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 53 (ENGINE CONTROLS - BASIC DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES)IGNITION SYSTEMDISTRIBUTOR IGNITION (DI) SYSTEMSPARK CHECK
1991 Mercury Tracer Base, 4D Sedan, Automatic
Spark Check
1991 Mercury Tracer Base, 4D Sedan, AutomaticSECTION Spark Check
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 1994 Mercury Tracer, 1994 Mercury Topaz, 1994 Ford Tempo, 1994 Ford Probe, and 1994 Ford Escort. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- Check the DI system (formerly Thick Film Ignition-IV (TFI-IV) system) for fault codes and repair if necessary. proceed to QUICK TEST in appropriate TESTS W/CODES
article in this section. Refer to the following menu. If no fault codes are retrieved, check ignition system wiring harness connectors for damage, corrosion and tight fit. See Fig 1
.
- G - TESTS W/CODES - EEC 1.8L (for Escort & Tracer)
- G - TESTS W/CODES - EEC-IV (1.9L) (for Escort & Tracer)
- G - TESTS W/CODES - EEC-IV (2.0L) (for Probe)
- G - TESTS W/CODES - EEC-IV (2.3L) (for Tempo & Topaz)
- If no fault codes are retrieved and vehicle starts, problem is intermittent, go to appropriate TESTS W/O CODES
article as listed below. If no fault codes are retrieved and vehicle is a no-start, connect a high-output spark tester between ignition coil wire and engine ground. Check for spark at coil wire while cranking engine. A consistent Blue
spark should be present.
- H - TESTS W/O CODES - EEC 1.8L (for Escort & Tracer)
- H - TESTS W/O CODES - EEC-IV (1.9L) (for Escort & Tracer)
- H - TESTS W/O CODES - EEC-IV (2.0L) (for Probe)
- H - TESTS W/O CODES - EEC-IV (2.3L) (for Tempo & Topaz)
- If spark is present, go to step 4). If no spark is present, remove distributor cap and crank engine to ensure distributor rotates. If okay, check resistance of coil secondary wire. Resistance should be less than 7000 ohms per foot. Service coil wire if necessary and retest. If spark is not present, refer to the appropriate SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS
article as listed below for component testing. Also refer to appropriate TESTS W/O CODES
- EEC or appropriate TESTS W/O CODES
- EEC-IV article as listed above.
- I - SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS - EEC (1.8L) (for Escort & Tracer)
- I - SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS - EEC-IV (1.9L) (for Escort & Tracer)
- I - SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS - EEC-IV (2.0L) (for Probe)
- I - SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS - EEC-IV (2.3L) (for Tempo & Topaz)
- On all models, if a consistent Blue
spark is present at coil wire during cranking, inspect distributor cap and rotor for cracks or carbon tracking. Service as necessary and test spark output at spark plugs. If spark is present at spark plugs and engine will not start, proceed to appropriate TESTS W/O CODES
- EEC and TESTS W/O CODES
- EEC-IV articles as listed below.
- H - TESTS W/O CODES - EEC 1.8L (for Escort & Tracer)
- H - TESTS W/O CODES - EEC-IV (1.9L) (for Escort & Tracer)
- H - TESTS W/O CODES - EEC-IV (2.0L) (for Probe)
- H - TESTS W/O CODES - EEC-IV (2.3L) (for Tempo & Topaz)
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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.