TIMING BELT INTERFERENCE CAUTION
| CAUTION | The condition of camshaft timing belts should always be checked on vehicles which have more than 50,000 miles. Although some manufacturers do not recommend replacement at a specified mileage, others require it at 60,000-100,000 miles. A camshaft drive belt failure may cause extensive damage to internal engine components on most engines, although some designs do not allow piston-to-valve contact. These designs are often called "Free Wheeling". Many manufacturers changed their maintenance and warranty schedules in the mid-1980's to reflect timing belt inspection and/or replacement at 50,000-60,000 miles. Most service interval schedules shown in this section reflect these changes. Belts or components should be inspected and replaced if any of the following conditions exist |
- Crack Or Tears In Belt Surface
- Missing, Damaged, Cracked Or Rounded Teeth
- Oil Contamination
- Damaged Or Faulty Tensioners
- Incorrect Tension Adjustment
TIMING BELT REPLACEMENT INTERVAL & INTERFERENCE VERIFICATION
| Application | Year Span | Engine | Replacement Interval (Miles) |
|---|
| Aspire | 1994-96 | 1.3L 4-Cyl. | 60,000 |
| Contour | 1995-96 | 2.0L 4-Cyl. | 60,000 |
| Escort | 1981-85 | 1.6L 4-Cyl. | 60,000 |
| Escort | 1985-96 | 1.9L 4-Cyl. | 60,000 |
| Escort | 1984-87 | (2) 2.0L 4-Cyl. Diesel | (4) 100,000 |
| Escort | 1991-96 | 1.8L 4-Cyl. | 60,000 |
| EXP | 1981-85 | 1.6L 4-Cyl. | 60,000 |
| EXP | 1985-96 | 1.9L 4-Cyl. | 60,000 |
| Fairmont | 1978-83 | 2.3L 4-Cyl. | (3) 60,000 |
| Festiva | 1988-93 | 1.3L 4-Cyl. | 60,000 |
| Granada | 1981-82 | 2.3L 4-Cyl. | (3) 60,000 |
| LTD | 1983-86 | 2.3L 4-Cyl. | (3) 60,000 |
| Mustang | 1974-93 | 2.3L 4-Cyl. | (3) 60,000 |
| Pinto | 1971-74 | 2.0L 4-Cyl. | (3) 60,000 |
| Pinto | 1974-80 | 2.3L 4-Cyl. | (3) 60,000 |
| Probe | 1989-92 | (2) 2.2L 4-Cyl. | 60,000 |
| Probe | 1993-96 | (2) 2.0L 4-Cyl. | 60,000 |
| Probe | 1993-96 | 2.5L V6 | 60,000 |
| Taurus SHO | 1989-95 | 3.0L V6 | 100,000 |
| Taurus SHO | 1993-95 | 3.2L V6 | 100,000 |
| Tempo | 1984-87 | (2) 2.0L 4-Cyl. Diesel | (4) 100,000 |
| Thunderbird | 1983-88 | 2.3L 4-Cyl. | (3) 60,000 |
| (1) Other interference engine applications may exist which are not indicated here. (2) Interference engine. Check for possible damage to piston(s) or valve(s) if there has been a timing belt failure. (3) Although the vehicle manufacturer does not recommend a specific scheduled maintenance interval, aftermarket belt manufacturers suggest the belt be replaced at 60,000 mile intervals. (4) Vehicle manufacturer recommends replacing all belts at the same time. |
| (1) | Other interference engine applications may exist which are not indicated here. |
| (2) | Interference engine. Check for possible damage to piston(s) or valve(s) if there has been a timing belt failure. |
| (3) | Although the vehicle manufacturer does not recommend a specific scheduled maintenance interval, aftermarket belt manufacturers suggest the belt be replaced at 60,000 mile intervals. |
| (4) | Vehicle manufacturer recommends replacing all belts at the same time. |
TIMING BELT REPLACEMENT INTERVAL & INTERFERENCE VERIFICATION (FORD PASSENGER CARS) (1)
| Application | Year Span | Engine | Replacement Interval (Miles) |
|---|
| Bobcat | 1974-80 | 2.3L 4-Cyl. | (3) 60,000 |
