1985 Mercury Lynx problems
The North American version of the Ford Escort is a range of cars that was sold by Ford from the 1981 to 2003 model years. The direct successor of the Ford Pinto, the Escort also largely overtook the role of the European-imported Ford Fiesta as the smallest vehicle in the Ford model line in North America. Produced across three generations, the first generation was a subcompact; the latter two generations were compact cars. Becoming highly successful in the marketplace, the Escort became the best-selling car in the United States after 1982, a position it would hold for much of the 1980s.
Produced across three generations, the Escort was the first world car developed by Ford, with the first-generation American Escort designed alongside Ford of Europe, who transitioned the Escort Mk III to front-wheel drive. During its production, the Escort also underwent a wide use of platform sharing and rebranding. The first generation served as the basis of the longer-wheelbase Ford Tempo/Mercury Topaz, the two-seat Ford EXP/Mercury LN7 and was rebranded as the Mercury Lynx. The second generation was introduced for 1991, growing into the compact segment. Moving away from a shared design with Ford of Europe, the Escort now shared a platform with the Mazda 323 and sharing a body with the Ford Laser (a model line sold in Asia and Oceania); the Mercury Lynx was replaced by the Mercury Tracer. For 1997, the third generation served as an extensive redesign of the previous-generation sedan; the Escort ZX2 two-door was introduced, with the Mercury Tracer adopting a similar redesign.
Ford introduced the Ford Focus in North America for 2000 as its third "world car", phasing it in as the successor of the Escort. After 2000, the four-door Escort was moved primarily to fleet sales (with the coupe remaining available); production ended entirely after the 2002 model year. In contrast to the first-generation American Escort and Escort Mk III of Ford of Europe (and the Mondeo/Contour and Mercury Mystique), the Focus adopted a much larger degree of commonality between its European and North American variants, in effect, becoming the original world car Ford had originally envisioned with the Escort.
During its entire production, the Escort was produced by Wayne Stamping & Assembly in (Wayne, Michigan) and the first generation was also produced by Edison Assembly in (Edison, New Jersey), San Jose Assembly Plant in (Milpitas, California), and Oakville Assembly in (Oakville, Ontario, Canada) while the second and third generations were also produced by Hermosillo Stamping and Assembly in (Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico).
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Common 1985 Mercury Lynx problems
The Mercury Lynx 1985 is known to have several common problems based on complaints from its owners. One of the issues is related to the fuel system, specifically the turbocharger stalling and not idling below 2,000 RPM on vehicles without speed control. This problem is caused by a loose or missing pipe plug in the cast inlet air tube between the turbo assembly and throttle body. The solution is to tighten the plug or install a new plug using Loctite on the plug threads.
Another issue is related to the interior systems, specifically the instruments and instrument panel. There is a new service labor time standard operation for replacing the instrument cluster-panel. This problem affects 1984/85 Mercury Lynx, Topaz, Capri, Marquis, Cougar, and Merkur XR4Ti models.
The engine cooling system also has issues, with accessory drive belts cracking and requiring replacement only after the rib chunked out. This problem affects all Mercury models from 1983 to 1987, including the Lynx, Topaz, Capri, Marquis, Cougar, Sable, and Merkur XR4Ti.
The electrical system, specifically the wiring harness in the engine compartment, has problems with waterproof butt splice connectors. The solution is to always use waterproof butt splice connectors, such as Duraseal or Deutsch splice connectors.
The wheels also have issues, with aluminum wheel air leaks due to porous wheel casting. A new hotmelt sealant (E7AZ-19554-A) has been developed to correct this problem.
The engine has problems with the distributor, specifically the 2.0L, 2.3L HSC, 2.3L OHC, 2.5L HSC, 3.8L, 5.0L, 5.8L, 6.1L, 7.0L, and 7.5L engines. A new tool (D86L-12390-A) is available for servicing the distributor drive gear on the EEC universal distributor.
The fuel system also has issues with throttle linkages and accelerator performance. This problem is caused by incorrect accelerator cable length and/or heat insulation pad added incorrectly to the driver's side floor pan. The solution is to replace the accelerator cable with P/N E5RY-9A758-D cable and remove/discard the heat insulation pad.
