'91 festiva ignition problems

Joined: Mar 16, 2005 Posts: 1

I have a '91 Festiva and the thing won't catch when I turn it over! I replaced the ignition coil and nothing. I replaced the ignition module and nothing. It is doing something very weird. I took the coil wire off and tried to make it spark by grounding it aginst the hood lever and no spark. But, check this out, just as soon as you let off of the key........one spark! Just one. And not each time I do it either. This is too strange for me. It just seems like it's electrical somewhere, but I can't figue why it's not creating the spark. So, now I know it's not the coil or ignition module. What the heck could make it get only one little spark every now and then when you let go of the key?
HELP!!!!!! THIS IS DRIVING ME INSANE!!!

External Since: Oct 24, 2005 Posts: 1

I have heard thatsometimes,when the motor is turned off, that the 25 amp
"MAIN" fuse ( by the battery),blows. Headlighs will work, but nothing else
from there back. No response from turning over key, no emergency lights,
tail lights, back lights, nothing.
( Something to do with the alternator overload when engine is turned off,
I guess ). TSB by Ford, I believe, states that up to a 35 amp fuse, will
prevent this. I am using a fuse upgrade kit ( Auto Zone) along with using
the old connectors on the ends to plug back in. 30 amp "Slow Blow" fuse (
30 amp fuse plugs into new upgrade fuse kit) is all I could find. Works
great. So far, no problems. 49 MPG!

NOTE: Always check all TSB's and Manufacturer's Recalls,to be safe.