Mercury Mountaineer 1998 - Power train - car safety information, failing parts, recalls, bulletins, complaints

Mercury Mountaineer 1998

Technical Service Bulletins
Defect investigations
Consumer Complaints

Bulletins

Bulletin	Bulletin date	Replacement Bulletin	Item no.	Summary	Added
POWER TRAIN
16935	07/01/2003		10003831	An uncommanded shift to 4x4 low. *tt	11/04/2003
0282	04/29/2002		637922	Some vehicles built prior to 9/15/2001 may exhibit low line pressure readings while in drive, no 2nd gear, no 3rd gear, no engine braking in manual 1st and slipping shifts and / or delayed engagements. *tt	12/09/2002
15887	05/01/2002		637755	Some vehicles may exhibit a no 1-2 upshift, no 2-3 upshift, a no engine braking condition in manual 1 or diagnostic trouble code p0732 (gear 2 incorrect ratio) or p0733 (gear 3 incorrect ratio). *tt	12/04/2002
991813	09/06/1999		6090076	Experiencing an inoperative or inaccurate odometer / speedometer readings. *tt	03/06/2000
9943	03/08/1999		604751	Information regarding reprogramming powertrain control modules (pcms). *tt	05/11/1999
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
03261	01/05/2003		10008279	New service part - number 5 needle bearing and race kit - 4r70w transmission - service tip. *tt	07/26/2004
99152	07/26/1999		608431	Information on the new flush and fill tool available through rotunda. *tt	01/05/2001
11482	04/01/1998		613391	For certain model vehicles, the 4r70w transmission solenoid molded leadframe must be replaced when removed. *tt	07/10/2000
0015	01/10/2000		612203	Information regarding the new transmission cooler flusher- service tip. *mjs	06/06/2000
13482	11/01/1999		610895	Some vehicles may exhibit a vibration / groan on acceleration or take-off due to the rear transmission mount being twisted and allowing a ground out condition to occur. *tt	05/18/2000
7353	11/01/1999		610785	Some vehicles may exhibit a condition of no 4x4 low range engagement or a stuck in 4x4 low range, with no diagnostic trouble codes stored in the gem module. *tt	05/15/2000
7468	11/01/1999		610834	Some vehicles may exhibit a vibration / groan on acceleration or take off.	05/15/2000
13412	10/01/1999		609668	Some vehicles may exhibit a condition of no 4x4 low range engagement or a stuck in 4x4 low range, with no (dtc) diagnostic trouble code stored in the gem. *tt	04/06/2000
9996	05/17/1999		606428	Experiencing a delayed or no 2-3 upshift, primarily when the transmission is cold on vehicles with ford qality remanufactured (fqr) 4r70w transmission exchange units with julian build between 062-97 and 040-99. *tt	08/20/1999
9986	05/03/1999		606406	Some vehicles may exhibit an overdrive (o/d) light flashing with diagnostic trouble code (dtc) p0741 and / or p1740. *tt	08/19/1999
5814	03/01/1999		605225	Service tips for checking transmission fluid level. *tt	06/04/1999
9946	03/08/1999		604762	Concerns with transmission fluid leaking at radiator. *tt	06/01/1999
982312	11/23/1998		603740	Issues regareding diagnostic trouble codes ( dtcs ) p0705, p0708, p1704, and / or p1705 may be stored in memory. *yc	03/04/1999
98412	03/02/1998		601273	The 4r70w transmission installed in some vehicles will have an orange	07/16/1998
9888	04/27/1998		601238	Information on a new transmission fluid usage chart. *yc	07/10/1998
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - CONTROL MODULE (TCM, PCM)
042107	12/13/2004	042414	10014086	General (pcm) power train control module programming procedures. *tt	04/28/2005
04217	11/01/2004		10013369	General power train control module (pcm) programming procedures. *tt	04/15/2005
