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 SYSTEMELECTRONIC IGNITION (EI) (HIGH 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 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 EI (high data rate) system (formerly Electronic Distributorless Ignition System - EDIS) for fault codes and repair if necessary. See QUICK TEST in appropriate TESTS W/CODES article as listed below. If no fault codes are present, check ignition system wiring harness connectors for corrosion and tight fit. See Fig 1 . Clean or repair connectors as necessary.
- 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, see IGNITION SYSTEMS in appropriate SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS
article as listed below.
- 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)
- Additional information unavailable for Escort & Tracer 1.8L.
- I - SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS - EEC-IV (1.9L) (for Escort & Tracer 1.9L)
- I - SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS - EEC-IV (2.0L) (for Probe)
- I - SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS - EEC-IV (2.3L) (for Tempo & Topaz)
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:
- • 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.