Section 12 (Engine Controls - Basic Testing 4.6L): Introduction
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis and 1998 Lincoln Town Car. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
The following diagnostic steps will help prevent overlooking a simple problem. This is also where to begin diagnosis for a no-start condition.
The first step in diagnosing any driveability problem is verifying the symptom(s) with a test drive under the conditions the problem reportedly occurred.
Before entering self-diagnostics, perform a careful and complete visual inspection. Most engine control problems result from poor electrical connections, damaged/misrouted vacuum hoses or mechanical breakdowns. Before condemning the computerized system, perform each test listed in this article.