Home ReviewsRefund
Home/Mercury/Tracer/Mercury Tracer I (1991-1999)/Repair manual/Testing & Diagnostics/Engine Controls - Tests W/o Codes - Eec (1.8L): Other
Contents Wiring diagrams Section: Testing & Diagnostics All sections

Engine Controls - Tests W/o Codes - Eec (1.8L): Other Mercury Tracer I

Testing & Diagnostics ~1839 words

NO CRANK

  1. Check battery voltage.
  2. Check starting circuit.
  3. Check starter motor.
  4. Check for seized engine or damaged flywheel.

HARD START/LONG CRANK

  1. Check for vacuum leaks.
  2. Perform QUICK TEST. See the «TESTS W/CODES - EEC (1.8L)»(ref-23087) article.
  3. Check ignition system. See the «BASIC TESTING - 1.8L»(ref-23200) article.
  4. Check fuel delivery system. See the «SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS - EEC (1.8L)»(ref-23202) article.
  5. Check by-pass air control and idle air control systems. See the «SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS - EEC (1.8L)»(ref-23202) article.
  6. Check EGR system. See the appropriate «SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS - EEC (1.8L)»(ref-23202) and the «TESTS W/CODES - EEC (1.8L)»(ref-23087) articles.
  7. Check radiator cooling fan operation (hard, hot start only).
  8. Check engine compression. Check engine mechanical condition.

Check intake manifold, manifold gasket, camshaft and valves.

STALL AFTER START

  1. Check for vacuum leaks.
  2. Perform QUICK TEST. See the «TESTS W/CODES - EEC (1.8L)»(ref-23087) article.
  3. Check by-pass air control and idle air control systems. See the «SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS - EEC (1.8L)»(ref-23202) article.
  4. Check fuel delivery system. See the «SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS - EEC (1.8L)»(ref-23202) article.
  5. Check EGR system. See the appropriate «SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS - EEC (1.8L)»(ref-23202) and the «TESTS W/CODES - EEC (1.8L)»(ref-23087) articles.
  6. Check PCV system.
  7. Check EVAP system. See the appropriate «SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS - EEC (1.8L)»(ref-23202) and the «TESTS W/CODES - EEC (1.8L)»(ref-23087) articles.
  8. Check basic engine condition. Ensure timing belt and valve train are okay.
  9. Check ignition system. See the «BASIC TESTING - 1.8L»(ref-23200) article.

NO START/NORMAL CRANK

CAUTIONExtended cranking can cause damage to catalytic converter. After repairing NO START condition, disconnect fuel injector connectors and crank engine until excessive fuel is purged from exhaust system, as evidenced by absence of fuel odor in exhaust system.
  1. Perform QUICK TEST. See the «TESTS W/CODES - EEC (1.8L)»(ref-23087) article.
  2. Check ignition system. See the «BASIC TESTING - 1.8L»(ref-23200) article.
  3. Check engine compression and overall mechanical condition. Check condition of timing belt, camshaft and valves.
  4. Check by-pass air control and idle air control systems. See the «SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS - EEC (1.8L)»(ref-23202) article.
  5. Check EGR system. See the appropriate «SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS - EEC (1.8L)»(ref-23202) and the «TESTS W/CODES - EEC (1.8L)»(ref-23087) articles.
  6. Check fuel delivery system. See the «SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS - EEC (1.8L)»(ref-23202) article.

SLOW RETURN TO IDLE

  1. Perform QUICK TEST. See the «TESTS W/CODES - EEC (1.8L)»(ref-23087) article.
  2. Check fuel delivery system. See the appropriate «SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS - EEC (1.8L)»(ref-23202) article.
  3. Check for vacuum leaks.
  4. Check air intake system. Ensure by-pass air control system and throttle linkages operate properly. See the appropriate «SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS - EEC (1.8L)»(ref-23202) article.