9987	05/27/1999		621290	Some vehicles may exhibit harsh downshift from 3rd to 1st gear while stopping, hesitation after acceleration from stop and / or lack of power after acceleration from stop on vehicles with 4.0l or 5.0l engines. *tt	09/17/2001
00E11	02/01/2001		619150	Service action 00e11, supplement #1 - update information regarding on-board diagnostic system upgrade. *tt	05/16/2001
9987	05/03/1999		606407	Some vehicles may exhibit harsh downshift from 3rd to 1st gear while stopping; hesitation after acceleration from stop; and / or lack of power after acceleration from stop. *tt	01/22/2001
12704	05/01/1999		6091676	Subject regarding all vehicles requires a parameter reset to be performed on the passive anti-theft system module (pats / vic / hec) when the powertrain control module (pcm) is replaced. *tt	11/09/2000
5189	11/01/1998		613320	Some vehicles may exhibit a hesitation / lack of power on re-acceleration after decelerating from highway speed (45-65 mph) to a slow roll condition (exit ramp / tollbooth). this may be due to the transmission calibration not making the	06/21/2000
7494	11/01/1999		610853	All vehicles with electronic shift on the fly transfer cases will display contact plate pids opposite of what the 1999 or earlier workshop manual indicates when using ngs with 15.0 level or later software. *tt	05/16/2000
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - COOLING UNIT AND LINES
03148	07/21/2003		10003748	New transmission cooler flusher - service tips. 2003 escort and super duty f series included. *tt	10/29/2003
002310	11/13/2000		616522	Subject regarding contamination from prior transmission concerns or excess wear may be trapped in the transmission fluid cooling system. *tt	03/05/2001
9946	01/01/1999		606733	Concerns with transmission fluid leaking at the radiator. *tt	09/01/1999
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - LEVER AND LINKAGE - COLUMN SHIFT
14586	01/01/2001		617969	Some 4.0l vehicles with a4wd built prior to 9/13/99 may exhibit a vibration / pulsation at 0-45 mph on dry pavement under light to moderate acceleration in 4 auto mode which may characteristic with the control trac 4x4 system. *jb	04/02/2001
13505	11/01/1999		614630	All 4x4 vehicles with electronic shift onthe fly transfer cases will display contact plate pids opposite of the 1999 or earlier workshop manual indicates when using ngs with 15.0 level or later software. *tt	11/29/2000
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - PARK/NEUTRAL START SWITCH
01181	09/17/2001		625715	Brake shift interlock.*jb	11/30/2001
POWER TRAIN - AXLE ASSEMBLY
030508	04/01/2005	05620	10017891	Front axle leaks fluid from vent tube - vehicles equipped with 4x4 or awd. *tt	12/06/2005
0358	03/17/2003		10001922	Fluid may leak out of the front axle vent tube. tt jb	07/25/2003
0242	03/04/2002		636056	Certain vehicles with 4x4 or all-wheel drive may have a fluid leak from the front axle vent tube. *tt	11/04/2002
01114	06/11/2001		622642	Some 4x4 vehicles may exhibit a high-pitched squeal or whistle type noise from the front axle area of the vehicle at speeds from 16 to 64 km/h (10 to 40 mph). *tt	10/22/2001
01411	03/05/2001		619427	High-pitched front axle squeal or whistle type noise from the front of the vehicle at speeds from 16 to 64 km/h (10 to 40 mph). *tt	05/30/2001
14819	04/01/2001		619314	Some 4x4 vehicles may exhibit a fluid leak from the front axle vent tube. *tt	05/23/2001
14847	04/01/2001		619330	Concerns with vehicles exhbit fluid leakage from the front axle vent tube. *tt	05/23/2001
0186	04/30/2001		619276	On some vehicles, including sport and sport trac, the front axle leaks fluid from the vent tube. *tt	05/22/2001
12521	03/01/1999		6091767	Vehicles with limited slip / traction-lok rear axles may exhibit a chatter noise while turning. *tt	11/14/2000
