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1991 Mercury Tracer

Tiny
SLM052
  • MEMBER
  • 1991 MERCURY TRACER
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 80,000 MILES
I have a 1991 Mercury Tracer.
My car recently stopped while driving. The engine light has been on for about two weeks. I was driving, my car lost power, and when I tried to accelerate the engine roared but the car would not speed up. It completely came to a stop and would not 'start' when the key was turned and only made a roaring sound when I tried to start the car. After about 30 minutes, the engine turned over and the car started long enough for me to drive to a parking lot to wait for a tow truck.

I took the car to a mechanic who said it has an electrical problem and isn't worth fixing--which I agree. He does not do electrical repairs and referred me to another mechanic. I need transportation and for the car to work a minimum of 4 months while I continue to save and look for another car. Any recommendation about what could be wrong or what to look for when I find a repairman?
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Tuesday, November 23rd, 2010 AT 4:13 AM

9 Replies

Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Try retrieving code/s from the computer might give you a lead where to start troubleshooting
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Tuesday, November 23rd, 2010 AT 5:29 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,133 POSTS
When you say it roared, do you mean the engine reved but the transmission was slipping and the car not moving? Also, has any scanned the computer to identify where the problem is coming from? If the check engine light is on, there is a trouble code stored in the computer which will identify where the problem is coming from.
That would be the first thing I would recommend. Have the computer scanned. It could be a very simple fix.

Have that done and let me know what you find. Also, with only 80K miles on it, it is worth fixing unless there are other issues.

Joe
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Tuesday, November 23rd, 2010 AT 5:31 AM
Tiny
SLM052
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Roared means, I turned the key and it wouldn't turn over. It sounded as if I gave it gas and kept turning the key, it would eventually start and I could drive it but never did.

The mileage on my car is 75,876. When I got my oil changed on 10.4, they recommended that I have the following checked: ignition parts (spark plugs, fuel filter, ignition wires checked, radiator fluid serviced, and a fuel system clean up). Those recommendation came from Firestone.
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Tuesday, November 23rd, 2010 AT 6:49 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,133 POSTS
Well, if the starter is working, either you are not getting fuel or spark to the engine. Have you checked for them?
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Tuesday, November 23rd, 2010 AT 1:00 PM
Tiny
SLM052
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
I have not. I know veery basic information about cars like how to check my oil, radiator fluid, etc. I posted this question just to get an idea about what could be wrong with my car so that it may help the mechanic pinpoint the issue faster. I'll mention the fuel or engine spark. Any other recommendations. I will also return to post the actual problem and solution. Thank you kindly for your help. And I hope you havee a wonderful Thanksgiving. :)
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Tuesday, November 23rd, 2010 AT 8:38 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,133 POSTS
There isn't anything I can add until I know which one is missing, spark or fuel. What you will find is on is not working. I would like you to try one thing. Under the hood, there is a black box that has relays and fuses in it. Open it. On the lid, you will see a listing of the different relays and what they do. Find the one marked (EEC). Remove it and switch it with another relay from the block that has the same part number on it.

Let me know if that makes any changes.

Joe
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Wednesday, November 24th, 2010 AT 1:28 PM
Tiny
SMARTCARS29
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Some quick tips on how to prepare for the visit of your car to a mechanic’s workshop. At the outset, look at the shop and check the order and general appearance of the place. This should be a serious place of work, and lots of dirt, rubbish strewn carelessly about or old and dirty tools will give you a bad first impression of the quality of work carried out here and of the owner’s level of attention to detail. Dusty cars standing in the parking lot and driveway may suggest that their owners have left them there without paying the bill; which could be a sign of high prices or a standard of work, which differed from that which was agreed upon. There must be a successful website in your country and if so what are they called?
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Wednesday, November 24th, 2010 AT 2:35 PM
Tiny
SLM052
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Definitely. I should be able to do this by the end of the week. I have to get transportation to my car, etc. Thank you!
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Wednesday, November 24th, 2010 AT 3:26 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,133 POSTS
Let me know. EEC stands for electronic engine controler. If can shut spark and fuel off. It's worth a try. Maybe you'll get lucky and it will be a 3 dollar relay.
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Wednesday, November 24th, 2010 AT 3:34 PM

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