Check the Compression Pressure - 2.5L

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Mercury Cougar. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Fig 1: Checking Compression Pressure - 2.5L

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

WARNING: On manual transaxle shift the transaxle into neutral. On automatic transaxles select "P". Failure to follow this instructions will result in personal injury.

Open the central junction box (CJB).
Remove the fuel pump relay (R8).
Start the engine. The engine will start up, run for a few seconds and then stall.
Remove the engine cover.

Fig 2: Removing Engine Cover
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Pull off the spark plug wires and remove the spark plugs.

Fig 3: Pulling Spark Plug Wires And Removing Spark Plugs
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Disconnect the electrical connector from the coil.

Fig 4: Disconnecting Electrical Connector From Coil
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Install auxiliary starter switch in starting circuit. Within ignition switch OFF, using auxiliary starter switch, crank engine a minimum of five compression strokes and record the highest reading. Note the approximate number of compression strokes required to obtain the highest reading.
Repeat test on each cylinder, cranking the engine approximately the same number of compression strokes.
Install the components in the reverse order, observing the specified tightening torques.
Reset the PCM fault memory.