Why does the check engine light come on when I start my Tracer?

It’s usually normal for your check engine light to turn on upon ignition. This is just your Tracer testing its circuits. The light should go off shortly. Bring your vehicle in if it doesn't.

Why does my Mercury engine sound different?

Strange engine sounds can be a sign something’s off in your Mercury Tracer. Tapping or knocking could mean you need an oil change. A high-pitched whistle could signal an intake leak or misaligned belt. Squealing can indicate a loose fan belt, and grinding could be a sign that something is wrong with your brakes — not the engine.

What could damage a Mercury engine? [ordered-list-1-item-3-1]Are you unknowingly damaging your Mercury Tracer engine?

Some driving habits are not so great for your engine. These include driving on a near-empty gas tank, revving the engine while still in Park, or accelerating too quickly, too soon. Protect your engine’s performance and efficiency by distancing yourself from these habits.

Can I add water to my Mercury Tracer radiator?

It’s not recommended you put water in your Tracer radiator unless it’s an emergency. Under normal circumstances, use a 50/50 mix of water and coolant or a pre-mixed coolant. But, if you need to keep driving while out of coolant, using water is better than driving with an empty coolant reservoir.

Why did my Tracer engine suddenly stop?

Your Tracer car engine could stop suddenly due to low fuel, electrical issues, overheating, a faulty ignition system, mechanical troubles, or sensor problems.

Who fixes Mercury Tracer engines?

Your local Firestone Complete Auto Care fixes Mercury Tracer engines. Book an appointment today! We have thousands of locations across the country.

Engine Repairs for Your 1988 Mercury Tracer

Learn about

1988 Mercury Tracer Trim Options

Select your Mercury Tracer trim level to learn more about Mercury-recommended engine repair. Use the following chart to find information.

L4/1.6L

Mercury Tracer Repairs and Services

Stuff wears out. Even your Mercury Tracer’s engine parts and components will change. We’re here to help when something stops working. Click on a repair below to learn more about 1988 Mercury Tracer repairs.

We’re Trained to Care for Mercury Tracer Engines

Mercury Tracer engines are known for their reliability. You may have even been thinking about that when you bought it. Even so, pieces and parts can break down over time. Things can go wrong on the road. If the unexpected strikes, you may search the internet frantically for quick and affordable 1988 Mercury Tracer engine repairs. That's when it's time to head to Firestone Complete Auto Care. We've serviced more than 500 million vehicles since 1926, and our technicians know Mercury Tracer engines. Schedule a courtesy inspection at the first sign of engine trouble. Firestone Complete Auto Care offers both trustworthy and affordable engine repairs.

Check Engine Light on 1988 Mercury Tracer

If your Tracer check engine light is on, it’s time to get it looked at. A steady or flashing check engine light could signal a serious issue with your or emission system, and it won’t go away by ignoring it. Causes may include a faulty oxygen sensor, worn spark plug, a problem with your catalytic converter, or an engine vacuum leak, but that's only a few of the possible causes. Stop by your local Firestone Complete Auto Care to get your Tracer issues diagnosed and our expert techs will get the root of the problem. Other signs it's time for Mercury Tracer engine service might include essential fluid leaks, or a sinking feeling that something’s wrong.

Engine Repairs for Your 1988 Tracer

If your 1988 Mercury Tracer needs engine repair, our expert techs will let you know what needs to be done and why before they get started. We don't start working until we have your approval. If a repair isn’t urgent right now, we’ll let you know. If it's necessary for your safety, we'll make sure you understand that, too. We want to provide you with the information you need to make an informed engine repair decision. By choosing Firestone Complete Auto Care for Tracer engine repairs and you can feel confident knowing that we use Mercury-approved parts and components like the timing belt, valve guide seal, fuses, or another part.

1988 Mercury Tracer Engine Q&A

Why does the check engine light come on when I start my Tracer? It’s usually normal for your check engine light to turn on upon ignition. This is just your Tracer testing its circuits. The light should go off shortly. Bring your vehicle in if it doesn't.
Why does my Mercury engine sound different? Strange engine sounds can be a sign something’s off in your Mercury Tracer. Tapping or knocking could mean you need an oil change. A high-pitched whistle could signal an intake leak or misaligned belt. Squealing can indicate a loose fan belt, and grinding could be a sign that something is wrong with your brakes — not the engine.
What could damage a Mercury engine? [ordered-list-1-item-3-1]Are you unknowingly damaging your Mercury Tracer engine? Some driving habits are not so great for your engine. These include driving on a near-empty gas tank, revving the engine while still in Park, or accelerating too quickly, too soon. Protect your engine’s performance and efficiency by distancing yourself from these habits.
Can I add water to my Mercury Tracer radiator? It’s not recommended you put water in your Tracer radiator unless it’s an emergency. Under normal circumstances, use a 50/50 mix of water and coolant or a pre-mixed coolant. But, if you need to keep driving while out of coolant, using water is better than driving with an empty coolant reservoir.
Why did my Tracer engine suddenly stop? Your Tracer car engine could stop suddenly due to low fuel, electrical issues, overheating, a faulty ignition system, mechanical troubles, or sensor problems.
Who fixes Mercury Tracer engines? Your local Firestone Complete Auto Care fixes Mercury Tracer engines. Book an appointment today! We have thousands of locations across the country.