IDLE SURGE, RUNS ROUGH OR MISSES

  1. Check for vacuum leaks.
  2. Check by-pass air control and idle air control systems. See the «SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS - EEC (1.8L)»(ref-23202) article.
  3. Check ignition system. See the «BASIC TESTING - 1.8L»(ref-23200) article.
  4. Check fuel delivery system. See the appropriate «SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS - EEC (1.8L)»(ref-23202) article.
  5. Perform QUICK TEST. See the appropriate «TESTS W/CODES - EEC (1.8L)»(ref-23087) article.
  6. Check EGR system. See the appropriate «SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS - EEC (1.8L)»(ref-23202) and the «TESTS W/CODES - EEC (1.8L)»(ref-23087) articles.
  7. Check PCV system.
  8. Check engine compression. Check condition of timing belt, intake manifold gasket, camshaft and valves.

FAST IDLE, DIESELS/RUNS ON

  1. Check by-pass air control and idle air control systems. See the «SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS - EEC (1.8L)»(ref-23202) article. Also, ensure throttle plate and linkages operate properly.
  2. Check for vacuum leaks.
  3. Perform QUICK TEST. See the «TESTS W/CODES - EEC (1.8L)»(ref-23087) article.
  4. Check cooling system.
  5. Check A/C system.

LOW/SLOW IDLE, STALLS/QUITS

  1. Check by-pass air control and idle air control systems. See the «SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS - EEC (1.8L)»(ref-23202) article.
  2. Check fuel delivery system. See the appropriate «SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS - EEC (1.8L)»(ref-23202) article.
  3. Perform QUICK TEST. See the «TESTS W/CODES - EEC (1.8L)»(ref-23087) article.
  4. Check EGR system. See the appropriate «SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS - EEC (1.8L)»(ref-23202) and the «TESTS W/CODES - EEC (1.8L)»(ref-23087) articles.

STALLS/QUITS, HESITATION/STUMBLE

  1. Ensure base idle speed is correct. See IDLE SPEED in the «ADJUSTMENTS - 1.8L»(ref-23131) article.
  2. Check by-pass air control and idle air control systems. See the «SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS - EEC (1.8L)»(ref-23202) article.
  3. Perform QUICK TEST. See the «TESTS W/CODES - EEC (1.8L)»(ref-23087) article.
  4. Check ignition system. See the «BASIC TESTING - 1.8L»(ref-23200) article.
  5. Check fuel delivery system. See the appropriate «SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS - EEC (1.8L)»(ref-23202) article.
  6. Check EGR system. See the appropriate «SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS - EEC (1.8L)»(ref-23202) and the «TESTS W/CODES - EEC (1.8L)»(ref-23087) articles.
  7. Check engine compression. Check condition of timing belt, intake manifold gasket, camshaft and valves.
  8. Check exhaust system. Ensure exhaust system is not leaking or clogged.

RUNS ROUGH/MISSES

  1. Check ignition system. See the «BASIC TESTING - 1.8L»(ref-23200) article.
  2. Perform QUICK TEST. See the «TESTS W/CODES - EEC (1.8L)»(ref-23087) article.
  3. Check fuel delivery system. See the appropriate «SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS - EEC (1.8L)»(ref-23202) article.
  4. Check EGR system. See the appropriate «SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS - EEC (1.8L)»(ref-23202) and the «TESTS W/CODES - EEC (1.8L)»(ref-23087) articles.

SURGES

  1. Check for vacuum leaks.
  2. Check ignition system. See the «BASIC TESTING - 1.8L»(ref-23200) article.
  3. Check by-pass air control and idle air control systems. See the «SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS - EEC (1.8L)»(ref-23202) article.
  4. Check fuel delivery system. See the appropriate «SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS - EEC (1.8L)»(ref-23202) article.
  5. Perform QUICK TEST. See the «TESTS W/CODES - EEC (1.8L)»(ref-23087) article.
  6. Check EGR system. See the appropriate «SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS - EEC (1.8L)»(ref-23202) and the «TESTS W/CODES - EEC (1.8L)»(ref-23087) articles.
  7. Check EVAP system. See the appropriate «SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS - EEC (1.8L)»(ref-23202) and the «TESTS W/CODES - EEC (1.8L)»(ref-23087) articles.

