Segment:
Compact sporty coupe and convertible.
Competitors:
Chevrolet Camaro, Pontiac Firebird, Ford Mustang, AMC Spirit.
Platform:
Built on Ford's Fox platform, shared with the Ford Mustang and Thunderbird.
Body Styles:
Offered as a 3-door hatchback coupe and later as a convertible (factory or aftermarket).
Distinctiveness:
Known for its European-inspired styling and agile handling, particularly the European Capri variant origins.
Covered Years:
1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986
Type:
Factory Service Repair Manual
Description:
Comprehensive repair and service information for Mercury Capri models 1979-1986.
Software Requirements:
Adobe PDF Reader, WinZip
Compatibility:
Windows & Mac compatible
Estimated Page Count:
Estimated 1000+ pages (typical for comprehensive factory service manuals of this scope).
Engine:
Detailed repair procedures, troubleshooting, specifications for all engine variants.
Transmission:
Manual and automatic transmission repair, overhaul, and adjustment.
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive system, axles, driveshafts, and differential repair.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, alignment, shock absorbers, springs.
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, linkage, and wheel alignment.
Brakes:
Disc and drum brake systems, hydraulic components, parking brake.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, component testing, charging system, starting system, ignition system.
Fuel System:
Fuel injection and carburetor systems, fuel pumps, lines, and emissions controls.
Cooling System:
Radiator, fan, water pump, thermostat, and heater core.
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system service and repair.
Body And Chassis:
Body panel repair, structural components, doors, windows, and trim.
Interior:
Seat removal, dashboard disassembly, interior trim.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic guides for common and uncommon issues, symptom-based troubleshooting.
Repair:
Step-by-step instructions for component replacement and repair.
Diagnostics:
Procedures for diagnosing electrical and mechanical faults.
Rebuilds:
Complete overhaul procedures for engines and transmissions.
Adjustments:
Procedures for adjusting various vehicle systems (e.g., parking brake, clutch).
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds.
Detail Level:
Includes torque specifications, clearances, diagnostic procedures, and repair sequences.
Engine 1:
2.3L Lima Inline-4 (OHC) "Pinto" engine. Carbureted in early years, fuel-injected in later models (e.g., Turbo).
Engine 2:
3.3L (200 ci) Thriftpower Inline-6 (OHV). Less common in later Capri models.
Engine 3:
2.8L Cologne V6 (OHV). Offered in some performance variants.
Engine 4:
3.8L (232 ci) Essex V6 (OHV). Available in certain years and trims.
Engine 5:
3.8L Turbocharged V6. Featured in performance models like the Capri Turbo RS.
Horsepower Range:
Approximately 85 hp for base 4-cylinder to 175+ hp for turbo V6 variants.
Torque Range:
Varies significantly by engine, from around 110 lb-ft to 250+ lb-ft for turbo models.
Carburetion:
Motorcraft 2-barrel carburetors for most 4-cylinder and V6 engines.
Fuel Injection:
Throttle Body Injection (TBI) and Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI) on later models, especially turbo variants.
Controls:
Catalytic converters, EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation), air injection systems depending on year and state regulations.
Transmission 1:
4-speed manual transmission (standard on many models).
Transmission 2:
3-speed automatic transmission (e.g., C3 Automatic).
Transmission 3:
5-speed manual transmission (optional on some later models, often with larger engines).
Clutch:
Hydraulic clutch actuation for manual transmissions.
NHTSA Ratings:
NHTSA ratings from this era are not directly comparable to modern standards. Focus would be on passive safety features of the time.
Brakes:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes standard. Optional front ventilated discs on performance models.
Steering:
Optional power steering.
Seatbelts:
Three-point front seatbelts, lap belts in the rear.
Interior:
Energy-absorbing steering column, padded dashboard, safety glass.
Exterior:
Impact-absorbing bumpers.
Audio System:
AM/FM radio, optional cassette player. Basic speaker systems.
Gauges:
Standard analog gauges, optional tachometer and auxiliary gauges on sportier trims.
Cruise Control:
Optional cruise control system available on higher trims.
Features:
Limited by era. Focus on mechanical and electrical systems for repair.
Oil Change:
Recommended every 3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months, depending on driving conditions.
Tune Up:
Spark plug replacement every 30,000-60,000 miles, air filter replacement every 15,000-30,000 miles.
Transmission Fluid:
Automatic transmission fluid and filter change recommended every 30,000-50,000 miles.
Engine Oil:
API SF or SG service category oil. Viscosity grades commonly 5W-30, 10W-30, or 10W-40 depending on temperature.
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol based antifreeze. Typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 brake fluid.
Power Steering Fluid:
Ford ESW-M2C138-CJ or equivalent power steering fluid.
Common Problems:
Carburetor tuning issues, rust in wheel wells and rocker panels, aging electrical components, worn suspension bushings, vacuum leaks.
Turbo V6 Specific:
Turbocharger maintenance, intercooler integrity, detonation issues if not properly maintained.
Brand:
Mercury was a division of Ford Motor Company, positioned as a premium brand.
Generation Overview:
The third-generation Capri, based on the Fox platform, marked a significant shift from its European predecessor. It was introduced as a rebadged Mustang/Capri variant of the Ford Capri Mk III (European), but quickly evolved into its own distinct model.
Key Trims:
Base, Capri GS, Capri RS (Rallye Sport), Capri Turbo RS.
Convertible Option:
A notable development was the introduction of a factory-built convertible version, a rarity in the U.S. market at the time.
Manufacturing Location:
Assembled in the United States (e.g., Dearborn, Michigan; Wayne, Michigan).
Production End:
Mercury Capri production concluded in 1986.
