Had my son’s car towed to the shop on Friday because it stalled on him twice. On his check up sheet in August 2010, the only thing needing attention was his serpentine belt; everything else was green.
After they checked the vehicle, they reported that the timing belt needed to be changed. Some other things they noted was the front brakes and the rotors needed to be changed, transmission flushed, new spark plugs. Is it possible for all this to go wrong in the space of two months?
1998 Mercury Tracer, 4 cylinder automatic
Response:
As for the tune up, transmission flush may just be time for this on the scheduled maintenance and in the long run, this will not hurt the vehicle. You can however put these to items off for another time.
As for the brakes, being a safety issue I would tend to be a bit concerned here. If you are having trouble stopping or hear grinding….you may want to have this taken care of.
If the brakes seem fine to you, you can say “NO” and bring it back when they do start to cause you an issue.
Some shops feel obligated to Continue.....
Showing posts with label Mercury. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mercury. Show all posts
Thursday, November 04, 2010
Thursday, June 03, 2010
Mercury production to end in Q4
Ford Motor Co. will discontinue its 71-year-old Mercury brand and end vehicle production in the fourth quarter, Mark Fields, Ford's president of the Americas, said today.
Fields also announced plans to expand the Lincoln lineup with seven new or refreshed vehicles in the next four years.
Ford product development chief Derrick Kuzak said a new compact car will be developed for Lincoln. The car will be based on the same platform that the 2011 Ford Focus sits on, but it will be designed and engineered specifically for Lincoln, he said.
The final decision to kill Mercury was made this week and approved by Ford's board today, Fields said.
A total of 1,712 dealerships sell the Mercury brand in the United States, but there are no stand-alone Mercury stores. Among the Mercury stores, 511 also have Ford franchises, 276 are combined with Lincoln franchises, and 925 are dualed with both Ford and Lincoln franchises.
Some of the 276 Lincoln-Mercury dealerships are in markets that cannot support a stand-alone Lincoln store, Fields said. He said Ford Motor will work with those stores, helping them to either get a Ford franchise or consolidate their Lincoln franchise with a Ford store.
“We do foresee in some markets there could be some stand-alone Lincoln dealerships,” Fields said.
More information to come
Mercury dealers will all receive packets tomorrow morning outlining Ford's transition plan for the brand and outlining monetary compensation for their stores based on a formula Ford has developed, Fields said.
Fields said Ford decided to close Mercury during its annual spring business and product review. Ford division's improved market share -- up 2.2 percentage points through April compared with last year -- combined with the fact that most Mercury customers cross-shop the Ford brand, made it sensible to cut Mercury, Fields said.
“And it allows us to put 100 percent of our resources into Ford and Lincoln,” he said.
Dealer Bob Tasca Jr., who heads the Lincoln Mercury brands of the dealer council, calls this an emotional decision because it will affect dealers' lives.
“Some of the dealers have their homes mortgaged to their business,” said Tasca, who has two Ford-Lincoln/Mercury stores, one in Rhode Island and one in Massachusetts. “Some are going to make it, and some won't. But I really expect Ford will be fair.”
Ed Tonkin, chairman of the National Automobile Dealers Association, called it “a sad day.”
“NADA's concern is that Ford treats each of its Mercury dealers fairly and equitably,” he said, “especially the 276 of whom sell Lincoln and Mercury exclusively.
“Ford also needs to move quickly to take into account the millions of dollars that dealers have invested in facilities, equipment, personnel and training. They deserve fair compensation.”
Fields said Ford will offer special incentives to move Mercury vehicles this summer. He said he expects most of the Mercury inventory to be sold off by the end of this year.
There will be no job cuts that result from the demise of Mercury. Ford will redeploy any Mercury personnel to the Lincoln brand.
Besides an expanded lineup, Lincoln also gets an expanded marketing team, Fields said.
Ford declined to reveal how much it will cost the company to discontinue Mercury but said Ford's recent profitability has made it possible to make the move now. Ford reported a second quarter net profit of $2.1 billion.
Good thing in the long run
Peter Gervais, general manager of Gervais Lincoln-Mercury in Lowell, Mass., said in the long run the move “will probably be a good thing.”
"Lincoln has a little more brand status than Mercury," he added. “I think it was overdue and it should have happened beforehand.”
Ed Witt of Witt Lincoln-Mercury in San Diego, Calif., said he was optimistic about the switch.
“We love our Mercury brand. On the other hand, we are excited to take on a brand like Lincoln and making it a luxury brand. They're going to take the Lincoln brand to where it's never been before.”
He said he though Ford's leadership would take care of the Mercury dealers.
“Look at what they've been doing,” he said. “They've done it through leadership and focus and that's what we're going to do with Lincoln. This Mercury question has been around forever, a thorn in my saddle.
“We have definition, we have structure, and we have focus and direction. What else could I want? I think it's a big opportunity.”
Dealers reached by Automotive News said they weren't surprised.
