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HOMESERVICE MANUALSMERCURY1991TRACER BASE, 4D SEDAN, AUTOMATICREPAIR AND DIAGNOSISEXTERNAL PAGESDIFFERENT CARSECTION 162 (ENGINE CONTROLS - SYSTEM & COMPONENT TESTS - EEC-V)IGNITION SYSTEMSYSTEM CHECKSDIAGNOSTIC AIDS
1991 Mercury Tracer Base, 4D Sedan, Automatic

Diagnostic Aids

1991 Mercury Tracer Base, 4D Sedan, AutomaticSECTION Diagnostic Aids
WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 35 other vehicles, including the 1996 Mercury Tracer, 1996 Mercury Sable, 1996 Mercury Mystique, 1996 Mercury Grand Marquis, and 1996 Mercury Cougar. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Test procedures are intended to identify faulty components or wiring while fault is present. If complaint is an intermittent condition, refer to H - TESTS W/O CODES article or perform CIRCUIT TEST Z under CIRCUIT TESTS in appropriate G - TEST W/CODES article.

  1. Check For Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC)

    Perform QUICK TEST in appropriate G - TEST W/CODES article. If DTCs are present, service DTCs. See appropriate CIRCUIT TEST under CIRCUIT TESTS in appropriate G - TEST W/CODES article. If DTCs are not present, go to next step.

  2. Check Battery

    Turn ignition on. Check battery voltage. If battery voltage is less than 12 volts, service battery as necessary and check charging system. If battery voltage is more than 12 volts, go to next step.

  3. Check For Spark

    Using Spark Tester (D81P-6666-A or D89P-6666-A), check for spark at each spark plug wire or coil while cranking. If spark is consistent at all spark plug wires, go to next step. If spark is not consistent, go to CIRCUIT TEST JD under CIRCUIT TESTS in appropriate G - TEST W/CODES article to test crankshaft position sensor.

  4. Check Spark Plugs

    Remove and inspect spark plugs. Replace plugs as necessary. If spark plugs are okay, testing is complete. If fault is still present, go to CIRCUIT TEST H under CIRCUIT TESTS in appropriate G - TEST W/CODES article. If vehicle has a no-start condition, go to CIRCUIT TEST A under CIRCUIT TESTS in appropriate G - TEST W/CODES article.
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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.