Positioning:
The 1995 Mercury Tracer was positioned as a compact, affordable, and fuel-efficient vehicle, often serving as an entry-level or second car for families. It competed with other popular compacts of the era like the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, and Chevrolet Cavalier.
Analysis:
The Tracer, being a rebadged Mazda 323, offered a blend of Japanese engineering reliability with American market appeal. Its strengths were its value proposition and practical design, though it often lagged behind competitors in performance and refinement.
Features:
Fuel efficiency, comfortable ride for its class, practical interior space, and accessible pricing. The availability of sedan and wagon body styles broadened its appeal.
Primary Coverage:
Service and Repair for the 1995 Mercury Tracer
Estimated Page Count:
Varies by software edition, typically hundreds of pages of detailed information.
Type:
Service and Repair Manual Software
Format:
Online Software (Web-based Access)
Powertrain:
Engine, Fuel System, Exhaust System, Transmission (Manual & Automatic), Drivetrain (Front-Wheel Drive)
Chassis:
Suspension (Front MacPherson Strut, Rear Independent Torsion Beam Axle), Steering (Power Rack and Pinion), Brakes (Front Disc, Rear Drum), Wheels and Tires
Electrical System:
Wiring Diagrams, Lighting, Ignition System, Charging System, Starting System, Instrumentation, Power Accessories, Fuse Box Locations and Functions
Body And Interior:
Body Panels, Doors, Windows, Seats, Trim, HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning)
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance (Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Checks), Tune-Up Procedures, Component Inspections
Repairs:
Engine Mechanical Repairs (Head Gasket, Piston Rings), Fuel System Repairs (Injector Replacement, Fuel Pump), Transmission Repairs (Clutch Replacement, Seal Replacements), Brake System Repairs (Pad/Rotor Replacement, Caliper Service), Suspension Component Replacement (Struts, Ball Joints), Steering Component Service, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Replacement
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting Guides, Symptom-Based Diagnostics, Component Testing Procedures, Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Interpretation (if applicable to OBD-I system)
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering routine maintenance to major component overhaul and advanced diagnostics. Licensed OE information ensures accuracy and detail.
Engine Code:
Z5-DE (Mazda-derived 1.8L DOHC 4-cylinder)
Displacement:
1788 cc (1.8 Liters)
Configuration:
Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft), 16 valves
Horsepower:
Approx. 115-120 hp @ 5500-6000 rpm (varies slightly by tune)
Torque:
Approx. 120-125 lb-ft @ 3000-4000 rpm (varies slightly by tune)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 Octane Recommended)
Type:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) or Distributor-based, depending on specific market/build
Capacity:
Approx. 6.3 Quarts (6.0 Liters) with automatic transmission; 5.7 Quarts (5.4 Liters) with manual transmission.
Type:
5-Speed Manual Transmission
Type:
4-Speed Automatic Transmission (e.g., F4EAT)
Transmission Fluid Type:
Mercon V (for automatic transmission)
Manual Transmission Fluid Spec:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90
Wheelbase:
Approx. 103.1 inches (2619 mm)
Length:
Approx. 175.4 inches (4455 mm) (Sedan)
Width:
Approx. 67.1 inches (1704 mm)
Height:
Approx. 54.1 inches (1374 mm) (Sedan)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 2600-2800 lbs (1179-1270 kg), varies by body style and equipment
Trunk Volume:
Approx. 12.1 cubic feet (Sedan)
NHTSA Driver Side Impact:
Not extensively rated or data not readily available for this specific model year.
ABS:
Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on some trims/models.
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger airbags were standard or optional depending on trim level.
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts for all occupants, with pretensioners for front occupants.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6-12 months, whichever comes first (with synthetic oil).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approximately every 30,000-60,000 miles, depending on spark plug type (e.g., copper vs. platinum).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Crucial for the 1.8L DOHC engine, recommended every 60,000 miles due to interference design. Failure can cause catastrophic engine damage.
Engine Oil Type:
API SH or SJ, ILSAC GF-2, SAE 5W-30 (preferred) or 10W-30
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant (e.g., Motorcraft Premium Long Life Coolant or equivalent) mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Common Problem 1:
Timing belt tensioner and idler pulley failure, leading to belt slippage or breakage.
Common Problem 2:
Degradation of coolant hoses and heater core, leading to leaks.
Common Problem 3:
Wear on front suspension components (ball joints, tie rod ends) due to road conditions and age.
Common Problem 4:
CV joint wear and tear, especially on higher mileage vehicles.
Common Problem 5:
Leaking valve cover gasket and oil pan gasket.
Mercury Legacy:
Mercury was positioned by Ford as a premium brand relative to Ford but below Lincoln. The Tracer was part of Mercury's strategy to offer a more value-oriented and European-inspired compact car.
Tracer Generation 2:
The second generation Tracer (1991-1999) was a significant departure from the first, adopting the CDW27 platform shared with the Ford Escort and Mazda Protegé. It was available as a sedan and wagon.
Manufacturing Location:
Mexico (primarily)
Production Years:
1988-1990 (First Gen), 1991-1999 (Second Gen)
