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
Test C: Powertrain Control Module (Pcm) Does Not Respond To NGS
NOTE:
Circuit No. 914 (White/Blue wire) and circuit No. 915 (Black/Blue wire) are a twisted pair and cannot be repaired. They must be replaced as an assembly.
- Connect New Generation Star (NGS) scan tester to Data Link Connector (DLC) and perform proper hook-up procedure. See EQUIPMENT HOOK-UP . Retrieve continuous DTCs. See RETRIEVING DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES under COMMUNICATION NETWORK DIAGNOSTICS . If DTC 0001 is retrieved for circuit No. 914 (White/Blue wire), go to next step. If DTC 0001 is not retrieved for circuit No. 914 (White/Blue wire), go to step 4).
- Turn ignition off. Disconnect PCM 104-pin connector C212 (located under center console). Inspect PCM 104-pin connector for damage. Inspect DLC for damage. If both connectors are okay, go to next step. If connector(s) are damaged, repair as necessary.
- Connect EEC-V 104-Pin Breakout Box (014-00950) to PCM 104-pin connector C212. Measure resistance between breakout box pin No. 16 and DLC pin No. 2 (White/Blue wire). Measure resistance between breakout box pin No. 16 and ground. If resistance is less than 5 ohms between breakout box and DLC, and greater than 10 k/ohms between breakout box and ground, go to next step. If resistance(s) are not as specified, replace harness assembly as necessary.
- Turn ignition off. Disconnect PCM 104-pin connector C212 (located under center console). Inspect PCM 104-pin connector for damage. Inspect Data Link Connector (DLC) for damage. If both connectors are okay, go to next step. If connector(s) are damaged, repair as necessary.
- Connect EEC-V 104-Pin Breakout Box (014-00950) to PCM 104-pin connector C212. Measure resistance between breakout box pin No. 15 and DLC pin No. 10 (Black/Blue wire). Measure resistance between breakout box pin No. 15 and ground. If resistance is less than 5 ohms between breakout box and DLC, and greater than 10 k/ohms between breakout box and ground, go to next step. If resistance(s) are not as specified, replace harness assembly as necessary.
- Measure resistance between breakout box pin No. 13 and DLC pin No. 13 (Pink/Green wire). Measure resistance between breakout box pin No. 13 and ground. If resistance is less than 5 ohms between breakout box and DLC, and greater than 10 k/ohms between breakout box and ground, replace PCM. If resistance(s) are not as specified, repair Pink/Green wire.
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.