How To Use The Diagnostic Procedures

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 30 other vehicles, including the 2004 Mercury Sable, 2004 Mercury Mountaineer, 2004 Mercury Monterey, 2004 Mercury Marauder, and 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Use the information about the vehicle driveability or emission concern to attempt to verify/re-create the symptom. Look for any vehicle modifications or aftermarket items that may contribute to the symptom. A check of any applicable TSBs if this information is available.
Go to the SYMPTOM CHARTS article, Step 1: PCM Quick Test. Perform the PCM Quick Test step(s). Follow any notes as directed.
If PCM Quick Test is completed, no DTCs were received and no special notes applied, go to Step 2: No DTCs Present Symptom Chart Index.
Select the symptom that best describes the vehicle symptom (for multiple symptoms select the one that is most noticeable). Go to the Step 3: No DTCs Present Symptom Chart that is indicated. If no PCM DTCs are present and the vehicle's symptom is not listed in the No DTCs Present Symptom Chart Index, go to the appropriate article to continue diagnosis.
The No DTCs Present Symptom Chart contains areas to be tested for diagnosis of the vehicle's symptom. The chart is arranged to place the higher probability, or easiest to test items toward the top of the chart. The technician, however, is not required to follow this order due to reasons such as variations in vehicle type, vehicle repair history or technician experience.
- The System/Component column indicates the areas that will be tested. This column may also contain a quick system/component test.
- The Reference column indicates where to go for the System/Component testing. All references are to pinpoint test steps in the PINPOINT TESTS article unless noted otherwise. If referenced to a Pinpoint Test Step in this article or any other article, go to the procedures. Follow the directions given in those procedures, including directions to other tests or articles. If a damaged part is found, repair/replace as directed. If no fault is found, and diagnosis in that area is complete, return to the No DTCs Present Symptom chart and continue to the next item.
- If a quick system/component test is in the System/Component column, the reference column will indicate where to go if the test failed.
During diagnosis, if directed to test a system/component that is not contained on that vehicle, proceed to the next step.
If the No DTCs Present Symptom Chart for the vehicle symptom is completed and no fault is found, return to the DIAGNOSTIC METHODS article, No DTCs Present Symptom Chart Index to address the next most prominent symptom. If all diagnosis is complete and no fault is found, it may be helpful to go to the PINPOINT TESTS article, Pinpoint Test Step Z1, for further diagnosis.
After service, restore vehicle by reconnecting any components, removing test equipment, etc. Verify that the vehicle is operating properly and the original complaint is eliminated. If a DTC was present, clear the DTCs. Repeat the self-test.

NOTE: If a symptom is determined to be intermittent, careful visual and physical underhood inspection of connectors, wiring harnesses, vacuum lines, components, etc. is required. The Customer Information Worksheet may contain more detailed symptom information. Before an in-depth diagnosis begins, start the engine and wiggle wires, tap on components, etc., While listening for an indication of a concern (such as rpm change or relay clicking).

Information about engine conditions is stored when a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) that lights the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) is set. This information is called Freeze Frame Data and may be helpful in diagnosing intermittents. (Refer to the DIAGNOSTIC METHODS article, Freeze Frame Data, for more information.)