| Capri | 1971-72 | 1.6L 4-Cyl. | (3) 60,000 |
| Capri | 1971-74 | 2.0L 4-Cyl. | (3) 60,000 |
| Capri | 1974-84 | 2.3L 4-Cyl. | (3) 60,000 |
| Capri | 1991-94 | 1.6L 4-Cyl. | 60,000 |
| Cougar | 1984-86 | 2.3L 4-Cyl. | (3) 60,000 |
| LN7 | 1981-85 | (2) 1.6L 4-Cyl. | (3) 60,000 |
| Lynx | 1981-85 | (2) 1.6L 4-Cyl. | (3) 60,000 |
| Lynx | 1984-87 | 1.9L 4-Cyl. | (3) 60,000 |
| Lynx | 1984-87 | 2.0L 4-Cyl. Diesel | (4) 100,000 |
| Marquis | 1983-86 | 2.3L 4-Cyl. | (3) 60,000 |
| Mystique | 1995-96 | 2.0L 4-Cyl. | 60,000 |
| Topaz | 1984-86 | (2) 2.0L 4-Cyl. Diesel | (4) 100,000 |
| Tracer | 1987-90 | 1.6L 4-Cyl. | 60,000 |
| Tracer | 1991-96 | 1.8L 4-Cyl. | 60,000 |
| Tracer | 1991-96 | 1.9L 4-Cyl. | 60,000 |
| Tracer (Canadian) | 1987, 1990 | 1.6L 4-Cyl. | (3) 60,000 |
| Zephyr | 1978-83 | 2.3L 4-Cyl. | (3) 60,000 |
| Villager | 1993-96 | (2) 3.0L V6 | 105,000 |
| (1) Other interference engine applications may exist which are not indicated here. (2) Interference engine. Check for possible damage to piston(s) or valve(s) if there has been a timing belt failure. (3) Although the vehicle manufacturer does not recommend a specific scheduled maintenance interval, aftermarket belt manufacturers suggest the belt be replaced at 60,000 mile intervals. (4) Vehicle manufacturer recommends replacing all belts at the same time. |
| (1) | Other interference engine applications may exist which are not indicated here. |
| (2) | Interference engine. Check for possible damage to piston(s) or valve(s) if there has been a timing belt failure. |
| (3) | Although the vehicle manufacturer does not recommend a specific scheduled maintenance interval, aftermarket belt manufacturers suggest the belt be replaced at 60,000 mile intervals. |
| (4) | Vehicle manufacturer recommends replacing all belts at the same time. |
TIMING BELT REPLACEMENT INTERVAL & INTERFERENCE VERIFICATION (MERCURY PASSENGER CARS) (1)
| Application | Year Span | Engine | Replacement Interval (Miles) |
|---|
| Aerostar | 1986-87 | 2.3L 4-Cyl. | (3) 60,000 |
| Courier | 1977-82 | 2.3L 4-Cyl. | (3) 60,000 |
| Ranger | 1986-88 | 2.0L 4-Cyl. | 60,000 |
| Ranger | 1983-96 | 2.3L 4-Cyl. | (3) 60,000 |
| Ranger | 1985-87 | (2) 2.3L 4-Cyl. Diesel | (3) (4) 60,000 |
| (1) Other interference engine applications may exist which are not indicated here. (2) Interference engine. Check for possible damage to piston(s) or valve(s) if there has been a timing belt failure. (3) Although the vehicle manufacturer does not recommend a specific scheduled maintenance interval, aftermarket belt manufacturers suggest the belt be replaced at 60,000 mile intervals. (4) Vehicle manufacturer recommends replacing all belts at the same time. |
| (1) | Other interference engine applications may exist which are not indicated here. |
| (2) | Interference engine. Check for possible damage to piston(s) or valve(s) if there has been a timing belt failure. |
| (3) | Although the vehicle manufacturer does not recommend a specific scheduled maintenance interval, aftermarket belt manufacturers suggest the belt be replaced at 60,000 mile intervals. |
| (4) | Vehicle manufacturer recommends replacing all belts at the same time. |
TIMING BELT REPLACEMENT INTERVAL & INTERFERENCE VERIFICATION (LIGHT TRUCKS) (1)
