Mercury Tracer (1998 year). Instruction — part 11

Wagon

1. Open trunk/liftgate to expose
the tail lamp assembly. Remove the
two screws from the front of the
lamp.

2. The tail lamp has hidden
fasteners which can be disengaged
by hitting the lamp, with the side
of your hand, toward the side of
the vehicle.

3. Remove the socket that contains
the burned-out bulb by rotating it
counterclockwise, then pulling it
out of the lamp assembly.

4. Pull the burned-out bulb from
the socket and install the new
bulb.

5. Push the socket into the lamp,
then secure it by rotating it
clockwise.

6. Position the tail lamp on the
vehicle and gently tap the lens to
engage the clips. Install the
screws.

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161

License plate lamps

To change the license plate bulbs:

1. Carefully remove screws and
pull the license plate lamp
assembly from the rear bumper.

2. Carefully pull the lamp lens
from the assembly.

3. Remove the bulb to be replaced
and install a new bulb.

4. Replace the lamp lens, assembly
and screws.

INTERIOR BULBS

Dome lamp

1. Remove the lamp lens by
applying pressure to both tabs at
the top of the lamp and pulling
lens downward.

2. Pull out the burned-out bulb
and install a new one.

3. Install the lamp lens by applying
pressure to both sides of the lamp
lens and popping the lamp lens up
on the assembly.

OFF DOOR ON

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162

Using the right bulbs

Function

Trade Number

Front park/turn lamps

3457 NAK

Foglamps (if equipped)

881

Headlamps-aero high and low beam

9007

Rear license plate lamps

168

High-mount brake lamp

921

Backup lamps

3156K

Brake lamps

3157K

Interior overhead lamp

12V/10W

Warning lights

37

Instrument panel gauge

194

Map lamps

For bulb replacement, see a
qualified service technician or your
dealer.

AIMING THE HEADLAMPS

Your vehicle is equipped with a
Vehicle Headlamp Aim Device
(VHAD) on each headlamp. Each
headlamp may be properly aimed
in the vertical (up/down) and the
horizontal (left/right) directions
using your VHAD system. The
headlamps on your vehicle are
properly aimed at the assembly
plant, and vertical and horizontal
indicators of the VHAD system are
calibrated.

A bubble (vertical indicator) that
is not centered between the two
red lines does not necessarily
indicate out-of-aim headlamps. If
your vehicle is not positioned on a
level surface, the slope will be

L

R

UP

DN

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163

included in the vertical indication.
Therefore, vertical and horizontal
headlamp adjustment should be
performed only when the beam
direction appears to be incorrect.

You will need one 4 mm wrench or
socket with ratchet to make the
adjustments.

The following procedure assumes
that the factory set horizontal
indicator reference has not
changed and the vehicle’s front
structure is in its factory alignment
condition. If the vehicle has been
in an accident requiring the front
end of the vehicle to be repaired,
the horizontal indicator should be
recalibrated by the servicing
facility according to instructions in
the vehicle’s Service Instruction.

Horizontal aim adjustment

1. With the hood open, locate the
horizontal indicator and adjusting
screw. They are located below the
viewing window at the rear of the
headlamp assembly.

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164

2. The “L” and “R” under the
viewing window on the top of the
headlamp refer to the directional
change (left or right) of the
horizontal aim.

3. Use a 4 mm wrench or socket to
turn the horizontal adjusting screw
until the forward edge of the
knurled portion of the screw is
aligned with the “0” reference
mark (as shown) on the plastic
slider when viewed directly from
above.

Vertical aim adjustment

1. Park the vehicle on a level
surface.

2. With the hood open, locate the
bubble level and vertical
adjustment screw. The adjustment
screw is located on the outboard
side of the headlamp below the
headlamp upper attachment.

3. The “UP” and “DN” on the
bubble indicate the directional
change (up or down) of the
vertical aim.

4. Use a 4 mm wrench or socket to
turn the vertical adjusting screw
clockwise or counterclockwise until
the bubble is centered.

L

R

UP

DN

L

R

DN

UP

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165

Repeat the above process to the
other headlamp, if necessary.

CLEANING AND CARING FOR
YOUR VEHICLE

Refer to the “Customer Assistance
Guide” for a list of Ford-approved
cleaners, polishes and waxes.

Washing your vehicle

Wash your vehicle regularly with
cold or lukewarm water. Never use
strong detergents or soap. If your
vehicle is particularly dirty, use a
quality car wash detergent. Always
use a clean sponge, washing glove
or similar device and plenty of
water for best results. To avoid
spots, avoid washing when the
hood is still warm, immediately
after or during exposure to strong
sunlight.

During winter months, it is
especially important to wash the
vehicle on a regular basis. Large
quantities of dirt and road salt are
difficult to remove and also cause
damage to the vehicle. Remove any
exterior accessories, such as
antennas, before entering a car
wash.

