Market Position:
Entry-level compact sedan/hatchback, competing with vehicles like the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, and Nissan Sentra
Competitors:
The 1999 Mercury Tracer, based on the Ford Escort platform, offered a budget-friendly option in the compact car segment, known for its practicality and fuel efficiency.
Features:
The Tracer provided a comfortable ride for its class, decent fuel economy, and a straightforward mechanical design, making it a popular choice for everyday transportation.
Engine:
Detailed diagnosis, repair, and overhaul for all powertrain components
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive system, including transaxle, CV axles, and differential
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems, including disc/drum configurations, hydraulic components, and parking brake
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension systems, including struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, and bushings
Steering:
Power steering system, steering column, rack and pinion, and tie rod ends
Electrical:
Complete wiring diagrams, component locations, diagnostic procedures for all electrical systems
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system diagnosis and repair, including refrigerant handling
Bodywork:
Body and chassis repair, including body panel replacement, frame straightening, and interior trim removal/installation
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance tasks, fluid changes, filter replacements, belt inspections
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic trees and symptom-based troubleshooting guides
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major vehicle components
Installation:
Component replacement and installation procedures
Depth:
Factory-level diagnostic and repair procedures, suitable for both DIY enthusiasts and professional technicians
Engine Code:
Zetec-R (common designation for the 2.0L DOHC)
Displacement:
2.0 Liters (1988 cc)
Configuration:
Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshaft), 16 valves
Horsepower:
Approximately 110-125 hp (depending on specific variant and tuning)
Torque:
Approximately 125-130 lb-ft
Fuel Injection:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) / Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Coolant Type:
Typically a 50/50 mix of ethylene glycol antifreeze and distilled water (refer to manual for specific Ford/Motorcraft coolant specification, e.g., Gold or Yellow)
Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 (preferred for optimal performance and fuel economy)
Oil Capacity:
Approximately 4.5 quarts (4.3 liters) with filter change
Type:
5-speed Manual Transaxle
Type:
4-speed Automatic Transaxle (e.g., AX4S or similar Ford unit)
Fluid Type Auto:
MERCON V Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) or equivalent
Fluid Capacity Auto:
Approximately 7.5 quarts (7.1 liters) for a dry fill, lower for a fluid change without torque converter drain
Fluid Type Manual:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Oil (refer to manual for specific Ford specification)
Length:
Approximately 167.3 inches (sedan), 165.7 inches (wagon)
Width:
Approximately 66.2 inches
Height:
Approximately 53.1 inches (sedan), 54.3 inches (wagon)
Curb Weight:
Approximately 2500 - 2700 lbs (depending on body style and equipment)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Varies by model, typically around 3600-3800 lbs
NHTSA Front Impact:
Fair (for the era, may have received lower ratings in later re-evaluation)
IIHS Side Impact:
Not rated or Poor (typical for vehicles of this platform from this period)
ABS:
Optional on some trims, standard on higher trims or later models
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags (standard)
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seat belts, driver and front passenger pretensioners
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player, and basic speaker configurations.
Cruise Control:
Optional on most trim levels.
Auxiliary Input:
Not standard; aftermarket solutions would be required for auxiliary audio input.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 to 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (using synthetic oil can extend this)
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 to 30,000 miles or annually
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 60,000 to 100,000 miles for platinum or iridium plugs
Timing Belt Replacement:
Recommended every 60,000 to 100,000 miles or 5-7 years for the 2.0L Zetec engine, as it is an interference engine.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (refer to reservoir cap or manual for exact specification)
Power Steering Fluid:
Mercon V ATF or specific power steering fluid (refer to manual)
Coolant:
50/50 mix of Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant (or equivalent) and distilled water
Engine:
Potential for intake manifold gasket leaks, occasional rough idle due to sensor issues (e.g., Idle Air Control Valve), and rear main seal leaks.
Suspension:
Worn strut mounts, ball joints, and tie rod ends are common wear items.
Electrical:
Issues with power window motors, central locking actuators, and alternator failure can occur.
HVAC:
A/C compressor clutch failure and evaporator leaks are not uncommon.
Brand Heritage:
Mercury was positioned by Ford as a mid-tier brand, offering more upscale features than Ford but below Lincoln.
Evolution:
The 1999 Tracer is part of the third generation of the Mercury Tracer, which was based on the global Ford Escort platform, sharing many components with its European and Asian counterparts (Mazda 323).
Production Location:
Hermosillo, Mexico
Production Years:
1987-1999 (North American market)
