1986 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 1986 Mercury Lynx problems
The Mercury Lynx, produced between 1981 and 1987, was a rebadged version of the Ford Escort and shared many of its components. While it was once Mercury's best-selling car, it was eventually dropped due to slumping sales. Here are some common problems with the 1986 Mercury Lynx, based on complaints from owners:
- Engine Cooling System Issues: One common problem with the 1986 Mercury Lynx was the accessory drive belt cracking, which could cause rib chunks to break out. This issue affected various Mercury models, including the Lynx, Capri, Marquis, Cougar, Topaz, and Sable, as well as the Merkur XR4Ti and Scorpio.
- Electrical System Problems: The electrical system in the 1986 Mercury Lynx, particularly the wiring harness in the engine compartment, could experience issues. TSB 87-2-6008 recommended using waterproof butt splice connectors to prevent water intrusion and ensure proper electrical connections.
- Aluminum Wheel Air Leaks: Some 1986 Mercury Lynx owners reported air leaks due to porous wheel casting. A new hotmelt sealant (E7AZ-19554-A) was developed to correct this issue, which affected various Mercury models, including the Lynx, Topaz, Sable, Capri, Cougar, Grand Marquis, and Merkur XR4Ti and Scorpio.
- Distributor Drive Gear Removal: Mercury Lynx models from 1983 to 1986, as well as other Mercury models, required a special tool for removing the distributor drive gear on EEC universal distributors. TSB 87-2-18008 provided information on a new tool (D86L-12390-A) to service the distributor drive gear on these models.
- Turbo Charger Stalls: Some 1983-85 Mercury Capri, Cougar, and Merkur XR4Ti models experienced turbo charger stalls, particularly when the vehicle had no speed control and there was a loose or missing pipe plug in the cast inlet air tube between the turbo assembly and the throttle body. Tightening or replacing the plug with a new one using Loctite on the plug threads resolved this issue.
- Accelerator Cable Length and Heat Insulation: Incorrect accelerator cable length and/or heat insulation pad placement could cause poor acceleration performance in the 1985 Mercury Lynx. Replacing the accelerator cable with the correct part (E5RY-9A758-D) and removing or discarding the heat insulation pad addressed this issue.
- Fuel and Throttle Linkages: Poor acceleration performance in the 1985 Mercury Lynx with manual transmissions built prior to 3/85 could be due to incorrect accelerator cable length and/or heat insulation pad placement. Replacing the accelerator cable with the correct part (E5RY-9A758-D) and removing or discarding the heat insulation pad resolved this issue.
- Diesel Engine Problems: The 1983-1987 Ford Escort/Mercury Lynx diesels were equipped with a 2.0 liter OHC engine that had a timing belt driven system. The engine, which was also available in the Ford Tempo/Mercury Topaz, was prone to overheating and could crack the cast aluminum cylinder head, leading to blown head gaskets or a cracked head. Regular cooling system maintenance was crucial to avoid these issues.
These common problems with the 1986 Mercury Lynx, based on complaints from owners, highlight the importance of regular maintenance and addressing issues promptly to ensure the longevity and reliability of the vehicle.
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.
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.
Why do Mercury look like Fords?
Through the use of platform sharing and manufacturing commonality, Mercury vehicles shared components and engineering with Ford or Lincoln (or both concurrently), serving as counterparts for vehicles from both divisions.
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.
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.
Why did Ford end Mercury?
Ford ended the production of the model in the fourth quarter of 2010. Mercury was originally created to offer Ford customers a premium vehicle. However, the popularity and corresponding sales of Ford-branded vehicles had left the Mercury brand weak, with many of its loyal customers electing to drive Ford models.
