1998 Mercury Tracer

1998 Mercury Tracer

The 1998 Mercury Tracer is a compact sedan that was available with a choice of two engines and two transmissions. The base engine was a 2.0-liter inline-four, which produced 110 horsepower and 125 lb-ft of torque. A more powerful 2.5-liter V6 was optional, and it produced 170 horsepower and 160 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were available with a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic transmission.

The Tracer was praised for its affordability, fuel efficiency, and spacious interior. However, it was also criticized for its underpowered engine and lack of features.

Engine

2.0L Inline-Four

• Intake Manifold Gasket Failure: Symptoms include coolant leaks, overheating, and engine performance issues. Solution: Replace intake manifold gasket. Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
• Timing Belt Failure: Symptoms include engine stalling, rough idling, and loss of power. Solution: Replace timing belt and tensioner. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $700+
• Water Pump Failure: Symptoms include coolant leaks, overheating, and noise. Solution: Replace water pump. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+

2.5L V6

• Valve Cover Gasket Leak: Symptoms include oil leaks and burning oil smell. Solution: Replace valve cover gasket. Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $250+
• Exhaust Manifold Gasket Leak: Symptoms include exhaust leaks and noise. Solution: Replace exhaust manifold gasket. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $350+
• Spark Plug Failure: Symptoms include engine misfires, rough idling, and decreased fuel economy. Solution: Replace spark plugs. Estimated Cost to Fix: $60 - $120+

Transmission

5-Speed Manual

• Clutch Failure: Symptoms include difficulty shifting gears, slipping gears, and grinding noises. Solution: Replace clutch. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $700+
• Synchronizer Failure: Symptoms include difficulty shifting gears. Solution: Replace synchronizer rings. Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
• Transmission Mount Failure: Symptoms include excessive vibration and noise. Solution: Replace transmission mount. Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
• Shifter Linkage Failure: Symptoms include difficulty shifting gears. Solution: Replace shifter linkage. Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $250+

4-Speed Automatic

• Transmission Fluid Leak: Symptoms include transmission slipping, shuddering, and overheating. Solution: Inspect and repair source of leak. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
• Solenoid Failure: Symptoms include transmission slipping, shuddering, and delayed shifts. Solution: Replace solenoid. Estimated Cost to Fix: $250 - $400+
• Overdrive Failure: Symptoms include inability to engage overdrive gear. Solution: Repair or replace overdrive unit. Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600+
• Torque Converter Failure: Symptoms include transmission slipping, shuddering, and overheating. Solution: Replace torque converter. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $700+

Suspension

• Front Strut Failure: Symptoms include excessive noise, vibration, and poor handling. Solution: Replace front struts. Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
• Rear Shock Failure: Symptoms include excessive noise, vibration, and poor handling. Solution: Replace rear shocks. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
• Ball Joint Failure: Symptoms include clunking noises, excessive tire wear, and poor handling. Solution: Replace ball joints. Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $250+
• Tie Rod Failure: Symptoms include excessive vibration, difficulty steering, and poor handling. Solution: Replace tie rods. Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+

Electrical

• Alternator Failure: Symptoms include dim lights, battery discharge, and no-start condition. Solution: Replace alternator. Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
• Starter Failure: Symptoms include no-start condition. Solution: Replace starter. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
• Battery Failure: Symptoms include no-start condition, dim lights, and electrical problems. Solution: Replace battery. Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
• Fuse Box Failure: Symptoms include blown fuses, electrical malfunctions, and no-start condition. Solution: Inspect and repair fuse box. Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $250+

Exterior

• Rust: Symptoms include visible rust spots on body panels. Solution: Repair or replace affected panels. Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies depending on severity
• Door Handle Failure: Symptoms include difficulty opening or closing doors. Solution: Replace door handle. Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $150+
• Window Regulator Failure: Symptoms include difficulty raising or lowering windows. Solution: Replace window regulator. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+

Interior

• Dashboard Cracks: Symptoms include visible cracks in the dashboard. Solution: Replace dashboard or repair cracks. Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies depending on severity
• Power Window Switch Failure: Symptoms include difficulty or inability to operate power windows. Solution: Replace power window switch. Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $150+
• HVAC Blower Motor Failure: Symptoms include no air flow from vents. Solution: Replace blower motor. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
• Seat Adjustment Failure: Symptoms include difficulty or inability to adjust seats. Solution: Repair or replace seat adjustment mechanisms. Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $250+

Summary

The 1998 Mercury Tracer is a relatively reliable vehicle with few major issues. However, it is prone to some common problems, such as intake manifold gasket failure, timing belt failure, and water pump failure. The severity of these issues can vary depending on the specific vehicle and its maintenance history. The estimated cost to fix these issues can also vary depending on the labor rates in your area.