The parking brake vacuum power unit also has issues, with vacuum leaks and requiring replacement. This problem affects all 1983-85 Mercury Lynx, Topaz, Capri, Marquis, Cougar, and Merkur XR4Ti vehicles.
The diesel engine option, available from 1983-1987 in the Ford Escort/Mercury Lynx and from 1984-1986 in the Ford Tempo/Mercury Topaz, has problems with a cast aluminum cylinder head that can crack if overheated. The solution is to keep up on cooling system maintenance to avoid this problem.
The transmission gear ratios on the 4 spd manual are also an issue, with 3rd not quite direct drive and 4th being an overdrive. This can affect the car's performance and fuel efficiency.
Overall, the Mercury Lynx 1985 has several common problems related to the fuel system, interior systems, engine cooling system, electrical system, wheels, engine, and transmission. These issues can affect the car's performance, fuel efficiency, and safety, and may require costly repairs.
What is the Ford version of the Mercury Lynx?
Ford Escort
The first-generation Ford Escort was marketed by Lincoln-Mercury as the Mercury Lynx. The successor to the Mercury Bobcat, the Lynx also adopted a nameplate derived from big cats.
What years were the Mercury Lynx made?
The Mercury Lynx is a compact car sold by Ford, it is similar to the American Ford Escort, it was built from 1981-87, and replaced by the Mazda-built Mercury Tracer.
How many miles per gallon does a 1984 Mercury Lynx get?
39 combined
Find and Compare Cars
| 1984 Mercury Lynx | |
|---|---|
| Personalize Find a car | Diesel Vehicle 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Manual 5-spd Compare |
| Fuel Economy | |
| EPA MPG | Diesel 39 combined city/highway MPG 35 city 47 highway 2.6 gals/100 miles |
Why did Ford stop Mercury?
Ford completely phased out the Mercury brand in 2011, as the company refocused its marketing and engineering efforts solely on the Ford and Lincoln brands. “Mercury has been a tremendous line for Ford Motor Company because it filled the niche between our Ford and Lincoln lineups,” said Kreipke.
What is the Ford version of the Mercury Lynx?
Ford Escort
The first-generation Ford Escort was marketed by Lincoln-Mercury as the Mercury Lynx. The successor to the Mercury Bobcat, the Lynx also adopted a nameplate derived from big cats.
How many miles per gallon does a 1984 Mercury Lynx get?
39 combinedFind and Compare Cars
| 1984 Mercury Lynx | |
|---|---|
| Personalize Find a car | Diesel Vehicle 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Manual 5-spd Compare |
| Fuel Economy | |
| EPA MPG | Diesel 39 combined city/highway MPG 35 city 47 highway 2.6 gals/100 miles |
What years were the Mercury Lynx made?
The Mercury Lynx is a compact car sold by Ford, it is similar to the American Ford Escort, it was built from 1981-87, and replaced by the Mazda-built Mercury Tracer.
Who made the Lynx car?
Ford Motor Company engineers
Lynx is a car with world-class technology, designed and developed by Ford Motor Company engineers from all over the world. But it's built in America to meet America's needs, as last year's success clearly shows.