“All I can say is this: I hate it,” said Robert Hammett, general manager of Hammett Motor Co. in Durant, Miss. “But they really don't need to make two of the same vehicles and put two different names on them. Mercury should have been a totally different outfit. Everybody has been expecting it.”
Glenn Mahoney, sales manager at Dana Ford Lincoln Mercury in Staten Island, N.Y., said some customers have been concerned.
“The dealers will still be here to warrant the cars, we're a dual point,” he said. “I think it is going be great, if we actually expand the Lincoln brand. It's kind of an overkill (with Lincoln and Mercury). The product lines are practically on top of each other.
“So, from that standpoint it was an interchangeable part. From being a dual store, it was nice to have both sides for us. It was kind of nice to have that area to move. I think Mercury sales will do pretty well throughout the end of the year.”
Fields also announced plans to expand the Lincoln lineup with seven new or refreshed vehicles in the next four years.
Ford product development chief Derrick Kuzak said a new compact car will be developed for Lincoln. The car will be based on the same platform that the 2011 Ford Focus sits on, but it will be designed and engineered specifically for Lincoln, he said.
The final decision to kill Mercury was made this week and approved by Ford's board today, Fields said.
A total of 1,712 dealerships sell the Mercury brand in the United States, but there are no stand-alone Mercury stores. Among the Mercury stores, 511 also have Ford franchises, 276 are combined with Lincoln franchises, and 925 are dualed with both Ford and Lincoln franchises.
Some of the 276 Lincoln-Mercury dealerships are in markets that cannot support a stand-alone Lincoln store, Fields said. He said Ford Motor will work with those stores, helping them to either get a Ford franchise or consolidate their Lincoln franchise with a Ford store.
“We do foresee in some markets there could be some stand-alone Lincoln dealerships,” Fields said.
More information to come
Mercury dealers will all receive packets tomorrow morning outlining Ford's transition plan for the brand and outlining monetary compensation for their stores based on a formula Ford has developed, Fields said.
Fields said Ford decided to close Mercury during its annual spring business and product review. Ford division's improved market share -- up 2.2 percentage points through April compared with last year -- combined with the fact that most Mercury customers cross-shop the Ford brand, made it sensible to cut Mercury, Fields said.
“And it allows us to put 100 percent of our resources into Ford and Lincoln,” he said.
Dealer Bob Tasca Jr., who heads the Lincoln Mercury brands of the dealer council, calls this an emotional decision because it will affect dealers' lives.
“Some of the dealers have their homes mortgaged to their business,” said Tasca, who has two Ford-Lincoln/Mercury stores, one in Rhode Island and one in Massachusetts. “Some are going to make it, and some won't. But I really expect Ford will be fair.”
Ed Tonkin, chairman of the National Automobile Dealers Association, called it “a sad day.”
“NADA's concern is that Ford treats each of its Mercury dealers fairly and equitably,” he said, “especially the 276 of whom sell Lincoln and Mercury exclusively.
“Ford also needs to move quickly to take into account the millions of dollars that dealers have invested in facilities, equipment, personnel and training. They deserve fair compensation.”
Fields said Ford will offer special incentives to move Mercury vehicles this summer. He said he expects most of the Mercury inventory to be sold off by the end of this year.
There will be no job cuts that result from the demise of Mercury. Ford will redeploy any Mercury personnel to the Lincoln brand.
Besides an expanded lineup, Lincoln also gets an expanded marketing team, Fields said.
Ford declined to reveal how much it will cost the company to discontinue Mercury but said Ford's recent profitability has made it possible to make the move now. Ford reported a second quarter net profit of $2.1 billion.
Good thing in the long run
Peter Gervais, general manager of Gervais Lincoln-Mercury in Lowell, Mass., said in the long run the move “will probably be a good thing.”
"Lincoln has a little more brand status than Mercury," he added. “I think it was overdue and it should have happened beforehand.”
Ed Witt of Witt Lincoln-Mercury in San Diego, Calif., said he was optimistic about the switch.
“We love our Mercury brand. On the other hand, we are excited to take on a brand like Lincoln and making it a luxury brand. They're going to take the Lincoln brand to where it's never been before.”
He said he though Ford's leadership would take care of the Mercury dealers.
“Look at what they've been doing,” he said. “They've done it through leadership and focus and that's what we're going to do with Lincoln. This Mercury question has been around forever, a thorn in my saddle.
“We have definition, we have structure, and we have focus and direction. What else could I want? I think it's a big opportunity.”
Dealers reached by Automotive News said they weren't surprised.
“All I can say is this: I hate it,” said Robert Hammett, general manager of Hammett Motor Co. in Durant, Miss. “But they really don't need to make two of the same vehicles and put two different names on them. Mercury should have been a totally different outfit. Everybody has been expecting it.”
Glenn Mahoney, sales manager at Dana Ford Lincoln Mercury in Staten Island, N.Y., said some customers have been concerned.
“The dealers will still be here to warrant the cars, we're a dual point,” he said. “I think it is going be great, if we actually expand the Lincoln brand. It's kind of an overkill (with Lincoln and Mercury). The product lines are practically on top of each other.
