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 MANUALSMERCURY1996TRACER L4-116 1.9L SOHCREPAIR AND DIAGNOSISSTARTING AND CHARGINGSTARTING SYSTEMIGNITION LOCKSERVICE AND REPAIR
1996 Mercury Tracer L4-116 1.9L SOHC
Ignition Lock: Service and Repair
1996 Mercury Tracer L4-116 1.9L SOHCSECTION Service and Repair
Ignition Switch Lock Cylinder
Removal
1. WARNING: THE ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT NECESSARY FOR DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG MODULE DEPLOYMENT IS POWERED DIRECTLY FROM THE BATTERY. TO AVOID ACCIDENTAL DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY, THE BATTERY GROUND CABLE MUST BE DISCONNECTED PRIOR TO SERVICING OR REPLACING ANY DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG MODULE SYSTEM COMPONENTS.
Remove the steering wheel. Service and Repair
2. Remove the multi-function switch. Service and Repair
3. Disconnect the ignition switch electrical connector.
4. Remove the ignition/shifter interlock cable mounting bracket bolt and position the ignition/shifter interlock cable mounting bracket and the ignition/shifter interlock cable aside.
5. Remove the four steering column upper mounting bracket bolts and lower the steering column.
6. Use a hammer and chisel to make a groove in the head of each of the two ignition switch lock cylinder bracket bolts.
7. Remove the two ignition switch lock cylinder bracket bolts with a screwdriver and discard the bolts.
8. Remove the ignition switch lock cylinder and the ignition switch lock cylinder bracket.
Installation
1. Position the ignition switch lock cylinder and bracket and install two new bolts, tightening them only enough to hold the ignition switch lock cylinder in position.
2. With the key in the ignition, verify the operation of the ignition switch lock cylinder. If necessary, reposition the ignition switch lock cylinder until it operates properly.
3. Tighten the ignition switch lock cylinder bracket bolts until the bolt heads break off.
4. Position the steering column and install the four steering column upper mounting bracket bolts. Tighten the steering column upper mounting bracket bolts to 9-14 Nm (80-124 lb-in).
5. On vehicles equipped with tilt column, remove the upper mounting bracket retaining pin.
6. Position the ignition/shifter interlock cable mounting bracket and install the bolt. Tighten the ignition/shifter interlock cable mounting bracket bolt to 4-6 Nm (35-53 lb-in).
7. Connect the ignition switch electrical connector.
8. Install the multi-function switch. Service and Repair
9. Install the steering wheel. Service and Repair
10. Inspect the shift interlock system.
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.