General
What is the Mk3?
Mk3 is the most popular Fiesta produced between 1989 to 1995, catering everyone from shopping trolleys to fire breathers. They are cheap to buy, cheap to maintain, reasonably reliable, and have very good tuning potentials.
What is the Mk3.5?
Mk3.5 is basically a slightly upgraded Mk3 to rectify some faults and to improve quality, produced between 1994 to 1995. Changes include flip open fuel cap, air bag(s), relocated electric window switches, relocated remote boot release switch, strengthen shell, and smoothed boot swage lines, plus some models also came with clear indicators.
See Mk3 vs Mk3.5
What are the performance models?
– 1600cc 8v XR2i
108bhp, 1989-1992, CVH EFi, Mk3, insurance group 14
– 1800cc 16v XR2i
104bhp, 1992-1993, Zetec EFi, Mk3, insurance group 14
– 1600cc RS Turbo
131bhp, 1990-1992, CVH Turbo EFi, Mk3, insurance group 15, 0-60 7.7seconds
– 1800cc RS1800
128bhp, 1992-1994, Zetec EFi, Mk3-Mk3.5, insurance group 15, 0-60 8.3seconds, black interior trim
– 1600cc 1.6S
90bhp, 1989-1991, CVH Carb, Mk3, insurance group 9
– 1600cc 16v Si
88bhp, 1994-1995, Zetec EFi, Mk3.5, insurance group 8, black interior trim
What are the lesser models?
– L, LX, Bonus, Popular, Quartz, Finesse, Classic, Freedom are the most basic models
– Ghia is the luxury model with all electrical gadgets, only in 5-door form
– SX is the slightly sporty model with a roof spoiler and sports suspension
– Plus many more special editions!
What colours were available?
Solid:
Radiant red, diamond white, panther black (?), black
Metallic:
Mercury grey, cayman blue, java blue, moondust silver, ash black, mallard green, dark aubergine purple, burgundy red, matisse blue, tasmin blue, petrol blue, tourmaline green
What engines were available?
– HCS
8v, as fitted to low power 1.0, 1.1 and 1.3 models
– CVH
8v, as fitted to 1.4, 1.6 and some performance models
– PTE
8v, upgraded CVH, as fitted to the 1.4 Si and Ghia only
– Zetec
16v, revvy modern engine (1.8 and 2.0 versions have very strong bottom-end), as fitted to performance models
Only 1600cc and 1800cc are available for Fiesta
What brakes were available?
– Solid
240mm, as fitted to older and lesser models, single pot
– Vented
240mm, as fitted to performance and ABS models, single pot
Notice that the calipers are not compatible due to different disc thickness.
What were the optional extras?
– Central locking
– Electric windows
– Centre console
– Remote boot release
– CD/Cassette player
– 4-channel sound system
– Rear wiper/washer
– Front intermittent wiper (default is single-speed)
– Heat windscreen
– Fog lamps
– RS Accessories bodykit (see Styling section)
– Colour coded bumpers/mirrors
– Spoiler
– RS Accessories lower spoiler
– Power steering
– ABS
– Split rear bench
– Alloy wheels
Apparently, some models have some of the above items as standard. And some extras were not available to certain models.
Where do they rust?
Rust! No Mk3 escapes it, well its very lucky if it does! Heres the places to look:
-Check underneath, chassis rails/sills
-Petrol cap and surrounding area
-Underneath rubber door seals at bottom
-Under XR/RS bodykits
-Inside engine bay, bulkhead on passenger side
-Rear Struts, its easy enough to take of carpet (if any) have a look and replace. While your there you can check the boot floor.
Why is my speedo jumping
A jumpy speedo is a sign that the gearbox is has done a lot of miles, so if your not sure the milage is genuine, its something to consider.
Why is my rear wiper not working
Theres a contact switch on bottom of boot and sometimes this needs cleaning up to make it work.
My clutch pedal sometimes goes all the way down and won’t come back until I pull it up!