BACKFIRES

  1. Check for vacuum leaks.
  2. Check ignition system. See the «BASIC TESTING - 1.8L»(ref-23200) article.
  3. Check engine compression. Check engine mechanical condition. Check intake manifold, manifold gasket, camshaft and valves.
  4. Perform QUICK TEST. See the «TESTS W/CODES - EEC (1.8L)»(ref-23087) article.
  5. Check by-pass air control and idle air control systems. See the «SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS - EEC (1.8L)»(ref-23202) article.
  6. Check for leaking or restricted exhaust system.
  7. Check fuel delivery system. See the appropriate «SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS - EEC (1.8L)»(ref-23202) article.

LOSS OF POWER

  1. Check air intake system. Also, ensure throttle plate and linkages operate properly.
  2. Check ignition system. See the «BASIC TESTING - 1.8L»(ref-23200) article.
  3. Check fuel delivery system. See the appropriate «SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS - EEC (1.8L)»(ref-23202) article.
  4. Check for restricted exhaust system.
  5. Check EGR system. See the appropriate «SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS - EEC (1.8L)»(ref-23202) and the «TESTS W/CODES - EEC (1.8L)»(ref-23087) articles.
  6. Check engine compression. Check engine mechanical condition. Check timing belt, intake manifold gasket, camshaft and valves.
  7. Perform QUICK TEST. See the «TESTS W/CODES - EEC (1.8L)»(ref-23087) article.
  8. On M/T models, ensure clutch is operating properly.
  9. On A/T models, ensure transmission is operating properly.
  10. Check for dragging brakes.

SPARK KNOCK

  1. Check ignition system. See the «BASIC TESTING - 1.8L»(ref-23200) article.
  2. Check for vacuum leaks.
  3. Check EGR system. See the appropriate «SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS - EEC (1.8L)»(ref-23202) and the «TESTS W/CODES - EEC (1.8L)»(ref-23087) articles.
  4. Perform QUICK TEST. See the «TESTS W/CODES - EEC (1.8L)»(ref-23087) article.
  5. Check cooling system for overheating.

POOR FUEL ECONOMY

  1. Check for vacuum leaks.
  2. Check ignition system. See the «BASIC TESTING - 1.8L»(ref-23200) article.
  3. Check air intake system. Also, ensure throttle plate and linkages operate properly.
  4. Check fuel delivery system. See the appropriate «SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS - EEC (1.8L)»(ref-23202) article.
  5. Perform QUICK TEST. See the «TESTS W/CODES - EEC (1.8L)»(ref-23087) article.
  6. Check EGR system. See the appropriate «SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS - EEC (1.8L)»(ref-23202) and the «TESTS W/CODES - EEC (1.8L)»(ref-23087) articles.
  7. Check cooling system thermostat.
  8. Check for slipping clutch.
  9. Check for dragging brakes.
  10. Check odometer calibration.
  11. Vehicle load, driving habits, road and weather conditions can also effect fuel economy.
  12. Check for restricted exhaust system.
  13. Check engine compression. Check engine mechanical condition. Check intake manifold, manifold gasket, camshaft and valves.

EMISSIONS COMPLIANCE

If a vehicle fails an emission test, it is probable that catalytic converter was not hot enough immediately prior to the test, or the vehicle had idled excessively long prior to the test.

The following encompasses most of the emissions measurement modes of current state idle test procedures

  1. Ensure engine is at normal operating temperature and all accessories are turned off.
  2. Check emissions at idle.
  3. Operate engine at 2200-2800 RPM.
  4. Check emissions within 30 seconds.
  5. Return engine speed to idle.
  6. Check emissions within 30 seconds.

If any emission component is changed, PCM memory should be cleared before repeating state emission test procedure. See the TESTS W/CODES - EEC (1.8L) article.

