Ford Festiva FAQ
(Frequently Asked Questions)
Here are the most common questions that plague Festiva owners.
If you think of something I can add please let me know!
General
Is there a ford Festiva service manual available?
Haynes manual #36030 - Festiva & Aspire, '88-'98 (www.haynes.com), is most recommended for $20
Ford Factory service manual about $60
Is there any information about a Festiva with a Ford Taurus SHO engine (the Shogun)?
Check out this link to Jay Leno's Shogun. http://www.c-edge.com/shotimes/SHO4_jayl.html
How long can I expect the car to last?
If you keep the engine in good condition, expect more than 200,000+ miles assuming you do some highway travel also. The total for the three of my Festivas is 140K+120K+80K=340K!
Who can I contact if I have Festiva related question?
Join the Festiva mailing list. See my links page for instructions on joining. Click here
E-mail the owners of the Festiva pages, we would be glad to help.
What is the fastest a stock Festiva can move?
An estimated 93mph
Engine
What gas mileage can be expected out of the Festiva?
Fuel injected Engines: 38city/44 highway
Carburetor Engines: 35city/40 highway
What other engines fit in the Festiva?
"The engines that fit are the Mazda 1.6 SOHC, 1.6 DOHC, 1.6 DOHC Turbo, and 1.8 DOHC. All can be found in the cars mentioned. The problem is with wiring. If you do try a swap, get the computer and ENTIRE harness from the donor car (beware if it's an auto and you swap it, it may have it's own computer that you'll need also.) The trannies from these cars bolt in, too. The c.v. shafts are a different story. The engine brackets and mounts swap right off of the 1.3 onto the1.6 or 1.8 and it'll go right in. They even fit the Festiva trans. but I don't know if they'll take the power. I'm pretty sure you can make the cheesy 1.8 V-6 from the MX-3 fit, but who would want to? They only run 14's on the bottle. Engine "GO" parts will come from Mazda performance warehouses that deal with 323's, Proteges, and Escort GTs". The information is From Mike: moparmike@juno.com
Why does my engine speed up at idle when the lights/fan motor comes on?
Transmission
How long should the last?
I have had three Festiva clutches last over 100,000 miles. Clutch performance varies with drivers.
How do I check the transmission fluid level?
Remove the Speedometer cable/gear from the transmission. There are level markings on the gear housing, add until the fluid level is in the middle of the outer markings.
What kind of fluid should be used in the Manual transmission?
I used ATF when I changed my fluid. The lube books at Parts Americaä directed me to the ATF. I think it was 3.75 liters. You will need a long funnel to add fluid.
Wheels and suspension
Will 13" rims fit on the Festiva?
Yes, check with the mailing list for details
Where can I get factory aluminum Festiva rims?
I got a full set of rims from the junkyard for $225. You can get them from the dealer for a lot more!
Exterior
Where can I get a passenger side mirror for my Festiva?
Call around to your local junkyards. They mirrors are hard to find, but they are out there.Easy instalation, Two screws I think.
Can I add a wiper to my car?
You can add a rear wiper. You need to drill two holes. I made a template from the car with the wiper so I could duplicate the hole pattern. The wires are already there. Be sure to get a wiper switch, fluid tank, and the squirter nozzle/hose. I think I paid 50-80 bucks for the wiper assembly I got for my car.
Miscellaneous
What problems keep reoccurring with the car?
The parking brake likes to rust solid.
Calipers sticking with age.
Not starting when wet (plug-wires, ign. coil).
Rear wheel bearings wearing out repeatedly.
There are more at http://sgi75.wwb.noaa.gov:8000/festiva/archive.html check them out!
What options were available with the Festiva?
Power Mirrors, Tilt wheel, Rear window Defroster, Rear wiper, Trunk Light, Aluminum rims, Intermittent wipers. What a dish!
Did I miss something…?