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.
1997 Mercury Tracer GS, AutomaticFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE
Data Link Diagnostics
- Connect New Generation Star (NGS) scan tester on Data Link Connector (DLC) and perform proper hook-up procedure. See EQUIPMENT HOOK-UP .
- Turn ignition switch to ON position. Rotate dial on scan tester to menu item DIAGNOSTIC DATA LINK and press trigger. A test will be performed on the BUS (circuits No. 914 and 915) for the module communications network and the ISO 9141 communication link circuit No. 70. This is the Orange wire that goes between terminal No. 7 on DLC and Remote Anti-theft Personality (RAP) module and Anti-lock Brake (ABS) module.
- If scan tester displays CKT 914 (+) = SYSTEM PASSED and CKT 915 (-) = 0000, module communications network is okay. If scan tester displays CKT 70 = SYSTEM PASSED, ISO 9141 communication link is operating properly.
- If scan tester displays CKT 914 (+) = 000000001 and CKT 915(-) = 000000001, go to TEST C: POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) DOES NOT RESPOND TO NGS under TESTING .
- If scan tester displays ABS NO RESPONSE/NOT EQUIPPED, go to TEST A: ANTI-LOCK CONTROL SYSTEM DOES NOT RESPOND TO NGS under TESTING .
- If scan tester displays RAP NO RESPONSE/NOT EQUIPPED, go to TEST B: REMOTE ANTI-THEFT PERSONALITY (RAP) MODULE DOES NOT RESPOND TO NGS under TESTING .
- If scan tester displays PCM NO RESPONSE ON CKT 914 (BUS+) OR CKT 915 (BUS-), go to TEST C: POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) DOES NOT RESPOND TO NGS under TESTING .
- If scan tester displays CKT 70 = 00000000F, go to TEST D: NO MODULE/NETWORK COMMUNICATION.
Factory Service Tools
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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.