Diagnostic Aids

1991 Mercury Tracer Base, 4D Sedan, AutomaticSECTION Diagnostic Aids
WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 15 other vehicles, including the 1992 Mercury Tracer, 1992 Mercury Topaz, 1992 Mercury Sable, 1992 Mercury Grand Marquis, and 1992 Mercury Cougar. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Perform this test when instructed during QUICK TEST or if directed by other test procedures. See HOW TO USE CIRCUIT TESTSΒ  under CIRCUIT TESTS before performing this test. Fuel-contaminated engine oil may affect Codes 41/172, 91/136, 42/173 and 92/137. If fuel-contaminated engine oil is suspected, remove PCV valve from valve cover and repeat QUICK TESTΒ  . If problem is corrected, change engine oil and filter. Only use this test to diagnose:

  • HEGO sensor.
  • HEGO signal, ground circuit and sensor connection.
  • Vacuum systems.
  • Fuel injector and/or fuel injector circuitry.
  • ECA.
  • Electrical circuits (HEGO GND, HEGO, INJ 1-8, VPWR and SIG RTN).

To prevent replacement of good components, be aware following non-EEC areas may be cause of driveability concerns:

  • Ignition system.
  • Faulty evaporative emission system.
  • EGR system.
  • Air intake system.
  • Engine oil contamination.
  • Fuel system.
  • Intake or exhaust system leaks.
  • Engine cooling system.
CIRCUIT TEST H DTC

Service Code HEGO Sensor Orientation Fault Definition
41/172r 91/136r 176c Right or Rear Left or Front Left or Front HEGO Lean, Lack Of Switching
42/173r 92/137r 177c Right or Rear Left or Front Left or Front HEGO Rich, Lack Of Switching
144/41c 139/91c Right or Rear Left or Front No HEGO Switch Detected
171c 175c Right or Rear Left or Front Adaptive Fuel Limit Reached, Lack Of HEGO Switching
174c 178c Right or Rear Left or Front Lazy HEGO, Slow To Switch
INDIVIDUAL INJECTOR RESISTANCE

Engine Ohms
2.3L OHC & 3.0L 15.0-18.0
All Other Engines 13.0-16.0
INJECTOR BANK RESISTANCE

Engine Ohms
2.3L HSC 6.0-8.0
2.3L OHC 7.0-9.5
2.9L, 3.0L & 4.9L 5.0-6.5
5.0L, 5.8L 3.0-4.0
Fig 1: Test Schematic (1.9L)
G92H03827
RENDER: 1.0x

NO RELATED

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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.