🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Mercury Model: Capri Model Years Covered: 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986 Codes Platform Code: Fox body 👋 Introduction Market Position Market Segment: Sporty compact/subcompact coupe (early models), later more mainstream coupe/convertible. Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: Chevrolet Camaro, Pontiac Firebird, AMC Javelin, Datsun Z-cars (e.g., 240Z/260Z/280Z), Toyota Celica, Ford Mustang. Key Features Vehicle Positioning: Initially marketed as a sporty European-inspired coupe, later iterations became more distinct American muscle/sporty car offerings. Manual Value Proposition: Enables owners to perform maintenance and repairs cost-effectively, understand vehicle systems, and prolong vehicle life. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Main Coverage: Comprehensive Service and Repair Page Count Estimated Page Count: Varies by specific year and engine (typically 500-1000+ pages for a full factory manual set) Manual Type Manual Type: Service and Repair Manual Language Language: English Format File Format: PDF Delivery Method: Instant Download Requirements Software Requirements: Adobe PDF Reader, WinZip (or similar decompression software) Operating System Compatibility: All Versions of Windows & Mac 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Engine, Fuel System, Cooling System, Exhaust System, Ignition System Drivetrain: Transmission (Manual & Automatic), Clutch, Driveshafts, Rear Axle Assembly Chassis: Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Brakes (Hydraulic & Parking), Wheels & Tires Electrical: Battery, Charging System, Starting System, Lighting System, Instrumentation, Wiring Diagrams, Fuses & Relays, Accessories Body: Body Panels, Doors, Windows, Seats, Interior Trim, Exterior Trim, Bumpers, Paint & Finish Emissions: Emission Control Systems, Diagnosis, and Component Description Procedures Included Maintenance: Scheduled Maintenance, Fluid Changes, Filter Replacements, Lubrication, Tune-ups Repair: Engine Overhaul, Transmission Repair, Brake System Service, Suspension Component Replacement, Electrical Diagnosis and Repair Troubleshooting: Diagnostic Charts, Symptom-Based Troubleshooting Guides, Fault Code Interpretation Technical Specifications: Torque Specifications, Clearances, Timing Settings, Fluid Capacities, Electrical Specifications Technical Depth Depth Of Coverage: Comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance to major component overhauls and diagnostics 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Print Quality: Fully Printable (high-resolution, intended for clear reproduction) Searchability: Likely searchable text within the PDF (depending on original source) Zoom Functionality: Zoom IN/OUT capable Binding Type Binding Type: N/A (Digital Download - PDF) Paper Type Paper Type: N/A (Digital Download - PDF) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Options: Range of inline-four and V6 engines. Common options include 2.3L (140 cu in) inline-four (Pinto/Lima engine), 2.8L (171 cu in) V6 (Cologne engine), and later models may feature other variations. Performance Horsepower Range: Varies significantly by year and engine. Early 4-cylinders might be around 80-90 hp, V6s around 110-130 hp, and performance variants (e.g., XR-7, Turbo Capri) could exceed 120-150 hp. Torque Range: Correspondingly varies with horsepower. V6 engines generally offered better torque for cruising. Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Carbureted (e.g., Motorcraft 2150, 740 CFM) for most engines throughout this period. Fuel injection (EFI) may have been introduced on some later or performance models. Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline Engine Codes Common Inline 4 Code: Lima 2.3L (e.g., YF, YM, YP designations) Common V6 Code: Cologne 2.8L (e.g., YV, ZV designations) 🔧 Transmission Standard Standard Transmission: 4-speed manual transmission was often standard on base models. Optional Optional Transmission: 3-speed automatic transmission (e.g., C-3, C-4) and potentially a 5-speed manual on later models or performance variants. Features Transmission Fluid: Typically Mercon or Dexron III for automatic transmissions. Manual transmissions would use gear oil (e.g., GL-4 or GL-5). 📐 Dimensions Exterior Body Styles: 2-door coupe, 3-door hatchback, convertible (later years). Wheelbase: Approximately 104.2 inches (2647 mm) for Fox platform. Weights Curb Weight: Ranges from approximately 2,500 lbs to 3,000+ lbs depending on engine and body style. 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Safety Standards: Designed to meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) of the era. Specific crash test ratings from this period are less commonly detailed than modern vehicles. Active Features Braking System: Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes were standard. Power assist was common. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was generally not available in this era. Passive Features Restraints: Seat belts (lap and shoulder belts) were standard. Airbags were not a feature during this production run. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio Systems: Basic AM/FM radio, often with an 8-track player or cassette tape deck as an option. Speakers were typically dual-cone units. Driver Assistance Assistance Features: Limited to power steering on most models. Cruise control was an available option on higher trims. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Typically every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used. Consult manual for specifics. Tune Up Interval: Spark plugs, ignition wires, and distributor cap/rotor replacement typically recommended every 20,000-30,000 miles. Coolant Flush: Recommended every 2-3 years or 30,000-50,000 miles. Fluid Specifications Engine Oil Type: API SF or SG rated. Viscosity typically 5W-30 or 10W-40, depending on climate and engine. Refer to manual for precise grade. Coolant Type: Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze. Typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Consult manual for specific type...
Comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance to major component overhauls and diagnostics
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Print Quality:
Fully Printable (high-resolution, intended for clear reproduction)
Searchability:
Likely searchable text within the PDF (depending on original source)
Zoom Functionality:
Zoom IN/OUT capable
Binding Type
Binding Type:
N/A (Digital Download - PDF)
Paper Type
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital Download - PDF)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Options:
Range of inline-four and V6 engines. Common options include 2.3L (140 cu in) inline-four (Pinto/Lima engine), 2.8L (171 cu in) V6 (Cologne engine), and later models may feature other variations.
Performance
Horsepower Range:
Varies significantly by year and engine. Early 4-cylinders might be around 80-90 hp, V6s around 110-130 hp, and performance variants (e.g., XR-7, Turbo Capri) could exceed 120-150 hp.
Torque Range:
Correspondingly varies with horsepower. V6 engines generally offered better torque for cruising.
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Carbureted (e.g., Motorcraft 2150, 740 CFM) for most engines throughout this period. Fuel injection (EFI) may have been introduced on some later or performance models.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Engine Codes
Common Inline 4 Code:
Lima 2.3L (e.g., YF, YM, YP designations)
Common V6 Code:
Cologne 2.8L (e.g., YV, ZV designations)
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Standard Transmission:
4-speed manual transmission was often standard on base models.
Optional
Optional Transmission:
3-speed automatic transmission (e.g., C-3, C-4) and potentially a 5-speed manual on later models or performance variants.
Features
Transmission Fluid:
Typically Mercon or Dexron III for automatic transmissions. Manual transmissions would use gear oil (e.g., GL-4 or GL-5).
Approximately 104.2 inches (2647 mm) for Fox platform.
Weights
Curb Weight:
Ranges from approximately 2,500 lbs to 3,000+ lbs depending on engine and body style.
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Safety Standards:
Designed to meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) of the era. Specific crash test ratings from this period are less commonly detailed than modern vehicles.
Active Features
Braking System:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes were standard. Power assist was common. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was generally not available in this era.
Passive Features
Restraints:
Seat belts (lap and shoulder belts) were standard. Airbags were not a feature during this production run.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio Systems:
Basic AM/FM radio, often with an 8-track player or cassette tape deck as an option. Speakers were typically dual-cone units.
Driver Assistance
Assistance Features:
Limited to power steering on most models. Cruise control was an available option on higher trims.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used. Consult manual for specifics.
Tune Up Interval:
Spark plugs, ignition wires, and distributor cap/rotor replacement typically recommended every 20,000-30,000 miles.
Coolant Flush:
Recommended every 2-3 years or 30,000-50,000 miles.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
API SF or SG rated. Viscosity typically 5W-30 or 10W-40, depending on climate and engine. Refer to manual for precise grade.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze. Typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Consult manual for specific type (e.g., green conventional).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 brake fluid.
Known Issues
Common Problems Engine:
Carburetor tuning issues, vacuum leaks, potential for oil leaks from gaskets (e.g., valve cover, oil pan), timing chain wear on 2.3L engines.
Common Problems Electrical:
Aging wiring harnesses can cause intermittent issues, faulty voltage regulators, starter solenoid problems, dashboard warning light failures.
Mercury was Ford's mid-tier brand, positioned between Ford and Lincoln. The Capri was often a badge-engineered vehicle, initially based on European Ford models before transitioning to the US-developed Fox platform.
Model Evolution
Generation 1 Fox Platform:
Introduced in 1979, the Capri utilized the new Ford Fox platform, sharing many components with the Ford Mustang. This marked a significant shift from its European roots.
Production
Manufacturing Location:
Assembled in the United States, primarily at Ford's Dearborn Assembly Plant, Michigan.
Production Timeline:
1979-1986.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Historical Note:
While specific awards for the 1979-1986 Mercury Capri are not widely documented in the way modern cars are recognized, it was a popular model in its segment and a staple of American automotive landscape during its production run.
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