Positioning:
Mid-size sedan aimed at individuals and families seeking a comfortable and stylish American car
Competitors:
Ford Contour, Chevrolet Malibu, Dodge Stratus, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord
Vehicle Appeal:
European-inspired handling and styling, comfortable ride, relatively quiet cabin
Convenience:
Instant online access, more convenient and cost-effective than traditional printed manuals
Accuracy:
Licensed information derived from OE (Original Equipment) materials
Engine:
Detailed diagnostics, repair, and overhaul procedures for all engine variants
Transmission:
Service and repair for automatic and manual transmissions
Brakes:
Inspection, repair, and overhaul of braking systems, including ABS if equipped
Suspension Steering:
Repair and adjustment of suspension and steering components
Electrical Electronics:
Wiring diagrams, component testing, and troubleshooting for all electrical systems
Climate Control:
Diagnosis and repair of heating and air conditioning systems
Fuel Exhaust:
Fuel delivery, injection, and exhaust system service
Body Interior:
Body panel repair, interior trim, and associated hardware
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance procedures, fluid changes, filter replacements
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts and symptom-based troubleshooting guides
Repair Rebuild:
Step-by-step repair and complete overhaul instructions for major components
Diagnostics:
Detailed diagnostic procedures, including use of diagnostic tools and code reading
Depth:
Factory-derived information covering basic maintenance to complex component overhauls and diagnostics
Format:
Web-based, accessible via browser on PC, laptop, smartphone, tablet
Quality:
High-resolution digital content, printable pages available
Type:
N/A (Software/Web-based)
Type:
N/A (Software/Web-based)
NHTSA Driver Front Impact:
4 stars (1996 model year ratings)
NHTSA Passenger Front Impact:
4 stars (1996 model year ratings)
ABS:
Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags
Seatbelts:
Front and rear seat belts with pretensioners
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player; optional CD player. Speaker configurations vary by trim level.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most models, optional on base trims.
No Modern Connectivity:
No integrated Bluetooth, USB, or other modern digital connectivity features.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first) with conventional oil; 7,500 miles with synthetic oil (consult manual for specific recommendations).
Engine Coolant Change:
Initial at 50,000 miles or 5 years, then every 30,000 miles or 3 years thereafter (refer to specific coolant type).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles depending on driving conditions (consult manual for specific fluid and interval).
Spark Plug Replacement 2 0L:
Approximately 60,000 miles (copper plugs); longer for iridium/platinum plugs (refer to manual).
Timing Belt Replacement 2 0L:
70,000 - 100,000 miles (critical maintenance item; failure can cause severe engine damage).
Engine Oil Type:
API SG, SH, or SJ certified oil, SAE 5W-30 recommended for most conditions (refer to manual for specific viscosity index).
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.5 quarts (4.3 liters) with filter for 2.0L Zetec-SE; 5.0 quarts (4.7 liters) for 2.5L Duratec.
Transmission Fluid Type Auto:
Mercon V or equivalent automatic transmission fluid (ATF).
Transmission Fluid Type Manual:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 synthetic gear oil.
Coolant Type:
Ford PremiumEngine Coolant (Green) or equivalent silicate-free, long-life coolant (50/50 mix with distilled water).
Common Problems:
Rear axle seal leaks, coolant leaks (especially from intake manifold gaskets or heater core), intermittent electrical issues, suspension component wear (ball joints, control arm bushings), occasional transmission issues (especially with older automatics).
Brand History:
Mercury was an American automobile manufacturer established by Ford Motor Company in 1938.
Model Introduction:
The Mercury Mystique was introduced for the 1995 model year as a replacement for the Mercury Topaz.
Platform Sharing:
It was based on the Ford CDW27 platform, which was co-developed with Ford of Europe, sharing its underpinnings with the Ford Contour.
Production Location:
Hermosillo, Mexico
Production Years:
1995-2000
