind the battery, or on the
left-hand side of the engine compartment
bulkhead. The renewal procedure is the same
for both locations. The filter performs a vital
role in keeping dirt and other foreign matter
out of the fuel system, and so must be

renewed at regular intervals, or whenever you
have reason to suspect that it may be
clogged. It is always unpleasant working
under a vehicle - pressure-washing or hosing
clean the underbody in the filter’s vicinity will
make working conditions more tolerable, and
will reduce the risk of getting dirt into the fuel
system.
2 Depressurise the fuel system as described
in the relevant Part of Chapter 4.
3 Disconnect the battery negative (earth) lead
(refer to Chapter 5A, Section 1), then position
a suitable container beneath the fuel filter to
catch escaping fuel. Have a rag handy to soak

up the fuel when the feed and outlet pipe
unions are disconnected.
4 On models without quick-release couplings
on the fuel lines, slowly slacken the fuel feed
pipe union allowing the pressure in the fuel
pipe to reduce. When the pressure is fully
released, disconnect the fuel feed and outlet
pipe unions.
5 On models with quick-release couplings on
the fuel lines, release the fuel feed and outlet
pipe unions from the filter, by squeezing
together the protruding locking lugs on each
union, and carefully pulling the union off the
filter stub (see illustration). Where the unions

are colour-coded, the feed and outlet pipes
cannot be confused; where both unions are
the same colour, note carefully which pipe is
connected to which filter stub, and ensure that
they are correctly reconnected on refitting.
6 Noting the arrows and/or other markings on
the filter showing the direction of fuel flow
(towards the engine), slacken the filter clamp
bolt and withdraw the filter from the car (see
illustrations). Note that the filter will still
contain fuel; care should be taken, to avoid
spillage and to minimise the risk of fire.
7 On installation, slide the filter into its clamp
so that the arrow marked on it faces the

correct way, then reconnect and tighten the
pipe unions or slide each pipe union on to its
(correct) respective filter stub, and press it
down until the locking lugs click into their
groove. Tighten the clamp bolt carefully, until
the filter is just prevented from moving; do not
overtighten, or the filter casing may be
crushed.
8 Refit the fuel pump fuse and reconnect the
battery earth terminal, then switch the ignition
on and off five times, to pressurise the
system. Check for any sign of fuel leakage
around the filter unions before lowering the
vehicle to the ground and starting the engine.

1•26

Every 60 000 miles

30.6b Removing the bulkhead mounted

fuel filter. Clamp bolt (arrowed)

30.6a Fuel filter location below battery

showing clamp bolt (arrowed). Note fuel

flow direction arrows on filter body

30.5 Releasing the fuel pipe unions from

the filter on models with quick-release

couplings

1595Ford Fiesta Remake

Every 3 years

31 Brake fluid renewal

3

The procedure is similar to that for the

bleeding of the hydraulic system as described
in Chapter 9, except that the brake fluid
reservoir should be emptied by syphoning,
and allowance should be made for the old
fluid to be removed from the circuit when
bleeding a section of the circuit.