  1. Perform QUICK TEST. See the «TESTS W/CODES - EEC (1.8L)»(ref-23087) article.
  2. Check ignition system. See the «BASIC TESTING - 1.8L»(ref-23200) article.
  3. Check for vacuum leaks.
  4. Check fuel delivery system. See the appropriate «SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS - EEC (1.8L)»(ref-23202) article.
  5. Check EGR system. See the appropriate «SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS - EEC (1.8L)»(ref-23202) and the «TESTS W/CODES - EEC (1.8L)»(ref-23087) articles.
  6. Check PCV system.
  7. Check EVAP system. See the appropriate «SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS - EEC (1.8L)»(ref-23202) and the «TESTS W/CODES - EEC (1.8L)»(ref-23087) articles.
  8. Check by-pass air control and idle air control systems. See the «SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS - EEC (1.8L)»(ref-23202) article.
  9. Check for leaking or restricted exhaust system. Check condition of catalytic converter and air injection system.
  10. Check cooling system.
  11. Check engine compression. Check engine mechanical condition. Check timing belt, intake manifold gasket, camshaft and valves.

WARNING INDICATOR LIGHTS

Use the following symptoms when the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) is on or flashing while driving

  1. If Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) is on or flashing while driving, perform QUICK TEST. See the «TESTS W/CODES - EEC (1.8L)»(ref-23087) article.
  2. If overdrive off light is on or flashing while driving, check for transmission codes and repair as necessary.

HIGH OIL CONSUMPTION

  1. Ensure engine oil is at proper level. Check for proper oil dipstick application.
  2. Check engine for external oil leaks.
  3. Check PCV system.
  4. Visually inspect exhaust for blue smoke.
  5. Check for engine oil contamination/dilution from fuel or coolant.

COOLING SYSTEM RUNS HOT

  1. Check cooling system.
  2. Check temperature gauge accuracy.
  3. Perform QUICK TEST. See the «TESTS W/CODES - EEC (1.8L)»(ref-23087) article.
  4. Check ignition system. See the «BASIC TESTING - 1.8L»(ref-23200) article.
  5. Check engine compression. Check engine mechanical condition. Check intake manifold, manifold gasket, camshaft and valves.

COOLING SYSTEM RUNS COLD

  1. Check cooling system.
  2. Check temperature gauge accuracy.
  3. Perform QUICK TEST. See the «TESTS W/CODES - EEC (1.8L)»(ref-23087) article.

EXHAUST SMOKE OR SMELL

Inspect the following components of the catalytic converter, exhaust system and related components that may effect exhaust gas quality, cause backfire or loss of power

  1. Test emissions.
  2. Check EGR system. See the appropriate «SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS - EEC (1.8L)»(ref-23202) and the «TESTS W/CODES - EEC (1.8L)»(ref-23087) articles.
  3. Check air intake system. Ensure air filter is clean.
  4. Check fuel delivery system. Ensure no leaking fuel injectors.
  5. Perform QUICK TEST. See the «TESTS W/CODES - EEC (1.8L)»(ref-23087) article.
  6. Check PCV system.
  7. Check engine compression. Check engine mechanical condition. Check intake manifold, manifold gasket, camshaft and valves.
  8. Ensure idle speed is correct. See IDLE SPEED in the «ADJUSTMENTS - 1.8L»(ref-23131) article.
  9. Check cooling system.

FUEL ODOR

  1. Check fuel delivery system. See the appropriate «SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS - EEC (1.8L)»(ref-23202) article.
  2. Check EVAP system. See the appropriate «SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS - EEC (1.8L)»(ref-23202) and the «TESTS W/CODES - EEC (1.8L)»(ref-23087) articles.
  3. Check PCV system.

Intermittent Simulation

To reproduce the conditions creating an intermittent fault, use the following methods

  1. Lightly vibrate components.
  2. Heat component.
  3. Wiggle or bend wiring harness.
  4. Spray component with water.
  5. Remove/apply vacuum source.

Monitor circuit/component voltage or resistance while attempting to simulate intermittent. If engine is running, monitor for self-diagnostic codes. See the TESTS W/CODES - EEC (1.8L) article. Use the results to identify a faulty component or circuit.

More articles — Engine Controls - Tests W/o Codes - Eec (1.8L)