Idles fine but stalls on acceleration

1989 FORD FESTIVA

90,000 MILES • 1.3L • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC

KILONZO

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2 POSTS
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Car listed above EFI I can start this car while standing outside the driver's door. It idles smoothly and I can rev it up just fine. The problem is when it is in gear it still idles fine until I accelerate. It stalls immediately when in gear and I accelerate. Periodically it may drive fifty to a hundred yards under a heavy acceleration but it still stalls without warning. Fuel regulator is new fuel filter is new and I cleaned the MAF sensor. I don't like just changing parts to try a fix the problem. I want to try and diagnose wants wrong. Thanks in advance for your ideas and suggestions.

May 20, 2020 at 4:30 AM

DANNY L

CERTIFIED EXPERT
5,648 POSTS

Hello, I'm Danny.

This first thing I suggest is to test the fuel pressure.It sounds like you might have a weak or low performing fuel pump.If you don't have access to a fuel pressure tester most auto parts stores have tool loaner programs and can rent you one.Here is a tutorial showing what is involved on how to test and another on how to replace an in tank fuel pump:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-an-electric-fuel-pump

I've attached picture steps below on how to replace your fuel pump for your Festiva. The specifications for your car are 25-31 p.s.i. Hope this helps and thanks for using 2CarPros.

Images (Click to enlarge)