Positioning:
Affordable, reliable compact sedan and hatchback.
Competitors:
Chevrolet Cavalier, Dodge Neon, Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra.
Features:
Economical, practical, based on Mazda 323 platform, offering good value for money.
Advantage:
Provides licensed OE-derived information in a convenient, searchable digital format, superior to outdated printed manuals.
Primary Coverage:
Service and Repair
Secondary Coverage:
Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Diagnostics
Origin:
Officially Licensed, OE Material Derived
Format:
Online Access (Web Browser)
Access Duration:
1 Year (with renewal options)
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanical, Fuel & Emissions, Ignition, Cooling, Lubrication, Starting & Charging
Drivetrain Systems:
Manual Transmission, Automatic Transmission, Clutch, Driveshafts, Axles, Differentials
Suspension Steering:
Front Suspension, Rear Suspension, Steering Gear, Power Steering
Braking Systems:
Front Disc Brakes, Rear Drum Brakes, ABS (if equipped), Parking Brake
Electrical Systems:
Wiring Diagrams, Lighting, Instruments & Gauges, Fuses & Relays, Power Distribution
Body Chassis:
Body Panels, Doors, Windows, Interior Trim, Exterior Trim, Chassis Components
HVAC Systems:
Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning (HVAC) System Operation and Repair
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Spark Plug Service, Belt Inspections/Replacement, Fluid Checks/Changes
Repair Procedures:
Engine Overhaul, Transmission Overhaul, Brake System Repair, Suspension Component Replacement, Electrical Component Repair
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting guides for common symptoms, Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) interpretation, Component testing methods
Depth:
Comprehensive; covers basic maintenance to advanced diagnostics and component-level repair.
Detail Level:
Detailed step-by-step instructions with accompanying diagrams and illustrations.
NHTSA Driver Frontal:
Not explicitly rated for 1997 models, generally considered fair.
NHTSA Passenger Frontal:
Not explicitly rated for 1997 models, generally considered fair.
ABS:
Optional on some trims
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger Airbags Standard
Seatbelts:
Front 3-point, Rear 3-point and Lap Belts
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Engine Coolant Change:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years.
Transmission Fluid Change Auto:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years.
Transmission Fluid Change Manual:
Check every 30,000 miles (48,000 km), change if needed or at higher mileage intervals.
Engine Oil Type:
API Service SG or SH, SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.0 Quarts (3.8 Liters) with filter change
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
MERCON V Automatic Transmission Fluid (or equivalent)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 gear oil
Common Problems:
Engine mounts, wheel bearings, catalytic converter, power window regulators, HVAC blower motor resistor.
Preventative Maintenance:
Regularly inspect and replace worn engine mounts, check for exhaust leaks, lubricate window channels.
Heritage:
Mercury was Ford's mid-tier brand, often offering sportier or more upscale versions of Ford models.
Evolution:
The Tracer was a rebadged Mazda 323, sold in North America from 1987 to 1999. The 1997 model belongs to the second generation (GF/GG) introduced in 1991.
Production Location:
Hermosillo, Mexico (for North American market)
Production Period:
1990-1996 (second generation)