6032	05/01/1999		6091736	Some vehicles may exhibit a high pitched squeal or whistle type noise from the front end at speeds from 10 mph to 40 mph. *tt	11/14/2000
12843	06/01/1999		606905	Some 4x4 vehicles may exhibit a high pitched squeal or whistle type noise from the front end at speeds from 10 mph to 40 mph. *tt	11/08/2000
0083	04/17/2000		613577	Some vehicles equipped with a 5.0l engine may exhibit a rubbing noise during right hand turns from the rear of the vehicle. **mr	07/21/2000
983074	02/27/1998		607369	Concerns with axle wind-up and / or clunking, popping, ratcheting type noises when making cornering maneuvers. *tt	09/21/1999
12905	06/01/1999		606937	Some vehicles may experience axle wind up and / or clunking, popping, ratcheting type noises when making cornering maneuvers on vehicles equipped with a four wheel drive hi or low range mode. *tt	09/08/1999
5845	03/01/1999		605233	Some vehicles equipped with limited slip / traction-lock rear axles may exhibit a chatter noise while turning. *tt	06/04/1999
5506	03/01/1999		605189	Vehicle may exhibit a high pitched squeal / whistle type noise from the front end at speeds from 10 mph to 40 mph. *tt	06/03/1999
POWER TRAIN - AXLE ASSEMBLY - AXLE SHAFT - SEAL
13752	03/01/2001		620270	Some 4x4 vehicles may exhibit an oil leak from the front axle pinion seal. *tt	07/23/2001
13404	10/01/1999		6092199	Some 4x4 vehicles may exhibit an oil leak from the front axle pinion seal. *tt	11/27/2000
14056	04/01/2000		613704	Some vehicles may exhibit an oil leak from the front axle pinion oil seal area. **mr	07/27/2000
8512	04/01/2000		613657	Some vehicles may exhibit an oil leak from the front axle pinion oil seal area. **mr	07/26/2000
13504	11/01/1999		610907	Concerns with vehicles exhibiting an oil leak from the front axle pinion seal. engineering is currently addressing this issue through the high milage / time-in-service concern resolution process. *tt	05/18/2000
7316	10/01/1999		609601	Some vehicles may exhibit an oil leak from the front axle pinion seal. *tt	04/04/2000
POWER TRAIN - DRIVELINE
13004	07/01/1999		610753	Some 4.0l vehicles with a4wd may exhibit a vibration / pulsation felt from the driveline in the steering wheel and floorpan on acceleration / light tip-in at 25-35 mph when in 4 auto mode. *tt	05/12/2000
98514	03/16/1998		601303	Concerns with a whistling or hissing noise from the main control area occuring while idling in drive and / or reverse on some vehicles. *tt	07/20/1998
POWER TRAIN - DRIVELINE - DIFFERENTIAL UNIT
13004	07/01/1999		610753	Some 4.0l vehicles with a4wd may exhibit a vibration / pulsation felt from the driveline in the steering wheel and floorpan on acceleration / light tip-in at 25-35 mph when in 4 auto mode. *tt	05/12/2000
POWER TRAIN - MANUAL TRANSMISSION
02138	11/10/2003	032210	635998	Low line pressure reading at wide open throttle (wot), slipping shifts and / or delayed engagements with possible diagnostic trouble codes p0732, p0733, p1762 set on vehicles built before 12/1/2001. *tt	11/04/2002
12512	03/01/1999		6091754	Brief information on checking transmission fluid level. *t	11/14/2000
996887	08/01/1999		608882	Some 4.0l vehicles with a4wd may exhibit a vibration / pulsation at 0-45 mph on dry pavement under light to moderate acceleration. *tt	12/06/1999
POWER TRAIN - TRANSFER CASE (4-WHEEL DRIVE)
13112	08/01/1999		6091923	Vibration on light to moderate acceleration at 0 - 45 mph on a4wd vehicles. *tt	11/16/2000
13723	01/01/2000		612712	Some all wheel drive vehicles may experience a low speed whining noise from the transfer case. *mjs	06/12/2000
12571	03/01/1999		605295	Experiencing a whinning noise from the transfer case. *tt	06/07/1999

