1998 Mercury Villager GS, Van CargoFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE

Diagnostic Test Mode

  1. Ensure engine is warmed to normal operating temperature. If engine does not start, continue with testing. Turn ignition on. Ensure test equipment is properly attached.
  2. Using the NGS scan tool, select and enter the following data:
    • Select vehicle and engine selection menu.
    • Select year, engine, model and any additional information requested by scan tool.
    • Select DIAGNOSTIC DATA LINK.
    • Select PCM - POWERTRAIN CTRL MODULE.
    • Select DIAGNOSTIC TEST MODE RESULTS.
  3. At this point, scan tool should display all DTCs. Write down codes in order displayed. If a communication problem exists between scan tool and PCM, see COMMUNICATION ERROR  under SELF-DIAGNOSTICS USING SCAN TOOL.
    NOTE: If a DTC is retrieved during QUICK TEST, PCM may have stored PID data. See FREEZE FRAME DATA MODE  under ADDITIONAL SYSTEM FEATURES. If desired, check freeze frame data before clearing codes. Clearing codes will erase freeze frame data.
  4. To determine if codes will reappear, indicating a hard (non-intermittent) fault, clear codes and recheck for codes. See CLEARING CODES (WITH SCAN TOOL) . If DTC immediately returns, malfunction is considered to be a hard fault. If a DTC does not immediately return, vehicle may need to be driven in a special pattern to cause code to reset. See DRIVE CYCLES .
  5. If one or more DTCs were retrieved, refer to SCAN TOOL DTC DIRECTORY  to find proper CIRCUIT TEST to perform. Service DTCs in order scan tool displayed them. If no DTCs or Code P0000 (pass code) were retrieved, proceed to TESTS W/O CODES article.
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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.

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