Section 97 (Engine Controls - Trouble Shooting - No Codes): Symptoms: Backfires

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Mercury Villager. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Check secondary ignition system. See TEST JB: IGNITION MISFIRE UNDER LOAD under SYSTEM TESTS in SELF-DIAGNOSTICS - VILLAGER article.
Check fuel delivery system. See TEST HC: FUEL DELIVERY SYSTEM under SYSTEM TESTS in SELF-DIAGNOSTICS - VILLAGER article.
Check engine mechanical condition. Check compression, camshaft, valve train components, etc. Repair as necessary. See appropriate article in ENGINES.
Check exhaust system. See TEST HF: CATALYST EFFICIENCY MONITOR & EXHAUST SYSTEMS , step 5) under SYSTEM TESTS in SELF-DIAGNOSTICS - VILLAGER article.
Check for intermittent faults. See INTERMITTENT PROBLEM DIAGNOSIS .