1994 Mercury Tracer

Introduction

The 1994 Mercury Tracer is a compact car available in sedan and hatchback body styles. It offers a choice of two engines: a 1.9-liter four-cylinder with 118 horsepower and 130 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 125 horsepower and 140 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options include a five-speed manual and a four-speed automatic. The Tracer is known for its affordability, fuel efficiency, and reliability. However, it has some common issues that potential buyers should be aware of.

Engine

1.9-liter Four-Cylinder

• Ignition Coil Failure: Symptoms include hard starting, stalling, and misfiring. Solution: Replace the ignition coil. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
• Intake Manifold Gasket Leak: Symptoms include coolant leaks, rough idling, and poor performance. Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket. Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
• Head Gasket Failure: Symptoms include overheating, coolant leaks, and white smoke from the exhaust. Solution: Replace the head gasket. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+

2.0-liter Four-Cylinder

• Throttle Position Sensor Failure: Symptoms include erratic idling, stalling, and poor fuel economy. Solution: Replace the throttle position sensor. Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
• Exhaust Manifold Leak: Symptoms include a rattling noise while driving and reduced engine performance. Solution: Replace the exhaust manifold. Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600+
• Camshaft Position Sensor Failure: Symptoms include difficulty starting, stalling, and reduced engine power. Solution: Replace the camshaft position sensor. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $300+

Transmission

Five-Speed Manual

• Clutch Failure: Symptoms include difficulty shifting gears, slipping, and chatter. Solution: Replace the clutch assembly. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800+

Four-Speed Automatic

• Transmission Solenoid Failure: Symptoms include erratic shifting, slipping, and no forward or reverse gears. Solution: Replace the transmission solenoid. Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
• Torque Converter Failure: Symptoms include shuddering while driving, slipping, and overheating. Solution: Replace the torque converter. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+

Suspension

• Strut Mount Failure: Symptoms include clunking noises while driving, poor handling, and uneven tire wear. Solution: Replace the strut mounts. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $300+
• Ball Joint Failure: Symptoms include clunking noises when turning or hitting bumps, and uneven tire wear. Solution: Replace the ball joints. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+

Electrical

• Alternator Failure: Symptoms include dim headlights, flickering dashboard lights, and difficulty starting. Solution: Replace the alternator. Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
• Starter Failure: Symptoms include difficulty starting the engine or a grinding noise when starting. Solution: Replace the starter. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
• Battery Failure: Symptoms include difficulty starting the engine, dim headlights, and a dead battery. Solution: Replace the battery. Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+

Exterior

• Rust on Body Panels: Symptoms include rust spots and holes on the body panels. Solution: Repair or replace the affected body panels. Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies depending on the extent of rust damage
• Power Window Failure: Symptoms include windows not rolling up or down, or windows rolling down on their own. Solution: Replace the window motor or switch. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $300+

Interior

• Power Seat Failure: Symptoms include seats not moving or moving erratically. Solution: Replace the power seat motor or switch. Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
• Air Conditioner Blower Motor Failure: Symptoms include no air flow from the vents or weak air flow. Solution: Replace the blower motor. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $300+

Summary

Overall, the 1994 Mercury Tracer is a reliable and affordable vehicle. However, it has some common issues that can be costly to fix. Some of the more severe issues, such as head gasket failure and transmission failure, can require thousands of dollars in repairs. Potential buyers should be aware of these issues and factor in the potential cost of repairs when considering a Tracer.