1985 Mercury Lynx car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Mercury Lynx problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Electrical system problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Seat belts problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1985 Mercury Lynx vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1985 Mercury Lynx complaints
The NHTSA has received 8 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1985 Mercury Lynx.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-08-30
- VIN: 1MEBP5291FW
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: VEHICLE WOULD STALL WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED. VEHICLE BEEN AT DEALER SHOP ON THREE OCCASIONS, AND PROBLEM STILL REOCCURRING. *AK *SLC
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-05-04
- VIN: 1MEBP6393FW
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: PLASTIC RETAINER THAT HOLDS METAL BAR OF SEAT BELT BUCKLE DETERIORATED, CAUSING BUCKLE TO FAIL. *SD
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-05-15
- Fire: 1
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: UPON PARKING AND WALKING IN HOME, DRIVER HEARD HORN AND SAW WINDSHIELD WIPERS MOTION. VEHICLE BURST INTO FLAMES. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Fire: 1
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: UPON PARKING AND WALKING IN HOME, DRIVER HEARD HORN AND SAW WINDSHIELD WIPERS MOTION. VEHICLE BURST INTO FLAMES. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-05-15
- Fire: 1
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: UPON PARKING AND WALKING IN HOME, DRIVER HEARD HORN AND SAW WINDSHIELD WIPERS MOTION. VEHICLE BURST INTO FLAMES. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Fire: 1
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: UPON PARKING AND WALKING IN HOME, DRIVER HEARD HORN AND SAW WINDSHIELD WIPERS MOTION. VEHICLE BURST INTO FLAMES. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-02-09
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1MEBP5197FW
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WK (216) 522-5440; WHILE DRIVING OWNER NOTICED BURNING SMELL. PARKED VEHICLE AND FLAMES BEGAN FROM DASH BY DOOR. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-02-09
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1MEBP5197FW
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WK (216) 522-5440; WHILE DRIVING OWNER NOTICED BURNING SMELL. PARKED VEHICLE AND FLAMES BEGAN FROM DASH BY DOOR. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK
1985 Mercury Lynx recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 1985 Mercury Lynx.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: THE FORWARD OUTBOARD PEDESTAL OF THE SEAT TRACK OF DRIVER'S SEAT MAY BE SUSCEPTIBLE TO FATIGUE FRACTURE.
- Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN A LIMITED DEGREE OF ROCKING MOTIONOF THE DRIVERS SEAT ASSEMBLY UPON ACCELERATION OR DECELERATION, WHICH COULDCAUSE AN ACCIDENT.
- Remedy: INSTALL A REINFORCEMENT ON ALL MODELS AND A NEW SEAT TRACK AS NECESSARY
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
- Summary: EXTERNAL CRACKS ABOVE THE NUMBER 3 CYLINDER (1984 MODELS) OR ROCKER ARM COVER GASKETS SPLITTING (1985 MODELS) COULD ALLOW OIL TO LEAK ONTO THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD.
- Consequence: ENGINE OIL LEAKING ONTO A HOT EXHAUST MANIFOLD COULDRESULT IN AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.
- Remedy: REPLACE CRACKED CYLINDER HEADS (1984 MODELS); REPLACE ROCKER ARM COVER GASKETS (1985 MODELS).
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: THE THROTTLE LEVER MAY NOT RETURN TO IDLE POSITION DUE TO MISALIGNMENT OF THE AIR CONDITIONER SHUT OFF SWITCH TO THE THROTTLE LEVER PIN. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: A JAMMED THROTTLE COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF ACCELERATOR CONTROL, WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING, AND AN ACCIDENT.
- Remedy: ADJUST SHUTOFF SWITCH AND ASSURE PROPER ALIGNMENT TO THROTTLE LEVER PIN.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1985 Mercury Lynx problems:
Mercury Lynx Reviews - Carsurvey.org
Apr 5, 2006 ... Engine and transmission, 1.9 Automatic ... No other problems with this car. General ... 1985 Mercury Lynx from North America. Summary ...
Vintage Ad: On Safari In A 1985 Mercury Lynx - Curbside Classic
Jan 27, 2022 ... I currently drive a Mk5 Rabbit, but I've never hit a rabbit with it. But the Rabbit is better known as the Golf, and I did once get hit by an ...
Q&A: Troubleshooting 1985 Town Car - Bucks and Stalls | JustAnswer
Jan 10, 2009 ... Then run the engine, when the engine ... problem of one sticking closed and not allowing an engine to start. ... I have a 1985 mercury lynx I'm ...
Cohort Outtake: 1984-1987 Mercury Lynx Diesel - A Clattering ...
Feb 12, 2019 ... That tail light is for the 1983-early 1985 Lynx ... Mercury Lynx as my 3rd ... A transmission problem developed where the car would pop out of gear.
Do you remember? Ford Tempo / Mercury Topaz diesel | TDIClub ...
Ford offered a BMW TD in the 1985 Lincoln Mk iiv too. ... My family had a diesel Lynx when I was in high school. ... Unfortunately the VW seat and ride did not ...
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