1997 Mercury Tracer

Introduction:

The 1997 Mercury Tracer is a compact car that was available with three engine options: a 1.9L SOHC 4-cylinder, a 2.0L DOHC 4-cylinder, and a 2.5L V6. Transmission options included a 4-speed automatic and a 5-speed manual. The Tracer was praised for its fuel efficiency, spacious interior, and comfortable ride, but criticized for its lackluster performance and bland styling.

Engine

1.9L SOHC 4-Cylinder

• Head Gasket Failure: The head gasket can fail, leading to coolant and oil leaks, overheating, and engine damage. Symptoms include white smoke from the exhaust, milky oil, and a loss of coolant. The solution is to replace the head gasket, which can cost around $1,000 - $2,000+.
• Timing Belt Failure: The timing belt can fail, causing the engine to stop running. Symptoms include a sudden loss of power and a rattling noise from the engine. The solution is to replace the timing belt, which can cost around $600 - $800+.
• Intake Manifold Gasket Failure: The intake manifold gasket can fail, causing vacuum leaks and engine performance issues. Symptoms include a rough idle, hesitation on acceleration, and reduced power. The solution is to replace the intake manifold gasket, which can cost around $300 - $500+.

2.0L DOHC 4-Cylinder

• No Issues Found

2.5L V6

• Valve Cover Gasket Leak: The valve cover gasket can leak, causing oil to seep out. Symptoms include a burning oil smell, a drop in oil level, and an oily engine compartment. The solution is to replace the valve cover gasket, which can cost around $200 - $300+.
• Power Window Motor Failure: The power window motors can fail, causing the windows to become inoperable. Symptoms include a buzzing sound or a complete lack of movement when the window switches are activated. The solution is to replace the power window motor, which can cost around $250 - $400+.
• Door Lock Actuator Failure: The door lock actuators can fail, causing the doors to become stuck locked or unlocked. Symptoms include a clicking sound or a complete lack of response when the door locks are activated. The solution is to replace the door lock actuator, which can cost around $200 - $300+.

Suspension

• Strut Mount Bushing Failure: The strut mount bushings can fail, causing the suspension to become noisy and unstable. Symptoms include clunking or banging noises when turning or hitting bumps, and vibration in the steering wheel. The solution is to replace the strut mount bushings, which can cost around $200 - $400+.
• Ball Joint Failure: The ball joints can fail, causing the wheels to become loose and unstable. Symptoms include excessive play in the steering wheel, a clunking noise when turning or hitting bumps, and uneven tire wear. The solution is to replace the ball joints, which can cost around $300 - $500+.

Electrical

• Alternator Failure: The alternator can fail, causing the battery to not charge. Symptoms include a dim or flickering dashboard light, a warning light on the dash, and difficulty starting the vehicle. The solution is to replace the alternator, which can cost around $400 - $600+.
• Starter Failure: The starter can fail, causing the engine to not start. Symptoms include a clicking sound when turning the key, or no sound at all. The solution is to replace the starter, which can cost around $300 - $500+.

Exterior

• No Issues Found

Interior

• Occupant Sensor Failure: The occupant sensor can fail, causing the airbag warning light to remain on or the airbag to not deploy in a crash. Symptoms include a lit airbag warning light, a message on the dashboard, or a failure of the airbag to deploy. The solution is to replace the occupant sensor, which can cost around $1,000 - $1,500+.
• Heater Core Leak: The heater core can leak, causing coolant to enter the cabin. Symptoms include a sweet or musty odor, fogging or condensation on the windows, and a loss of coolant. The solution is to replace the heater core, which can cost around $500 - $800+.

Summary For the 1997 Mercury Tracer, the issues range in severity from minor and affordable to major and expensive. The engine, suspension, and electrical systems seem to have the most common and costly issues, while the exterior and interior have relatively few problems. Some of the issues, such as the timing belt failure and intake manifold gasket failure, can lead to significant engine damage if not addressed promptly. Overall, while the Tracer can be a reliable car with proper maintenance, it is essential to be aware of these potential issues to make informed decisions about purchasing and ownership costs.