🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Mercury Model: Capri Model Generation: Third Generation (Fox Body) Product Type: Workshop Service Repair Manual Codes Platform Code: Fox 👋 Introduction Market Position Market Niche: Sporty coupe and hatchback appealing to a younger demographic, often seen as an affordable performance alternative. Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: Chevrolet Camaro, Pontiac Firebird, AMC Javelin, Datsun Z-cars, Toyota Celica, Ford Mustang. Key Features Design Heritage: Based on the Ford Fox platform, shared with the Mustang, offering a European-inspired sport coupe look. Performance Focus: Available with powerful V8 engines, rear-wheel drive, and sport-tuned suspension options, emphasizing handling and acceleration. Customization Potential: Popular in the aftermarket for performance modifications and aesthetic customization. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Years Covered: 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986 Models Covered: All Mercury Capri models and trims Engine Variants Covered: All factory-equipped engines, including inline-4, inline-6, and V8 Transmission Types Covered: All factory-equipped transmissions, including manual and automatic Page Count Estimated Pages: Varies based on specific model year and engine combination, typically 1500-2500+ pages for a comprehensive set Manual Type Type: Workshop Service Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Downloadable Digital Format (PDF compatible) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine Mechanical: Engine diagnosis, overhaul, internal components (pistons, rings, bearings, crankshaft, camshaft), timing systems, lubrication system, cooling system. Engine Performance: Fuel system (carburetor/fuel injection), ignition system, exhaust system, emissions control systems, turbocharging (if applicable). Transmission Drivetrain: Manual transmission (clutch, gears, linkages), automatic transmission (torque converter, valve body, internal components), driveshafts, CV joints, differentials. Brakes: Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes (or disc), hydraulic system, parking brake, ABS (if equipped). Suspension Steering: Front suspension (MacPherson struts, control arms, springs, shocks), rear suspension (leaf springs, shocks), power steering system, steering column, steering rack/box. Electrical System: Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), lighting system (headlights, taillights), fuses, relays, wiring diagrams, ignition switch, accessory circuits. Body Chassis: Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, interior trim, seats, glass, chassis components, rust repair, structural integrity. HVAC: Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (A/C) system diagnosis and repair, refrigerant handling, blower motor, heater core, A/C compressor. Procedures Included Maintenance: Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, tune-ups, fluid checks and changes. Repair: Component removal and installation, troubleshooting common problems, diagnosis of failures. Troubleshooting: Diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, identifying causes of malfunctions. Rebuild Overhaul: Detailed instructions for engine, transmission, and major component rebuilds. Technical Data: Specifications for clearances, torques, adjustments, and performance parameters. Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to advanced diagnostics and complete rebuilds, suitable for professional technicians and dedicated DIY enthusiasts. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Type: PDF Searchable Text: Yes (assuming a properly created PDF) Print Quality Printability: High quality, allows printing of individual pages or chapters. Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital Download) Paper Type Paper Quality: N/A (Digital Download) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine 1979 1980: 2.3L Inline-4 (OHC) 'Pinto' engine Engine 1979 1980 Hp: Approx. 88-90 hp Engine 1979 1983: 2.8L Cologne V6 (optional) Engine 1979 1983 Hp: Approx. 100-115 hp Engine 1979 1985: 4.2L V8 (optional, 1979-1980) / 5.0L V8 '302' (optional, 1980-1985) Engine 1980 V8 Hp: Approx. 130-140 hp Engine 1983 1986: 2.3L Turbocharged Inline-4 'CFI' or 'EFI' Engine 1983 Turbo Hp: Approx. 140-175 hp (depending on year and trim) Engine 1985 1986: 2.3L Turbocharged 'CFI' or 'EFI' Engine 1985 1986 Hp: Approx. 145-175 hp Performance Torque Specs V8: Varies by year and specific V8 engine, typically in the 200-250 lb-ft range. Fuel System Fuel Delivery Early: Carburetor (e.g., Motorcraft 2-barrel on base engines, Holley on V8s) Fuel Delivery Later: Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) and Central Fuel Injection (CFI) on later models and turbo variants. 🔧 Transmission Standard Standard Transmission Early: 4-speed manual transmission Standard Transmission Later: 5-speed manual transmission (e.g., T-5 on performance models) Optional Optional Transmission Early: 3-speed automatic transmission (e.g., C3) Optional Transmission Later: 4-speed automatic transmission (e.g., AOD) Features Clutch System: Hydraulic clutch actuation on later models. 📐 Dimensions Exterior Wheelbase: Approx. 104.4 inches (2652 mm) Length: Approx. 181.2 inches (4602 mm) Width: Approx. 69.1 inches (1755 mm) Height: Approx. 52.5 inches (1334 mm) Weights Curb Weight: Varies significantly by engine and equipment, typically ranging from 2700 lbs (1225 kg) for base models to 3200+ lbs (1450+ kg) for V8 and turbo models. Cargo Trunk Capacity: Varies by body style (coupe vs. hatchback), but generally moderate for its class. 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Crash Test Data: Limited official crash test data readily available for these specific years from NHTSA; however, the Fox platform generally performed acceptably for its era. Modern standards would be significantly different. Active Features Braking System: Power-assisted front disc brakes standard on most models, rear drum brakes. Optional rear disc brakes on some performance variants. Power brake booster standard. Passive Features Airbags: Driver-side airbag introduced in later years (mid-1980s). Passenger airbag generally not available...
Front suspension (MacPherson struts, control arms, springs, shocks), rear suspension (leaf springs, shocks), power steering system, steering column, steering rack/box.