After washing, apply the brakes
several times to dry them.

Waxing your vehicle

Wax when water stops beading on
the surface. This could be every
three or four months, depending
on operating conditions.

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166

Use only carnauba or
synthetic-based waxes. Remove
any bugs and tar before waxing
vehicle. Use cleaning fluid or
alcohol with a clean cloth to
remove. Use tar remover to
remove any tar spots.

Repairing paint chips

Minor scratches or paint damage
from road debris may be repaired
with touch-up, paint repair foil or
aerosol paint spray from the Ford
accessory line. Observe the
application instructions on the
products.

Remove particles such as bird
droppings, tree sap, insect
remains, tar spots, road salt and
industrial fallout immediately.

Cleaning the wheels

Wash with the same detergent as
the body of your vehicle. Do not
use acid-based wheel cleaners,
steel wool, fuel or strong
detergents. Never use abrasives
that will damage the finish of
special wheel surfaces. Use a tar
remover to remove grease and tar.

Cleaning the engine

Engines are more efficient when
they are clean because grease and
dirt buildup keep the engine
warmer than normal. When
washing:
• Take care when using a power

washer to clean the engine. The

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167

high pressure fluid could
penetrate the sealed parts and
cause damage.

• Do not spray with cold water to

avoid cracking the engine block
or other engine components.

• Cover the highlighted areas to

prevent water damage when
cleaning the engine.

• Never wash or rinse the engine

while it is running; water in the
running engine may cause
internal damage.

Cleaning plastic exterior parts

Use vinyl cleaner for routine
cleaning. Clean with a tar remover
if necessary. Do not clean plastic
parts with thinners, solvents or
petroleum-based cleaners.

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168

Cleaning the exterior lamps

Wash with the same detergent as
the exterior of your vehicle. Use
glass cleaner or tar remover if
necessary.

To avoid scratching the lamps, do
not use a dry paper towel,
chemical solvents or abrasive
cleaners.

Cleaning the wiper blades

If the wiper blades do not wipe
properly, clean the windshield and
wiper blades with undiluted
windshield wiper solution or a mild
detergent. Rinse thoroughly with
clean water. To avoid damaging the
blades, do not use fuel, kerosene,
paint thinner or other solvents.

Cleaning the instrument panel

Clean with a damp cloth, then dry
with a dry cloth.

Avoid cleaner or polish that
increases the gloss of the upper
portion of the instrument panel.
The dull finish in this area helps
protect the driver from undesirable
windshield reflection.

Cleaning the interior fabric

Remove dust and loose dirt with a
whisk broom or a vacuum cleaner.
Remove fresh spots immediately.
Follow the directions that come
with the cleaner.

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169

Cleaning and maintaining the
safety belts

Clean the safety belts with a mild
soap solution recommended for
cleaning upholstery or carpets. Do
not bleach or dye the belts,
because these actions may weaken
the belt webbing.

Check the safety belt system
periodically to make sure there are
no nicks, wear or cuts. If your
vehicle has been involved in an
accident, refer to the Safety belt
maintenance section in the
Seating and safety restraints
chapter.

Cleaning the built-in child seat
(if equipped)

Clean with mild soap and water.
Do not use household cleaning
products because they may
weaken the safety belt webbing or
damage the vinyl parts of the seat.

The child seat liner is removable
and may be machine-washed and
air dried.

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170

MOTORCRAFT PART NUMBERS

Component

2.0L SOHC engine

Air filter

FA-1643

Fuel filter

FG-862

Battery

BX-58C

Oil filter

FL-400-A

PCV Valve

EV-229

Spark plugs*

AGSF-34EE**

* Refer to Vehicle Emissions Control Information (VECI) decal for
spark plug gap information.

**Replacement double platinum spark plug

9EE9 will replace 9E9 and

9EG9 and 9P9 will replace 9P9 and 9PG9 suffixed plugs. Refer to the
Engine Data chart for spark plug gap specifications.

REFILL CAPACITIES

Fluid

Ford Part
Name

Application

Capacity

Brake fluid

Ford High
Performance
DOT 3 Brake
Fluid

All

Fill to line in
reservoir

Engine coolant

Ford Premium
Cooling System
Fluid

Automatic
transaxles

6.0L
(6.3 quarts)

Instruction
transaxles

5.0L
(5.3 quarts)

Engine oil
(includes filter
change)

Motorcraft 5W30
Super Premium
Motor Oil

All

3.8L
(4.0 quarts)

Fuel tank
capacity

N/A

All

48.5L
(12.8 gallons)

Power steering
fluid

Motorcraft
MERCON

t ATF

All

Fill to line in
reservoir

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171

Fluid

Ford Part
Name

Application

Capacity

Transmission
fluid

Motorcraft
MERCON

t ATF

Automatic
transaxles

3.9L
(4.1 quarts)

