CHECK ENGINE Light

1991 Mercury Tracer Base, 4D Sedan, AutomaticSECTION CHECK ENGINE Light
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 1992 Mercury Tracer, 1992 Ford Probe, and 1992 Ford Escort. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

1)Β  Connect a jumper wire between the STI terminal of self-test connector and ground. See Figure and Figure . Turn ignition on. Observe CHECK ENGINE light, and record pulses to determine KOEO code(s) stored.

2)Β  If code(s) is present, go to step 4). If no code is present, go to next step.

NOTE: Reading code using CHECK ENGINE light pulses is similar to reading code using VOM needle sweeps. See ANALOG VOLT-OHMMETER (VOM) under QUICK TEST.

3)Β  If engine starts, go to step 6) to begin KOER self-test. If engine does not start, go to BASIC TESTING article in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE Section.

4)Β  Erase code from ECA memory. See CLEARING CODES under SELF-DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM. Repeat step 1) to identify hard faults. If code(s) does not reappear, fault is intermittent. Go to step 6) to begin KOER self-test. If code(s) reappear, indicating hard fault, repair fault as necessary. See CODE REFERENCE CHARTΒ  to determine the correct CIRCUIT TEST to perform. Go to next step.

5)Β  Repeat step 4) until no code appears. Terminate KOEO self-test by turning ignition off and disconnecting jumper wire from STI terminal. Go to next step to begin KOER self-test.

6)Β  Start and operate engine at 2000 RPM for 2 minutes to ensure EGO sensor is operating. Ensure vehicle is at normal operating temperature. Jumper STI terminal of self-test connector to ground. Observe CHECK ENGINE light. Record pulses to determine KOER codes stored. Use CODE REFERENCE CHARTΒ  to determine the appropriate CIRCUIT TEST to perform.

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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.