Clutch ratchet (quadrant) is on the way out. It is not particular a very hard job to replace, but it is very very fiddly. So set aside a few hours
My Fiesta doesn’t idle properly, or is running rough
Most likely you need to clean to Idle Speed Control Valve (ISCV), which is under the inlet manifold. Over time it gets very dirty and needs to be soaked in carb cleaner. If the car runs fine after cleaning, but the symptom returns after a few days, it is likely that the ISCV is knackered.
Or it might be the MAF sensor.
If its got a Zetec engine, check out here: Fix Zetec-E Idle
Heater fan, radiator fan, and boot switch dont always work?
Replace the green relay in your fuse box.
This is a very serious problem and the relay should be replaced as soon as possible if there is any problem found.
The indicators wont cancel themselves!
The indicator switches on the steering column multi-functional switch are faulty.
A replacement steering column stalk assembly can be bought at scarp yards for around 5 to 10 pounds
Styling
Can I fit XR2i or RS Turbo bumpers to my lesser model?
Yes, they go straight on. Refer to the Haynes manual for how to remove and put on bumpers.
Can I fit XR2i or RS Turbo arches/skirts to my lesser model?
Yes, although bonding might be easier than drill holes.
Can I fit XR2i or RS Turbo arches/skirts to my 5 door model?
Yes, but it is very difficult to get a perfect fit.
Can I fit opening (pop out) rear quarter windows?
Yes, Pretty easy too!
Can I fit Mk4/Mk5 interior to my Mk3?
Yes, read here for some comprehensive information http://st2000.s5.com/ff3latespecinteriorguide.html
Notice that it is very difficult (or nearly impossible) to fit Mk4/Mk5 front seats into a Mk3, but to Mk3.5 is no problem.
Dash wiring is quite a nightmare too.
What bodykits are available?
– XR2i / RS Turbo Style
– Si Style
– Si Xtra Front Bumper (Si bumper with 2 extra lights, and a splitter)
– RS Accessories Kit (under bumper spoilers and skirts)
– RS Accessories Kit *new version* (Very rare, looks like a crossover between Cosworth and Si style)
– Cosworth bumpers (based on Escort Cosworth)
– WRC front bumper (based on Escort Cosworth WRC)
– Mondeo Estate spoiler (to be fitted over normal spoiler)
– Combat Kit
– Delta Kit
– Samurai Kit
– 12bore Kit
– Flycatcher Kit
– PSG Wide-arch Kit
– Skyline Kit
– RS2000 Skirts (based on Escort RS2000)
– M3 Skirts
Some people like to fit Mk4/Mk5 rear bumper too, especially the Zetec-S one.
It goes well with a flush tailgate.
Can I fit 90-spec ERST Recaro seats to my car?
Yes, but not straight forward. You’d need to make up some brackets.
Is there any way I can get a single wiper conversion within a tight budget?
Make one, there is guides floating about
What size of wheels can I fit without much headache?
15 inch wheels with 195/45/R15 are good for most people, unless the car is radically lowered.
If they rub, it is usually rubbing against the suspension components not arches. Spacers of a few mm would likely sort it out don’t forget to fit longer studs if required.
How do I fit 17inch wheels?
You need arch modding to fit them.
Can I fit Escort Cosworth wheels?
They are very wide and are generally a nightmare to fit. But it is (sort of) possible; cut arches, remove inner wheel black rubber protection trim, use mad spacers, restrict full-lock, and hope they do not extrude too much to be illegal.
Electrical
Does the management system of my Fiesta has OBD-II interface?
No, the Mk3 uses EEC-IV management system.
Only EEC-V has OBD-II.
Is the PATS on my car internal or external?
All Ford cars up to 96 have external PATS. Find out more here
What size are the original front door speakers?
They are 13cm (5.25). The multi design speakers should fit without any work to the mounting, although new connectors on the original speakers cables are required.
What are these wires behind my headunit?
Red = permanent live (to headunit Yellow)
Yellow = ignition/accessory live (to headunit Red)
Brown = earth (to headunit Black)
Yellow/Grey = lights-on live (no connection to headunit)
By headunit, I mean an aftermarket headunit using the ISO wire-colour standard.