1986 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
- Power train problems
- Visibility problems
- Steering problems
- Seat belts problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1986 Mercury Lynx vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1986 Mercury Lynx complaints
The NHTSA has received 18 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1986 Mercury Lynx.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: IGNITION SWITCH REPLACED. *CJ
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-12-10
- Fire: 1
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WHILE PARKED NEXT TO GARAGE, STARTED UP ENGINE, LEFT IN PARK , RETURNED, FLAMES WERE SHOOTING OUT FROM UNDERHOOD, USED PAILS OF WATER TO PUT OUT FIRE, CAUSE UNKNOWN, NOT INSPECTED BY DEALER OR FIRE DEPARTMENT. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-07-14
- Fire: 1
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: ALTERNATOR WIRING HARNESS HAS CAUGHT ON FIRE TWICE, ONCE WHILE DRIVING AND THE SECOND TIME WHILE PARKED. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-08-18
- VIN: 1MEBP53J9GT
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DRIVER'S SEAT BELT RETRACTOR REPLACED THREE TIMES. *SKD
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-08-18
- VIN: 1MEBP53J9GT
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: DRIVER'S OUTSIDE DOOR HANDLE REPLACED.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-08-18
- VIN: 1MEBP53J9GT
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: ONE HEADLIGHT REPLACED.
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-08-18
- VIN: 1MEBP53J9GT
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADES REPLACED.
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-01-06
- VIN: 1MEBP5193GT
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: CAR WAS IN THE CAR WASH FRONT DRIVER SIDE WINDOW BLEW OUT. TT
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-12-01
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: STEERING RESERVIOR COVER FELL OFF, STEERING MOMENTARILY LOCKED UP. *SKD
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-12-01
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: STEERING WHEEL MISALIGNED.
EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-12-01
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: AIR CONDTIONER FAILED TO COOL.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-12-01
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: LEFT REAR WHEEL BEARING LOOSE, ALSO RIGHT WHEEL BEARING REPLACED DUE TO VEHICLE SWAYING.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-12-01
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TORN CV BOOT.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-12-01
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TRANSMISSION DOWN SHIFT ADJUSTED DUE TO ROUGH SHIFTING.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-12-01
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: VACUUM HOSES CAME OFF FROM BEHIND CARBURETOR, CAUSING VEHICLE TO RUN ROUGH/MISS.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-12-01
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: BATTERY FAILED.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-12-01
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: REAR BRAKES WORN, CAUSING BRAKES TO SQUEAK.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-12-01
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: CAMSHAFT REPLACED.
1986 Mercury Lynx recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1986 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: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
- Summary: SPRING LOCK FUEL LINE COUPLING MAY NOT BE PROPERLY ENGAGED.
- Consequence: COUPLING COULD DISENGAGE DUE TO FUEL PRESSURE,VIBRATION, AND ENGINE MOVEMENTS; THIS WOULD CAUSE LOSS OF FUEL WHICH, INPRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, CREATES A FIRE RISK.
- Remedy: INSTALL RETAINER CLIPS OVER THE COUPLINGS TO PREVENT COUPLING SEPARATION AND FUEL LEAKAGE.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1986 Mercury Lynx problems:
Mercury Lynx Reviews - Carsurvey.org
Apr 5, 2006 ... Engine and transmission, 1.9 Automatic ... No other problems with this car. General ... I just bought a 1986 Mercury Lynx hatch with a 5 speed man.
Learn me Mercury Lynx (escort) XR3| Grassroots Motorsports forum |
... problems, but yes the tfi is a common issue, and still carry that tool in my bag. ValuePack Dork 10/14/11 5:24 p.m.. Hot damn! A ...
Cohort Outtake: 1984-1987 Mercury Lynx Diesel - A Clattering ...
Feb 12, 2019 ... I've lived with diesels around all my life, as they were really common around here, and even new cars in the '80s needed much more than 3 ...
1986 Ford Ranger Starting Problems: Q&A on Electrical Issues ...
Feb 9, 2010 ... LINCOLN-MERCURY: 1983-85 LN7 1983-87 LYNX 1984-88 CAPRI 1984-90 COUGAR 1986-90 CONTINENTAL, MARK VII, SABLE 1986-91 GRAND MARQUIS, TOWN CAR
The Mercury Bobcat Was A Lesson In The Barest Definition Of ...
Dec 2, 2022 ... They'd likely say this because the Bobcat was a re-badged Ford Pinto, a car that's best known for having a design flaw so egregious and ...
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