“So, from that standpoint it was an interchangeable part. From being a dual store, it was nice to have both sides for us. It was kind of nice to have that area to move. I think Mercury sales will do pretty well throughout the end of the year.”
Tuesday, September 08, 2009
1992 Mercury Cougar is running rough and has a bad miss
we have a bad miss. new plugs, cap, rotor and tested plug wires seems to be all the same
Answer:
Well the first thing we need to do is determine what cylinder is causing the issue. With the engine running, ( EXTREME CAUTION : You will get shocked if you do not use protective gloves 15,000 volts ) remove one plug wire at a time and see which one you remove and the engine sound doesn't change. You have now narrowed the issue to one cylinder. check compression with a compression tester. Check for spark, check plug wires to make sure it isn't sparking through the boot. check for injector pulse. repair as needed. If no one individual cylinder shows a difference , perform a compression test on all cylinders all should be with in 20 psi of each other. If it fails , you have a blown head gasket. If they all pass the test then you may have a clogged EGR Valve or Clogged catalytic convertor. Test each part and replace as needed. Feel free to check out some of the other resources on the website as there may be some helpful information available.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
2001 Mercury Sable. Need Rear Coil Springs Replaced?
2001 Mercury Sable. Need Rear Coil Springs Replaced? But they also said something about a "quick strut?"?
Ford only had recall on front springs, which is funny cause i took it in for recall and then had to take it back in to replace the recall springs.
Answer:
A Quick Strut is a complete assembly. It includes a new Strut, New Coil Spring, New Mounting components. If you just replace the coils then you are left with the original strut, which is most likely worn. And in most cases you can have a quick strut installed for the same cost as just installing new coil springs as the labor time is less on the Quick Strut.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Mercury Mountaineer has plenty of battery power, but will not turn over
QUESTION:
My 1999 Mercury Mountaineer has plenty of battery power, but will not turn over - any ideas? Attempted to jump start battery - but that was not the issue. The battery is fine. It simply won't turn over, I can hear a metallic click, but the starter does not engage.
ANSWER:
If you idea of plenty of battery power is the fact that the lights and radio work then it can still be the battery. The starter requires around 250 amps where the radio only requires around 5 amps. 99% of all no starts are caused by a failed battery. You can have the battery load tested or use a battery out of another vehicle to test.
Once you have ruled out the battery, the next step is to test for power at the "s" terminal (small wire) at the starter while someone holds the key in the "Start" position. If you see battery power , then you need to replace the starter.
Reference Link: No Start Diagnostics
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
heater/air conditioning fan that runs on high all the time
Air Conditioning Dash ConsoleQUESTION:
I have a 2007 Mercury grand marque that has the heater/air conditioning fan that runs on high all the time. the other functions on the system all seem to work fine. I HAVE ISOLATED THE CIRCUTS BY REMOVINE THE BLOWER FUSE AND THE RELAY AND THE FAN STOPS. IT HAS THE ELECTRONIC TEMP CONTROL MODULE ON IT, THE BLOWER DIAL SEEM TO MOVE OK. I'M THINKING IT MUST BE THERE
ANSWER:
In most cases the relay is stuck internally and replacing it should fix your issue. You can swap it with a "like" relay for testing. If this does not cure what ales your vehicle, then the only thing left is the module itself.
Friday, August 15, 2008
Where is the Coolant Level Sensor located ? My radiator low light intermittently comes on and goes off
QUESTION:
I have a 1998 Mercury Mystique GS. Where is the Coolant Level Sensor located ? My radiator low light intermittently comes on and goes off within 2 minutes of starting up and driving. I've checked the coolant level and it is full, temperature gage is normal, no antifreeze leaks under the car. I'm thinking I have a bad sensor. How expensive is it to replace? Today, driving to work it stayed on constantly - about a 20 mile commute. Already Tried: Checked coolant level, it was full. Topped off coolant level and slightly overfilled it. Checked for hose leaks - none. Checked under car for leaks - none. Replaced upper radiator hose a year ago so am not worried about circulation problem. Temperature gage is normal and engine doesn't run hot.
ANSWER:
The Coolant level Sensor is located in the overflow tank. Look for the electrical wires and there it is. You may just be able to add some coolant to the overflow tank to take care of the issue. It does not read the radiator level, just the overflow level.
If you need to have it replaced, it should cost under $100.00 parts and labor.
When the fluid in the cooling system heats up, it expands, causing the pressure to build up. The cap is the only place where this pressure can escape, so the setting of the spring on the cap determines the maximum pressure in the cooling system. When the pressure reaches 15 psi, the pressure pushes the valve open, allowing coolant to escape from the cooling system. This coolant flows through the overflow tube into the bottom of the overflow tank. This arrangement keeps air out of the system. When the radiator cools back down, a vacuum is created in the cooling system that pulls open another spring loaded valve, sucking water back in from the bottom of the overflow tank to replace the water that was expelled.
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