Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
1992 Ford Escort Base, AutomaticFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE
Ignition Switch Continuity Test
- Test ignition switch operation by rotating cylinder/key through all switch positions. Movement should feel smooth, without sticking and binding. Cylinder/key should return from START position to RUN position without assistance. Inspect and repair if necessary.
- Remove instrument panel lower cover. Unplug connector from ignition switch. Connect a self-powered test light or ohmmeter between blade terminals indicated in following steps. See Fig 1 .
- Continuity between any blade and chassis ground should not exist in any switch position except proof circuits in START position. With ignition switch in ACC position, continuity should exist between terminals A-1 through B-5 only.
- With ignition switch in LOCK and OFF positions, continuity should not exist.
- With ignition switch in RUN position, continuity should exist between terminals A-1 and B-1, A-2 and B-2, A-3 and B-3, A-4 and B-4, and I-1 and B-5.
- With ignition switch in START position, continuity should exist between terminals I-1 and B-5, I-2 and B-1, STA and B-4, P-1 and GND, and P-2 and GND.
Factory Service Tools
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- β’ You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- β’ Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- β’ The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- β’ You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- β’ You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.
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