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HOMESERVICE MANUALSMERCURY1995TRACER LTS, STANDARDREPAIR AND DIAGNOSISENGINE PERFORMANCESYSTEMENGINE CONTROLS - BASIC TESTING - 1.8LIGNITION CHECKSENGINE CONTROLS - BASIC TESTING - 1.8LINITIAL INSPECTION
1995 Mercury Tracer LTS, Standard

Initial Inspection

1995 Mercury Tracer LTS, StandardSECTION Initial Inspection
  1. Visually inspect ignition system components and wiring for evidence of damage or looseness. Check condition of spark plugs, spark plug wires, distributor cap and rotor. Repair or replace damaged components.
  2. Ensure idle speed and ignition timing are correct. Check condition of timing belt. A worn or loose belt can cause ignition timing to be erratic.
  3. Ensure spark plug wires are routed in correct firing order. Firing order is 1-3-4-2. See the appropriate SPECIFICATIONS - 1.8L article in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE section for further information.
  4. Check For Spark  Disconnect a spark plug wire from spark plug. Connect a Spark Tester (D81P-6666-A) between spark plug wire and ground. Crank engine and check for a strong consistent spark. Repeat test for each spark plug wire. If no spark is present, go to next step. If spark is inconsistent, check distributor cap, rotor and spark plug wires. If spark is okay, check fuel system.
  5. Remove high tension coil lead from distributor cap. Connect a Spark Tester (D81P-6666-A) between coil wire and ground. Check spark while cranking engine. If no spark is present, go to next step. If spark is consistent, check distributor cap and rotor.
  6. Ensure distributor rotor turns while cranking engine. Repair as necessary. Using a DVOM, check resistance of coil high tension wire. Coil high tension wire resistance should be 4000-7000 ohms per foot. Replace as necessary. If okay, go to next step.
  7. Check Power To Coil  Disconnect primary wires from ignition coil. Turn ignition on. Measure voltage of Blue wire at coil connector. If greater than 10 volts, go to next step. If less than 10 volts, repair Blue wire between ignition coil and ignition switch.
  8. Check Coil  Ensure ignition coil is disconnected. Using a DVOM, measure resistance of ignition coil between primary wire terminals (Blue wire and Yellow/Blue wire terminals). Measure resistance between ignition coil secondary terminal and positive primary terminal (Blue wire terminal). See IGNITION COIL RESISTANCE table for specification. If readings are not within specification, replace ignition coil. If ignition coil resistance is okay, go to next step.
  9. Check IDM Circuit  Turn ignition off. Unplug harness connectors from ignition coil and Ignition Control Module (ICM). Using ohmmeter, check for open or short to ground in IDM circuit (Yellow/Blue wire). Service Yellow/Blue wire as necessary. If IDM circuit is okay, go to next step.
  10. Check SPOUT Signal  Turn ignition off. Unplug harness connectors from ignition coil and ICM. Connect a test light between power wire (Blue wire) at ignition coil harness connector and SPOUT wire (Green/White wire) at ICM harness connector. Crank engine. If test light does not flash, go to next step. If test light flashes, circuit is okay. Replace ICM.
  11. Turn ignition off. Disconnect PCM and ICM connectors. Check SPOUT wire (Green/White wire) between ICM connector and PCM connector (Pin No. 1G) for open or short to ground. Repair Green/White wire as necessary. If SPOUT circuit is okay, replace PCM.
RENDER: 1.0x

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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.