Instruction
transaxles

3.35L
(3.55 quarts)

Windshield
washer fluid

Ultra-Clear
Windshield
Washer
Concentrate

All

2.2L
(2.32 quarts)

LUBRICANT SPECIFICATIONS

Fluid

Ford Part
Name or
Equivalent

Ford Part
Number

Ford
Specification

Brake master
cylinder

High
Performance
DOT 3 Motor
Vehicle Brake
Fluid

C6AZ-19542-AB

ESA-M6C25-A

Door latch, hood
latch, auxiliary
hood latch,
trunk latch

Multi-Purpose
Grease

DOAZ-19584-AA ESR-M1C159-A

and
ESA-M1C93-A

Lock cylinder

Penetrating
lubricant

E8AZ-19A501-B

N/A

Automatic
transmission

Motorcraft
MERCON

t ATF

XT-2-QDX

MERCON

t

Instruction
transmission

Motorcraft
MERCON

t ATF

XT-2-QDX

MERCON

t

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172

Fluid

Ford Part
Name or
Equivalent

Ford Part
Number

Ford
Specification

Engine oil

Motorcraft 5W30
Super Premium
Motor Oil

XO-5W30-QSP

WSS-M2C153-G
and API
Certification
Mark

Constant
velocity joints

CV Joint Grease
(High Temp.)

E43Z-19590-A

ESP-M1C207-A

Engine coolant

Ford Premium
Cooling System
Fluid

E2FZ-19549-AA

ESE-M97B44-A

Power steering
reservoir

Motorcraft
MERCON

t ATF

XT-2-QDX

MERCON

t

ENGINE DATA

Engine

2.0L-2V engine

Cubic inches

121

Horsepower

110 @ 5000 rpm

Torque

125 lb. ft. @ 3750 rpm

Required fuel grade

87 octane

Firing order

1-3-4-2

Spark plug gap

1.3-1.4 mm (0.052-.056 inch)

Ignition system

DIS

Compression ratio

9.2:1

VEHICLE DIMENSIONS

Vehicle dimensions

Sedan mm (in)

Wagon mm (in)

(1) Overall length

4 432.3 (174.5)

4 392.0 (172.9)

(2) Overall width

1 681.0 (66.2)

1 701.0 (67.0)

(3) Overall height

1 351.0 (53.2)

1 369.1 (53.9)

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173

Vehicle dimensions

Sedan mm (in)

Wagon mm (in)

(4) Wheelbase

2 499.0 (98.4)

2 499.0 (98.4)

(5) Track - Front

1 435.1 (56.5)

1 435.1 (56.5)

(5) Track - Rear

1 435.1 (56.5)

1 435.1 (56.5)

• Sedan model

• Sedan model

1

4

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174

• Wagon model

• Wagon model

5

2

1

4

Capacities and specifications

175

IDENTIFYING YOUR VEHICLE

Safety compliance label

The National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration Regulations
require that a Safety Compliance
Certification Label be affixed to a
vehicle and prescribe where the
Safety Compliance Certification
Label may be located. The Safety
Compliance Certification Label is
located on the front door latch
pillar on the driver’s side.

Vehicle identification number

The vehicle identification number
is attached to a metal tag and is
located on the driver side
instrument panel.

Engine number

The engine number (the last eight
numbers of the vehicle
identification number) is stamped
on the engine block, transmission,
frame and transfer case (if so
equipped).

MFD. BY FORD MOTOR CO. IN U.S.A.

EXT PNT: XXXXXX XXXXXX RC: XX DSO: XXXX F0000
BAR INT TR TP/PS R AXLE TR SPR T0000
X XX XXX X XX X XXXX

UTC

∇

FOHT-15294A10-GA

MAXIMUM LOAD=OCCUPANTS + LUGGAGE=XXXKG/XXXXLB
OCCUPANTS: X TOTAL X FR X 2ND X RR OCCUPANTS LUGGAGE

XX XXXKG/XXXXLB

TIRE: XXXX/XXXXX XXX

X

XXXKG/XXXXLB

PRESSURE (FR) XXX kPa/33 PSI COLD
PRESSURE (RR) XXX kPa/33 PSI COLD

TRAILER TOWING - SEE OWNER GUIDE

DATE: XXXXX

GVWR:XXXXX LB/ XXXXX KG

VIN: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

TYPE: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

FGAWR: XXXXXX/XXXXXXX

RGAWR: XXXXXXX/XXXXXXX

THIS VEHICLE CONFORMS TO ALL APPLICABLE FEDERAL
MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARDS IN EFFECT ON THE
DATE OF MANUFACTURE SHOWN ABOVE.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

AIR

BAG

Capacities and specifications

176