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.
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HOMESERVICE MANUALSMERCURY1991TRACER BASE, 4D SEDAN, AUTOMATICREPAIR AND DIAGNOSISEXTERNAL PAGESDIFFERENT CARSECTION 48 (ENGINE CONTROLS - BASIC TESTING - V6)IGNITION CHECKSELECTRONIC IGNITION (EI) (LOW DATA RATE) SYSTEMSPARK CHECK
1991 Mercury Tracer Base, 4D Sedan, Automatic
Spark Check
1991 Mercury Tracer Base, 4D Sedan, AutomaticSECTION Spark Check
WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 9 other vehicles, including the 1994 Mercury Topaz, 1994 Mercury Sable, 1994 Mercury Cougar, 1994 Lincoln Continental, and 1994 Ford Thunderbird. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- Check the EI (low data rate) system (formerly DIS) for fault codes and repair if necessary. Proceed to QUICK TEST in appropriate TESTS W/CODES
article as listed below. If no fault codes are retrieved, check ignition system wiring harness connectors for corrosion and tight fit. See Fig 1. Clean or repair connectors as necessary.
- TESTS W/CODES - EEC 2.5L (for Probe)
- TESTS W/CODES - EEC-IV (3.8L) (for Continental, Cougar, Mustang, Sable, Taurus & Thunderbird)
- TESTS W/CODES - EEC-IV (3.2L SHO) (for Taurus)
- TESTS W/CODES - EEC-IV (3.0L) (for Sable, Taurus, Tempo & Topaz)
- TESTS W/CODES - EEC-V (3.8L) (for Mustang)
- If wiring and connectors are okay, use Neon Bulb Spark Tester (D89P-6666-A) to check for spark at each spark plug wire while cranking engine. If spark is strong and consistent at each spark plug (one spark per crankshaft revolution), ignition system is okay. If spark is not present, go to IGNITION SYSTEMS in appropriate SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS
article listed below.
- SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS - EEC (2.5L) (for Probe 2.5L)
- SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS - EEC-IV (3.0L) (for Sable, Taurus, Tempo & Topaz)
- SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS - EEC-IV (3.2L SHO) (for Taurus)
- SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS - EEC-IV (3.8L) (for Continental, Cougar, Sable, Taurus & Thunderbird)
- SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS - EEC-V (for Mustang)
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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.