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), lighting system (headlights, taillights), fuses, relays, wiring diagrams, ignition switch, accessory circuits.
Component removal and installation, troubleshooting common problems, diagnosis of failures.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, identifying causes of malfunctions.
Rebuild Overhaul:
Detailed instructions for engine, transmission, and major component rebuilds.
Technical Data:
Specifications for clearances, torques, adjustments, and performance parameters.
Technical Depth
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to advanced diagnostics and complete rebuilds, suitable for professional technicians and dedicated DIY enthusiasts.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
File Type:
PDF
Searchable Text:
Yes (assuming a properly created PDF)
Print Quality
Printability:
High quality, allows printing of individual pages or chapters.
Varies by year and specific V8 engine, typically in the 200-250 lb-ft range.
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery Early:
Carburetor (e.g., Motorcraft 2-barrel on base engines, Holley on V8s)
Fuel Delivery Later:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) and Central Fuel Injection (CFI) on later models and turbo variants.
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Standard Transmission Early:
4-speed manual transmission
Standard Transmission Later:
5-speed manual transmission (e.g., T-5 on performance models)
Optional
Optional Transmission Early:
3-speed automatic transmission (e.g., C3)
Optional Transmission Later:
4-speed automatic transmission (e.g., AOD)
Features
Clutch System:
Hydraulic clutch actuation on later models.
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Wheelbase:
Approx. 104.4 inches (2652 mm)
Length:
Approx. 181.2 inches (4602 mm)
Width:
Approx. 69.1 inches (1755 mm)
Height:
Approx. 52.5 inches (1334 mm)
Weights
Curb Weight:
Varies significantly by engine and equipment, typically ranging from 2700 lbs (1225 kg) for base models to 3200+ lbs (1450+ kg) for V8 and turbo models.
Cargo
Trunk Capacity:
Varies by body style (coupe vs. hatchback), but generally moderate for its class.
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Crash Test Data:
Limited official crash test data readily available for these specific years from NHTSA; however, the Fox platform generally performed acceptably for its era. Modern standards would be significantly different.
Active Features
Braking System:
Power-assisted front disc brakes standard on most models, rear drum brakes. Optional rear disc brakes on some performance variants. Power brake booster standard.
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver-side airbag introduced in later years (mid-1980s). Passenger airbag generally not available during this generation.
Seatbelts:
Three-point front seatbelts, lap belts in the rear.
Rollover Protection:
Reinforced roof structure, but without advanced rollover protection systems.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Typically AM/FM radio, with optional cassette player. Speaker configurations varied by trim.
Gauges Instruments:
Basic analog gauges for speedometer, tachometer (optional), fuel, temperature, and oil pressure. Warning lights for system malfunctions.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Optional on many models.
Intermittent Wipers:
Standard on most models, with adjustable delay on some trims.
Connectivity
Connectivity Features:
No modern connectivity features (Bluetooth, USB, etc.) were available; primarily analog systems.
🔧 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 specific engine recommendations.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Varies by spark plug type; typically 30,000-60,000 miles for conventional plugs, and potentially longer for platinum or iridium plugs (if retrofitted).
Coolant Flush:
Recommended every 2-3 years or 30,000-50,000 miles, using the appropriate coolant mixture.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type Early:
API SF or SG rated oil, viscosity SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (check owner's manual for exact recommendation based on temperature).
Engine Oil Type Later:
May require API SH or SJ rated oil for later models. Refer to manual.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil, viscosity SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
ATF Type 'A' or Dexron II/III (check specific transmission for exact spec).
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze mixed with distilled water (50/50 ratio).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Known Issues
Rust Corrosion:
Prone to rust in common areas like wheel wells, rocker panels, door bottoms, and rear quarter panels due to age and original undercoating.
Electrical Gremlins:
Aging wiring harnesses, corroded connectors, and failing relays can lead to intermittent electrical problems.
Carburetor Issues:
Carburetors can become finicky with age, requiring frequent adjustments, cleaning, or rebuilding.
HVAC System Wear:
A/C compressors, evaporators, and heater cores can fail over time. Blend door actuators and vacuum lines can also degrade.
Suspension Wear:
Bushings, ball joints, tie rod ends, and struts/shocks are common wear items that can affect ride quality and handling.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Mercury Lineage:
Mercury was Ford's mid-tier brand, positioned between Ford and Lincoln, aiming for a more stylish and upscale appeal.
Model Evolution
Capri Generation 3 Launch:
Introduced in 1979 as a rebadged European Ford Capri, featuring a more angular, hatchback-centric design compared to its predecessors.
Trim Levels:
Offered in various trims like base, 'L' (Luxury), 'LS', 'GTS', 'RS', 'Turbo', and 'XR-7' (later models), each with distinct styling and performance cues.
Facelifts:
Received updates including revised front and rear fascias, interior styling tweaks, and introduction of new powertrain options throughout its production run.
Production
Manufacturing Location:
Assembled in the United States (e.g., Metuchen, New Jersey; St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada).
Production End:
Mercury Capri production ceased in 1986, with the platform evolving into other Ford/Mercury models.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Industry Awards:
While specific major awards for the Mercury Capri are not prominent, it was recognized for its sporty styling and performance for its price point in its segment during the early 1980s.
Ratings
Consumer Reports:
Early editions of Consumer Reports provided reviews highlighting its sporty appeal but often noted reliability concerns common to vehicles of this era and class.
Certifications
Emissions Compliance:
Vehicles were designed to meet the emissions standards of their respective model years, with information on specific systems covered in the manual.
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