1997 Mercury Mountaineer

1997 Mercury Mountaineer

The 1997 Mercury Mountaineer is a mid-size SUV that was produced by Ford Motor Company from 1997 to 2001. It was offered with a choice of two engines: a 4.0-liter V6 and a 5.0-liter V8. Both engines were mated to a four-speed automatic transmission.

The Mountaineer was praised for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and powerful engines. However, it was also criticized for its poor fuel economy and lack of off-road capability.

Engine

• 4.0-liter V6: 160 horsepower, 225 lb-ft of torque
• 5.0-liter V8: 215 horsepower, 280 lb-ft of torque

Engine Issues

• Intake manifold gasket failure: The intake manifold gasket can fail, causing coolant and oil to leak. Symptoms include a drop in coolant level, an increase in oil consumption, and a rough idle. The solution is to replace the intake manifold gasket. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $1,000.
• Valve cover gasket leaks: The valve cover gaskets can leak oil, causing a burning smell and reduced oil levels. The solution is to replace the valve cover gaskets. Estimated cost to fix: $200 - $400.
• Exhaust manifold bolts can break which will cause exhaust leaks. Symptoms include loud exhaust noise and poor performance. Solution is to replace the bolts, manifold, or gaskets, depending on the severity. Estimated cost to fix: $200+
• Rear main seal leak: The rear main seal can leak oil, causing a drop in oil level and a wet spot on the ground under the vehicle. The solution is to replace the rear main seal. Estimated cost to fix: $800 - $1,200.

Transmission

• 4-speed automatic
• Transmission slipping: The transmission may slip when shifting gears, causing a loss of power. The solution is to rebuild or replace the transmission. Estimated cost to fix: $1,500 - $3,000.
• Shift solenoid failure: The shift solenoid can fail, causing the transmission to shift erratically or not shift at all. The solution is to replace the shift solenoid. Estimated cost to fix: $200 - $400

Suspension

• Front suspension bushings worn: The front suspension bushings can wear out, causing a clunking noise and a decrease in handling. The solution is to replace the front suspension bushings. Estimated cost to fix: $200 - $400.
• Rear suspension springs sag: The rear suspension springs can sag over time, causing the vehicle to sit lower in the rear. The solution is to replace the rear suspension springs. Estimated cost to fix: $200 - $400.

Electrical

• Battery drain: The battery can drain if the vehicle is not driven regularly. The solution is to disconnect the battery when the vehicle is not in use or to install a battery tender. Estimated cost to fix: $0 - $100.
• Alternator failure: The alternator can fail, causing the battery to not charge. The solution is to replace the alternator. Estimated cost to fix: $300 - $500.
• Starter failure: The starter can fail, preventing the engine from starting. The solution is to replace the starter. Estimated cost to fix: $200 - $400.

Exterior

• Door handles can break: The door handles can break, making it difficult to open the doors. The solution is to replace the door handles. Estimated cost to fix: $100 - $200.
• Power window motors fail: The power window motors can fail, causing the windows to not operate. The solution is to replace the power window motors. Estimated cost to fix: $200 - $400.
• Tail light lenses crack: The tail light lenses can crack, allowing moisture to enter the light housing. The solution is to replace the tail light lenses. Estimated cost to fix: $100 - $200.

Interior

• Dashboard cracks: The dashboard can crack, especially if the vehicle is exposed to sunlight for extended periods of time. The solution is to replace the dashboard. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $1,000.
• Center console lid breaks: The center console lid can break, making it difficult to access the storage compartment. The solution is to replace the center console lid. Estimated cost to fix: $100 - $200.

Summary

The 1997 Mercury Mountaineer is a generally reliable vehicle with a few known issues. The most common problems include intake manifold gasket failure, valve cover gasket leaks, and transmission slipping. These issues can be expensive to fix, but they are not likely to occur on every Mountaineer. Overall, the Mountaineer is a good choice for drivers who need a spacious and comfortable SUV.