Target Audience:
Professional automotive technicians, experienced DIY mechanics, and Capri owners seeking detailed repair and maintenance information.
Value Proposition:
Provides factory-level information for in-depth understanding and execution of repairs and maintenance, empowering owners to perform work themselves or better understand professional services.
Editorial Stance:
Prone to mirroring factory service manual content, emphasizing accuracy and detail for effective repairs.
Content Comparison:
Likely to cover topics found in both factory service manuals and owner's manuals, offering a blend of technical repair and user guidance.
Engine Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, tune-up procedures, oil change, filter replacement, cooling system, fuel system diagnosis and repair, emission control systems.
Transmission Service:
Manual and automatic transmission diagnosis, repair, fluid change, clutch service (manual), torque converter service (automatic).
Drivetrain Components:
Driveshaft, universal joints, rear axle, differential service and repair.
Suspension And Steering:
Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, ball joints, tie rod ends, steering gear, power steering system.
Brake System:
Front and rear disc/drum brake service, hydraulic system diagnosis, master cylinder, wheel cylinders, brake lines, parking brake system.
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter), ignition system, lighting, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, dashboard instruments, power accessories.
Body And Chassis:
Body panel repair, door mechanisms, window regulators, interior trim, weatherstripping, chassis lubrication, frame inspection.
HVAC System:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system diagnosis and repair, refrigerant handling (with appropriate safety precautions).
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major mechanical and electrical components, including disassembly, cleaning, inspection, assembly, and reinstallation.
Maintenance Procedures:
Routine maintenance tasks, fluid level checks and changes, lubrication, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, belt adjustments.
Troubleshooting Guides:
Diagnostic procedures for common problems, fault finding charts, symptom-based troubleshooting.
Technical Specifications:
Detailed specifications for engine components, torque values, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical component data, emissions data.
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance to complex component overhauls. Suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts.
Engine Options 1979-1986:
Includes coverage for inline-4, V6, and V8 engines commonly found in the Mercury Capri during this era (e.g., 2.3L, 2.8L V6, 5.0L V8).
Horsepower Torque:
Specific horsepower and torque figures for each engine option will be detailed within the manual, allowing for performance-related diagnostics and adjustments.
Fuel Delivery:
Covers carburetor systems (e.g., Motorcraft 2150, Holley) and early electronic fuel injection (EFI) systems, including fuel pumps, injectors, and pressure regulators.
Ignition Components:
Detailed information on ignition coils, distributors, spark plugs, ignition modules, and timing adjustments.
Cooling Components:
Radiator, water pump, thermostat, cooling fans, hoses, and coolant types.
Oil Specifications:
Recommended oil viscosity grades (e.g., 5W-30, 10W-40 depending on engine and climate), oil capacity for each engine, and oil filter part numbers (e.g., Motorcraft FL1A).
Internal Components:
Information on pistons, rings, connecting rods, crankshaft, camshafts, cylinder heads, valves, and their specifications for overhaul.
Manual Gearboxes:
Coverage for common manual transmissions like the Borg-Warner T-5 and potentially earlier Ford transmissions, including clutch operation and gear linkage adjustments.
Automatic Gearboxes:
Details on Ford's C-4, C-5, and AOD automatic transmissions, including fluid type (e.g., MERCON/Type F), shift linkage, and internal component service.
Transmission Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides for shifting issues, fluid leaks, and performance problems in both manual and automatic transmissions.
Wheelbase:
Approximately 104.2 inches (2647 mm) for the Fox-body platform, common across Capri and Mustang models of this era.
Overall Length:
Varies slightly by model year and body style, typically around 180 inches (4572 mm).
Width:
Approximately 69.1 inches (1755 mm).
Height:
Around 51.8 inches (1316 mm) for coupe models.
Curb Weight:
Ranges from approximately 2700 lbs to 3200 lbs (1225 kg to 1450 kg) depending on engine and equipment.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Specified in the manual for payload and towing considerations.
Trunk Capacity:
Sufficient for its class, detailed in owner's manual sections or implied in repair procedures for access.
Braking System:
Front disc brakes were standard, with rear drum brakes. Some performance models may have had rear discs. ABS was not common in this era.
Seat Belts:
Standard three-point front seat belts and lap belts in the rear. Information on seat belt maintenance and replacement procedures would be included.
Body Structure:
Designed with a unibody construction, the manual would detail structural components and potential reinforcement points for repair.
Crash Test Data:
While formal crash test ratings from modern agencies weren't prevalent for vehicles of this vintage, the manual would cover structural repair related to crashworthiness.
Audio Systems:
Basic AM/FM radio, possibly with cassette player. Manual will cover speaker replacement, radio repair, and antenna system.
Cruise Control:
Optional feature, manual will detail vacuum or electronic cruise control system operation and repair.
Power Accessories:
Power windows, power door locks, and power seats were available options. Manual covers motors, switches, and wiring for these systems.
Oil And Filter Change:
Typically recommended every 3,000-5,000 miles (5,000-8,000 km) or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type.
Tune Up Intervals:
Spark plug replacement typically every 30,000 miles (48,000 km); distributor cap and rotor inspection/replacement as needed.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Automatic transmission fluid and filter replacement recommended every 30,000-60,000 miles (48,000-96,000 km).
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze/coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Refer to manual for exact type.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 brake fluid.
Carburetor Tuning:
Carburetors can require frequent adjustment for optimal performance and fuel economy. Manual will provide diagnostic procedures.
Electrical Gremlins:
Older wiring harnesses and connectors can degrade, leading to intermittent electrical issues. Detailed wiring diagrams in the manual are crucial.
Rust And Corrosion:
As with many vehicles of this era, body panels and undercarriage components can be susceptible to rust, particularly in regions with salted roads. Manual would cover repair of these areas.
Ford Motor Company:
The Mercury Capri was a rebadged version of the Ford Mustang/Ford Capri, leveraging Ford's engineering and manufacturing capabilities.
Fox Body Platform:
The Capri shared the versatile Fox platform, initially based on the European Ford Capri and later adapted for the American market alongside the Mustang.
Trim Levels And Styling:
The Capri was positioned as a sportier European-inspired alternative to the Mustang, often featuring different styling cues, interior appointments, and available engines.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily assembled in the United States (e.g., Michigan Assembly Plant).
