Top 10 1998 Mercury Mystique Questions & Answers

it cant be changed unless the transmission is pulled and then taken in half.ver difficult process.

What engine size and year?

you have to take the transmission pan off of your transmission to corretly change the fluid and the filter you should take it to your local shop and have done the average price for this is around 125

the models without AC use a AC delete pulley, so there is only one belt size, the pulley goes where the compressor is in your with AC car, contact Ford for the AC delete pulley

I am a Ford tech (35 years) and this is the cause of the problem in about 90% of the cars I see with this problem.
Here are some of the causes of surges, stalls at stops, slow idle speed, erratic idle speed, rough idle and engine hesitation (and other problems), it is in most cases the idle speed control air-bypass valve and or throttle valve and upper intake, these area's get full of gunk and combustion residue over the miles and cause idle issues (stalls, low idle) like yours, Get a can of intake cleaner from any local parts store, not carb spray, intake cleaner, it is made by a company called CRC, remove the air intake hose to the engine, hold the idle high so the engine won't stall, then spray the can of cleaner into the intake while keeping the engine running, use at least 1/2 the can, shut down the engine and disconnect the battery for 5 minutes, then restart and complete a number of mixed driving cycles, town, freeway, stop and go etc., after a few days the problem will go away as the system will relearn to the clean intake.

1998 Mercury Mystique 2.0L MFI DOHC 4cyl



align the camshafts and the...



Fig. 5: Alignment marks for timing chain installation-left hand side



Fig. 6: Alignment marks for timing chain installation-right hand side

Hope thats help.

Starting System
The function of the starting system is to crank the engine at a speed fast enough to allow the engine to start. Heavy cables, connectors and switches are used in the system because of the large currents required.
The starting system consists of a gear reduced starter motor, battery, remote control switch (ignition switch) and relay.
Vehicles equipped with automatic transaxle have a transmission range sensor attached to the circuit which prevents operation of the starter motor unless NEUTRAL or PARK are selected.
Vehicles equipped with a manual transaxle have a start inhibit switch in the starter control circuit, which prevents operation of the starter motor unless the clutch pedal is in the applied position.
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The anti - theft protection system provides protection from unauthorized entry into the passenger compartment.
The system is controlled by an anti - theft alarm control. When armed, unauthorized entry into the vehicle is detected by lamp switches.
Once triggered, the system flashes the headlamps, the parking lamps, the alarm indicator, and sounds the horn. In addition, the starter circuit is disabled to prevent starting the vehicle until the system is disarmed.
System Arming
The system will be armed by the remote entry transmitter when the following input sequence is followed:

1. Turn the ignition switch off and remove the key.

1. Close all doors (unlocked).

1. Press the LOCK button on a transmitter to lock doors. Alarm warning lamp will turn on.

1. Wait for the anti - theft warning lamp to turn off.

The system will also be armed when the following input sequence is followed:

1. Turn the ignition switch off and remove the key.

1. Open a door. Alarm warning lamp will flash.

1. Lock doors with power door switches. Alarm warning lamp will now glow steadily.

1. Close all doors.

1. Wait for the anti - theft warning lamp to turn off.

Opening any door will activate the alarm after the alarm is armed.
Disarming an Untriggered System
The system can be disarmed by performing one of the following procedures.

• Driver or RH front door is unlocked with a key.
• Driver door is unlocked by pressing the UNLOCK button of a remote entry transmitter.
• If remaining in the vehicle, turn the ignition switch to ON or ACC position.

System Triggering
The armed alarm system will be triggered if any door is opened without using a key or a remote entry transmitter to unlock the door first.
Disarming a Triggered System
Carry out either of the following steps will disarm the triggered alarm system.

• Driver or RH front door is unlocked with a key.
• Driver door is unlocked by pressing the UNLOCK button of a remote entry transmitter.

Two minutes and 45 seconds after the system has been triggered, the horns and exterior lamps will shut off automatically. The system will then reset to an armed state and will trigger again if another intrusion occurs.
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Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS)
The Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS), known as SecuriLock, is fully passive in operation and requires no special procedures by the driver to arm or disarm the system. It is invisible to normal scrutiny and is operated by a transponder within the key body. This communicates with the module through a transceiver mounted around the ignition switch lock barrel.
The PATS functionality is incorporated within the powertrain control module.
PATS keys contain an electronic device inside, and are physically larger than a non-PATS key.
The transponder code reading is carried out when the key is inserted into the ignition lock barrel, and turned from position 0' to position II' or III' to crank the engine. If the PCM receives the correct code signal, the engine will start. Should the code received not be recognized, the engine will not crank as the PATS is still armed and the engine immobilized.
Anti-Theft Indicator
Whenever the ignition is switched on the anti-theft indicator will remain on for three seconds while the system carries out an initial ignition key-read.
The anti-theft indicator will flash rapidly for three seconds to indicate the PATS has immobilized the vehicle.
For additional information on the PATS fault codes, refer to the Diagnosis and Testing section.

This fuse is bolted in. Remove the battery and then pull the tab that I'm pointing to below, sideways, and pull the fuse block up.
You'll be able to remove the bolts holding the fuse in and install a new fuse. I have to warn you, there has to be a really bad short to blow a fuse of this size. I strongly suggest you find the short before you replace this fuse.

P0420 - Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1)
The catalytic converter has an oxygen sensor in front and behind it. When the vehicle is warm and running in closed loop mode, the upstream oxygen sensor waveform reading should fluctuate. The downstream O2 sensor reading should be fairly steady. Typically the P0420 code triggers the Check Engine Light if the readings of the two sensors are similar. This is indicative of (among other things) a converter that is not working as efficiently as it should be (according to specs). It is part of the vehicle emissions system.

Symptoms: You will likely not notice any drivability problems, although there may be symptoms.

Causes: A code P0420 may mean that one or more of the following has happened:
Leaded fuel was used where unleaded was called for
An oxygen sensor is not reading (functioning) properly
The engine coolant temperature sensor is not working properly
Damaged or leaking exhaust manifold / catalytic converter / exhaust pipe
Retarded spark timing
The oxygen sensors in front and behind the converter are reporting too similar of readings

Possible Solutions: Some suggested steps for troubleshooting a P0420 error code include:
Check for exhaust leaks at the manifold, pipes, catalytic converter. Repair as required.
Use a scope to diagnose the oxygen sensor operation (Tip: The oxygen sensor in front of the catalytic converter normally has a fluctuating waveform. The waveform of the sensor behind the converter should be more steady).
Inspect the downstream heated oxygen sensor (HO2), replace if necessary
Replace the catalytic converter

One thing to note is that many vehicle manufacturers offer a longer warranty on emissions-related parts. So if you have a newer car but it's out of it's bumper-to-bumper warranty, there still may be warranty on this type of problem. Many manufacturers give a five year, unlimited mileage warranty on these items. It's worth checking into.

Hope this helps (remember to rate this answer)

The remote needs to work if the vehicle originally came with the remote from the factory. It gives off a signal to the ring around the ignition switch to deactivate the alarm.