Preliminary Inspection
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2001 Mercury Villager. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
Before proceeding with self-diagnostics, visually check the following and prepare vehicle as follows:
- Perform all necessary safety precautions to prevent personal injury or vehicle damage.
- Block drive wheels. Set parking brake. Place shift lever in Park position. DO NOT move shift lever during test unless specifically directed to do so.
- Check condition of air cleaner and air ducting.
- Check all vacuum hoses for leaks, restrictions and proper routing.
- Check wiring harness connections for corrosion, damaged pins, loose wires, improper routing; also looking for chafed, stretched, cut or pinched wiring. Ensure electrical connectors fit tightly.
- Check TCM, sensors and actuators for physical damage.
- Check engine coolant and oil level.
- Check transaxle fluid level and condition. See Fig 1 .
- Check battery condition. Turn off all lights and accessories. Ensure vehicle doors are closed when measuring voltage.
Inspect for any non-factory modifications or additions to vehicle operating system that may affect diagnosis, such as: air conditioning, alarms, amplifiers, cellular telephone, CB radio, cruise control, computer, engine turbo and generator. These items, if not installed correctly, may affect TCM, or transmission function. Inspect for any add-on wiring splices in PCM harness or transmission wiring harness. Visually inspect for fluid leaks, and correct linkage adjustments.