Segment:
Minivan; positioned as a family-oriented, comfortable people mover.
Competitors:
Chrysler Town & Country/Dodge Grand Caravan, Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna.
Features:
Spacious interior, flexible seating, available all-wheel drive (AWD) on some trims, comfortable ride.
Dealership Origin:
Developed in partnership with Nissan (platform shared with Nissan Quest).
Engine:
3.3L V6 VG33E, including diagnostics, overhaul, and component testing.
Transmission:
4-speed automatic (AX4S/AX4N) service, diagnosis, and repair procedures.
Brakes:
Front disc/rear drum or optional rear disc, ABS system diagnostics and repair.
Suspension:
Front independent strut, rear multi-link beam axle; detailed alignment and component replacement.
Steering:
Power-assisted rack and pinion, steering column, and intermediate shaft service.
Electrical System:
Full wiring diagrams, fuse/relay locations, component testing, ECM/PCM diagnostics.
HVAC:
Air conditioning, heating, ventilation system diagnosis and repair.
Body:
Exterior body panels, interior trim, doors, windows, seats, and sliding door mechanisms.
Body Electrical:
Power windows, locks, mirrors, lighting, wipers, and convenience features.
Chassis:
Frame structure, exhaust system, fuel tank, and lines.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, fluid changes, filter replacements, belt inspections.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts for common and complex problems across all systems.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for virtually every component and system.
Overhaul:
Complete engine and transmission overhaul procedures with detailed specifications.
Diagnostics:
On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II) system information, DTC interpretation, and advanced testing.
Special Tools:
Identification and usage instructions for required special service tools (SSTs).
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic fluid checks to full engine rebuilds and electrical diagnostics.
Compatibility:
Requires specific software to run on Windows-based operating systems (XP, Vista, 7, 8, 10).
Quality:
Digital rendering of official factory service information, allowing for printable pages.
Binding:
N/A (Digital Software)
Paper:
N/A (Digital Software)
Engine Type:
3.3 Liter SOHC V6
Bore X Stroke:
93.0 mm x 97.5 mm
Horsepower:
170 hp @ 4900 RPM
Torque:
203 lb-ft @ 3200 RPM
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane recommended
Ignition System:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with coil-on-plug or coil pack configurations.
ECM:
Engine Control Module (ECM) or Powertrain Control Module (PCM) with OBD-II diagnostics.
Transmission Type:
4-speed Automatic
Transmission Model:
AX4S / AX4N (based on Nissan RE4F04A, adapted)
Drive Modes:
Overdrive, Lock-up Torque Converter
Fluid Type:
Mercon V or equivalent ATF (check dipstick label for specific recommendation)
Capacity:
Approx. 8.5 quarts (8.0 liters) for a pan drop and refill.
Length:
190.5 inches (4839 mm)
Width:
71.7 inches (1821 mm)
Height:
67.1 inches (1704 mm)
Wheelbase:
112.2 inches (2850 mm)
Front Track:
61.8 inches (1570 mm)
Rear Track:
61.4 inches (1560 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 4,100 - 4,300 lbs (1860 - 1950 kg), depending on configuration.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 5,700 lbs (2585 kg)
Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:
Approx. 20.6 cu ft
Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:
Approx. 78.1 cu ft
Cargo Volume Max:
Approx. 143.3 cu ft
NHTSA Rollover Resistance:
3 out of 5 stars (some models).
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on all wheels.
Traction Control:
Optional Traction Assist System (TAS) on some models.
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags.
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts for all occupants, with pretensioners for front seats.
Child Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system not standard on this model year.
Oil Change:
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or as needed based on inspection.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 100,000 miles (160,000 km) for platinum-tipped plugs.
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months.
Engine Oil:
API SG or higher, SAE 5W-30 (check owner's manual for specific viscosity and temperature range).
Coolant:
Nitrite-free, green ethylene glycol based coolant (e.g., Ford Premium Engine Coolant VC-7).
Power Steering Fluid:
Mercon V or equivalent power steering fluid (check owner's manual).
Transmission Slipping:
Common issue with the AX4S/AX4N transmission, often related to solenoid issues or fluid degradation.
Engine Misfires:
Can be caused by faulty ignition coils, spark plugs, or Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor.
Rear Suspension Clunks:
Often due to worn bushings in the rear trailing arms or shock mounts.
Power Sliding Door Problems:
Motor failure, cable issues, or switch malfunctions are not uncommon.
Evaporative Emissions Control System:
Canister purge solenoid failure leading to check engine light.
Brand Focus:
Mercury was Ford's mid-range brand, often featuring restyled or re-engineered versions of Ford products.
First Generation:
Launched in 1993, designed as a badge-engineered Nissan Quest, sharing powertrain and chassis components.
Mid-Cycle Refresh:
Received minor updates for 1995 (engine) and 1997 (styling and features).
Manufacturing Location:
Avco Corporation plant in Santa Fe Springs, California (shared with Nissan Quest).
Production Years:
1993-1998
