Tranmission 1996 Mercury Grand Marquis

ANSWER : Hello – no, the coils cannot vary timing, they are responsive to whatever timing trigger is passed to them (crankshaft or camshaft position sensor, ignition control module, distributor, etc.). The coil which services Cyl 5 could be failing however – try swapping the 2 coil packs and see if the symptom moves to another cylinder – if so, you’ve found the problem (coil failure). Misfires are tough to trace and can vary as to their cause from junk in the spark plug well causing a short, to plugs, wires or coils, leaking or clogged fuel injectors, to blown head gasket leaking coolant into that cylinder. Popping and backfiring are usually indicators for an air leak (lean condition) in the air intake. I would recommend a misfiring inspection by a mobile, professional mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, who will come to your location, diagnose this problem, give you an accurate assessment of damage and cost estimate for repairs.

ANSWER : Hello – your symptoms suggest a failure of the forward drum/clutch pack, not an unexpected problem with your extended mileage. Check fluid level and condition (pink and doesn’t smell burned is what you look for). I recommend a transmission inspection performed by a mobile, professional mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, who will come to your location, confirm this diagnosis, and give you an accurate assessment of damage and cost estimate for repairs.

ANSWER : Hi there. The fit would be close, but might have some overhang and connectivity issues. You might want to measure your existing grill and note the location of installation screws in relation to the vehicle on both parts.

ANSWER : The C/V version is rated for 1,500 pounds of cargo and 300 pounds of passengers (1,800 pounds combined). All other versions of this vehicle, including the SE, have a suspension rated for 1,150 pounds max, passengers and cargo combined. Obviously, if you take the seats out of an SE you will reach your minimum required payload of 1,200 pounds. To determine the exact load carrying capacity of a vehicle simple view the certification placard on the door pillar which will contain the GVWR (subtract curb weight to get cargo capacity) but note that ratings per axle which must be observed to avoid overloading and dangerous operating conditions. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.

ANSWER : According to the Toyota parts catalog, the short block used in the Tacoma from 1995 to 2004 is identical. That is, all those model years carry the same Toyota catalog part number, namely 1140075061. However, the cylinder head (the casting) in your present engine was only used from 1995 through 1997 (Toyota part number 1110179106). Note that 1997 is the last year a distributor was used in the Tacoma and that "may" account for a change in the casting, hence the 1997 cutoff for the head. I see though that the camshafts, valves and everything else installed on the cylinder head casting appears identical well beyond 1997-1999. Inasmuch as the short block IS identical for 1996 and 1999 what you could do, if there is no provision for a distributor in the 1999 engine, is simply unbolt the head from your 1996 engine (if still good of course) and attach it to the 1999 short block for a complete engine.

Inasmuch as you need an exact match (the engine is computer controlled; anything you use as an interchange for your 1996 MUST be exact in EVERY respect, otherwise you will have computer problems), another possibility is to simply conduct an interchange search at Car-Part.com. I looked up your 1996 application and I see quite a few exact engine interchanges for your 1996 engine listed at that website. If you are interested in an engine replacement, YourMechanic professionals in certain locales can assist with that. Please simply inquire based on your locale. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic.

ANSWER : Hello, thank you for writing in. The vehicle may be having issues with the ignition module or the fuel pump. Both are good assumptions to work with for the moment. The ignition module is typically mounted to the firewall or side of the engine bay. Testing the fuel pump should start with installing a gauge at the engine and testing the cranking fuel pressure. You can also turn the key to the "On" position and listen for the fuel pump to prime. It will sound like a faint buzzing coming from the fuel tank. Only further testing will tell. If you would like a YourMechanic technician to help, contact our service department.

ANSWER : You may have a blower motor with debris that got into it from under dash. It may be paper or other debris that are in the fan blades and will make a rattle slapping noise and can only be cleaned out by removing the blower motor and cleaning it out.

ANSWER : Not unless they are the exact same part number. I do not see them being the same – especially since they are 6 years apart. The only way you can be sure is to check the part numbers on both or hold them right next to each other to see if they are identical.