Investigations

NHTSA ID	Manufacturer	Date open	Date close	Subject
POWER TRAIN
SQ99017	FORD MOTOR COMPANY	06/09/1999	02/22/2000	VEHICLE HESITATION/STALLING
	Ford has issued a technical service bulletin, article no. 99-8-7, pertaining to the powertrain control module (pcm) of the explorers, which may be related to this issue.the service bulletin addressed the issues of explorers and mountaineer's harsh downs

Consumer Complaints

Fail date	miles	occurences	Purchase date
POWER TRAIN
	33568	1
	While driving, the (3rd) gear went out. the transmission was checked and pieces of the gear was found. the transmission was replaced at an independent transmission mechanic (northeastern transmission). the parts were taken to the dealership, however they refused to inspected the parts. the consumer then contacted the manufacturer, but they were not willing to assist. (northern ohio automotive, 7513 tyler blvd; mentor oh 44060, 440 942 2524 *jb
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
11/30/2003	129000	1
	While driving, the vehicle began to drive rough and make noises. the driver pulled the vehicle over to the side of the road and noticed fluid leaking under the vehicle. the vehicle was towed to a dealer which determined that the transmission casing had a large hole. the transmission must be replaced. please provide further details. *ph
04/18/2003	33568	1	11/07/1998
	1998 mercury mountaineer transmission repairs. mr there was no third gear and the transmission had to be replaced. engine light stayed on and the egr sensor had to be replaced. tt *jb
01/01/1999		0
	When driving heard a grinding noise. had it repaired, grinding happened again. currently, consumer can't put in drive only second. *ak
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - PARK/NEUTRAL START SWITCH
10/13/2001		1
	After taking the key out of the ignition, vehicle jumped out of park and started rolling backwards 30' (feet) before impacting a tree. one person injured: pelvis fracture/dislocated leg, and lacerated liver. no cause for this problem has been determined. please provide any additional information / attachments.*ak
POWER TRAIN - AXLE ASSEMBLY
09/20/2003		1
	Consumer called complaining that front wheel axle broke while driving at 65 mph. manufacturer was not contacted at the time of this call . however, dealer was contacted, and stated that the vehicle had no warranty, and the consumer would have to pay for the repairs.*ak
11/01/1998		4	06/01/1998
	This report is about an ongoing problem with my mercury mountaineer that first occurred in november, 1998, and continues intermittently to this day. usually in temperatues under 55 degrees, a high pitched whistle/squeal sound can be heard from the body front, both right and left. ford is aware of this problem, and has addressed it in their tsb 5506, nhtsa item #sb605189. the cause is apparently the front axle seal(s), and ford's solution is temporary, to lubricate the affected area. they supposedly are working on a permanent solution, although it has been nearly a year since they identified the problem, over a year since i reported it to my dealership. upon writing to ford about my problem, they assured me the problem was non-degenerative, i.e. not a safety issue, and they were working on a solution. in the meantime, i should have the temp. solution applied. however, i have had the temp. solution applied 4 seperate times, and each time, the noise comes back after just a little while. each time the temp. lube is applied, it quells the problem for a shorter and shorter period of time. given the fact that the temp. solution is less and less effective over time, as well as the fact that the whistling/squeling noise sounds as if it is a metal-on-metal type of sound, i challenge ford's claim that the problem is not a saftey issue, and feel it may be only a matter of time until the tires break off or the axle seal collapses. i have no confidence ford is pursuing a permanent solution-developing new seals i assume (given that they have supposedly been working on it for a year). my dealership has been 100% understanding and helpful, but cannot provide a solution that does not exist, although they continue to assure me a permanent solution is in the works per ford. i feel i have exhausted my options in pursuing information and a solution to this problem, and am very worried that my safety is at risk from a defective, poorly designed front axle-tire assembly. *ak
POWER TRAIN - DRIVELINE - DRIVESHAFT
11/21/2000		1
	Driveshaft replaced. *slc
POWER TRAIN - MANUAL TRANSMISSION
05/31/1998			12/30/1997
	Place transmission in park position, while vehicle still running, tun off ignition, car started to roll backward, dragging me for at least 300 ft. and jump the curb, and was stopped by hitting a tree.