1988 Mercury Tracer Repair Manual

The 1988 Mercury Tracer is a compact front-wheel drive vehicle featuring a 1.6L 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual or 3-speed automatic transmission, MacPherson strut front suspension, and rack-and-pinion steering. This comprehensive repair manual covers routine maintenance, engine service, transmission repair, brake systems, electrical troubleshooting, and more for the 1988 model year. Below are key sections for specifications, maintenance schedules, troubleshooting, and repair procedures.

1. Vehicle Specifications 2. Maintenance Schedule 3. Engine Repair 4. Transmission Service 5. Brake Systems 6. Electrical System 7. Suspension & Steering 8. Cooling System 9. Fuel System 10. Safety Information 11. Troubleshooting Guide

Vehicle Specifications

Technical specifications for the 1988 Mercury Tracer including engine, transmission, dimensions, and capacities.

Specification	Details
Engine Type	1.6L 4-cylinder SOHC
Horsepower	82 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque	92 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm
Transmission	5-speed manual or 3-speed automatic
Fuel System	Electronic fuel injection
Fuel Capacity	13.2 gallons
Curb Weight	2,150 lbs
Wheelbase	94.7 inches
Length	167.3 inches
Brake System	Front disc, rear drum

Maintenance Schedule

Recommended maintenance intervals for optimal vehicle performance and longevity.

Oil and filter change: Every 3,000 miles or 3 months
Air filter replacement: Every 15,000 miles
Spark plugs: Replace every 30,000 miles
Timing belt: Inspect every 60,000 miles, replace at 90,000 miles
Brake fluid: Flush every 30,000 miles or 2 years
Coolant: Replace every 30,000 miles or 2 years

WARNING! Always use jack stands when working under vehicle. Never rely solely on hydraulic jack.

Engine Repair

Procedures for engine maintenance and repair including tune-up, timing belt replacement, and valve adjustment.

Spark plug replacement: Gap 0.044 inches, torque to 18 ft-lbs
Timing belt: Align marks on cam and crank sprockets before installation
Valve clearance: Intake 0.008-0.010 in, exhaust 0.010-0.012 in (cold)
Compression test: Minimum 125 psi, variation less than 15% between cylinders
Oil pressure: 35-65 psi at 2000 rpm when warm

CAUTION! Allow engine to cool before performing any repair work to prevent burns.

Transmission Service

Manual Transmission: Fluid capacity 2.1 quarts, use 75W-90 GL-4 gear oil
Automatic Transmission: Fluid capacity 6.9 quarts, use Mercon ATF
Shift Linkage: Adjust for proper gear engagement
Clutch: Pedal free play 0.4-0.8 inches, replace at 0.08 inch minimum thickness
Differential: Integrated with manual transaxle, same fluid

Brake Systems

Brake system service including pad replacement, rotor resurfacing, and hydraulic system maintenance.

Front Brakes: Disc brakes with single piston calipers, rotor minimum thickness 0.87 inches. Rear Brakes: Drum brakes with self-adjusting mechanism, drum maximum diameter 7.87 inches.

Brake fluid: DOT 3, bleed system starting from wheel farthest from master cylinder. Parking brake: Adjust at equalizer when handle travels 6-8 clicks.

Electrical System

Battery: 12V 450 CCA, negative ground. Alternator: 65 amp output. Fuse panel location: Under dashboard driver's side.

Battery testing: Load test at 1/2 CCA rating for 15 seconds
Charging system: Voltage 13.5-14.5V at 2000 rpm with loads off
Starter draw: 130-180 amps cranking
Spark plug wires: Resistance 3000-7000 ohms per foot

Tip: Disconnect battery negative cable before performing electrical work.

Suspension & Steering

Front suspension: MacPherson struts with coil springs and stabilizer bar. Rear suspension: Twist beam axle with coil springs.

Strut replacement: Compress spring before disassembly
Wheel alignment: Toe-in 0.08±0.08 inches, camber -0.5°±0.5°
Ball joints: Check for vertical play, replace if exceeds 0.125 inches
Tie rod ends: Replace if horizontal play exceeds 0.125 inches
Steering gear: Rack and pinion, 3.0 turns lock-to-lock

WARNING! Always use proper spring compressor when working with struts.

Cooling System

Cooling system capacity: 6.3 quarts. Thermostat: Opens at 190°F. Pressure cap: 13-15 psi.

Fuel System

Fuel pump pressure: 35-40 psi. Injector resistance: 12-16 ohms. Fuel filter replacement: Every 30,000 miles.

CAUTION! Relieve fuel pressure before disconnecting fuel lines. No smoking or open flames.

Safety Information

Always wear safety glasses and gloves when performing repairs. Use jack stands - never work under vehicle supported only by jack. Keep work area clean and well-ventilated. Dispose of fluids properly according to local regulations.

Troubleshooting Guide

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Fuel, spark, or compression issue	Check fuel pressure, spark at plugs, compression test
Poor acceleration	Clogged filter, timing, fuel pressure	Replace air/fuel filters, check timing, test fuel pressure
Overheating	Coolant leak, thermostat, water pump	Pressure test system, replace thermostat, check pump
Brake pull	Stuck caliper, fluid contamination	Clean/lubricate slides, flush brake fluid
Electrical issues	Battery, alternator, grounds	Load test battery, check charging output, clean grounds

Technical Support: 1-800-MERCURY; www.mercuryvehicles.com