🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Mercury Model: Capri Generation: Second Generation (Fox Body Platform) Codes Platform: Ford Fox Body 👋 Introduction Market Position Target Audience: Enthusiast owners, DIY mechanics, independent repair shops, and aspiring automotive technicians seeking detailed repair information for the Mercury Capri (1979-1986). Competitive Analysis Manual Value Proposition: Provides a cost-effective and comprehensive alternative to expensive dealership service, empowering users to perform maintenance and repairs efficiently and accurately. Key Features Primary Benefit: Enables independent repair and maintenance, saving money and ensuring quality of work. Knowledge Acquisition: Facilitates deep understanding of the vehicle's intricacies and construction for better ownership experience. Accessibility: Instant PDF download for anytime, anywhere repair access. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Years Covered: 1979, 1980, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986 Engine Variants Covered: All gasoline engine variants offered during the specified model years. Page Count Estimated Page Count: Over 1000 pages (typical for comprehensive factory-style manuals). Manual Type Type: All-Encompassing Service and Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: PDF Download 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Engine mechanical, engine management, fuel system, cooling system, exhaust system, transmission (manual and automatic), clutch, driveshaft, differential, axles. Chassis: Suspension (front and rear), steering system, brake system (front disc, rear drum/disc), wheels, tires. Electrical: Wiring diagrams, electrical system components (battery, alternator, starter, ignition system, lighting, instrumentation, power accessories), fuses, relays. Body And Interior: Body panels, doors, windows, seats, upholstery, HVAC system, safety restraint systems (seat belts, early airbags if applicable). Procedures Included Maintenance: Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, lubrication, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement. Troubleshooting: Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) if applicable. Repair: Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, repair, reassembly, and installation for all major systems. Special Tools And Techniques: Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repairs, torque specifications for critical fasteners. Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive. Covers everything from basic fluid checks and component replacement to in-depth engine and transmission rebuilds, electrical diagnostics, and bodywork repair. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Digital Format: PDF Software Requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader (or compatible PDF viewer), WinZip (or compatible decompression utility). Platform Compatibility: Windows and macOS Print Quality Digital Quality: High resolution, clear text and diagrams suitable for on-screen viewing and printing. Binding Type Binding For Digital: N/A (Digital Download) Paper Type Paper Type For Physical Equivalent: Likely printed on durable, glossy paper with clear illustrations and diagrams (based on typical factory manuals). ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Options 1979-1986: 2.3L (140 cu in) Inline-4 (OHC & Turbocharged), 2.8L (171 cu in) V6 (Cologne), 3.3L (200 cu in) Inline-6, 5.0L (302 cu in) V8 (Windsor). Performance Horsepower Range: Approximately 88 HP (naturally aspirated 2.3L) to 210 HP (5.0L V8). Torque Range: Approximately 110 lb-ft to 285 lb-ft (depending on engine). Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Carbureted (various Ford/Motorcraft models), Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) for later models and turbocharged variants. 🔧 Transmission Standard Standard Transmission Options: 4-speed manual, 5-speed manual (depending on year and engine). Optional Optional Transmission Options: 3-speed automatic (C3, C4), 4-speed automatic (AOD). Features Clutch System: Hydraulically actuated diaphragm spring clutch. 📐 Dimensions Exterior Wheelbase: Approximately 104.2 inches (2647 mm). Length: Approximately 183.6 inches (4663 mm). Width: Approximately 70.0 inches (1778 mm). Height: Approximately 52.5 inches (1334 mm). Weights Curb Weight Range: Approximately 2700 - 3200 lbs (1225 - 1450 kg) depending on engine and options. 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Crash Test Information: Vehicle safety ratings from this era are not directly comparable to modern standards. Manual will detail safety system maintenance. Active Features Braking System: Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes (some performance models offered rear discs). Power assist often standard. Steering System: Power steering often optional or standard on higher trims. Rack and pinion steering. Passive Features Restraint System: Three-point seat belts (lap and shoulder belts), optional front seat airbags began appearing late in the model run for other Ford vehicles, but less common on Capri. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: AM/FM radio, optional AM/FM stereo with cassette player. Basic speaker configurations. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Optional on many models. Connectivity Connectivity Features: Minimal by modern standards; primarily focused on basic vehicle operation and comfort features. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Typically every 3,000 miles (4,800 km) or 3 months, whichever comes first, for conventional oil. Transmission Fluid Change: Every 24,000-36,000 miles (38,000-58,000 km), or as specified by Ford/Mercury for specific transmission types. Fluid Specifications Engine Oil Type: API SF or SG rated, viscosity typically 5W-30 or 10W-30 depending on climate and engine. Coolant Type: Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, typically a 50/50 mixture with distilled water. Specific type may vary. Brake Fluid Type: DOT 3 brake fluid. Known Issues Common Problems: Carburetor tuning issues, ignition system component wear (points, condenser, coil), exhaust system rust, suspension...
Enthusiast owners, DIY mechanics, independent repair shops, and aspiring automotive technicians seeking detailed repair information for the Mercury Capri (1979-1986).
Competitive Analysis
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides a cost-effective and comprehensive alternative to expensive dealership service, empowering users to perform maintenance and repairs efficiently and accurately.
Key Features
Primary Benefit:
Enables independent repair and maintenance, saving money and ensuring quality of work.
Knowledge Acquisition:
Facilitates deep understanding of the vehicle's intricacies and construction for better ownership experience.
Accessibility:
Instant PDF download for anytime, anywhere repair access.
📋 Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Years Covered:
1979, 1980, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986
Engine Variants Covered:
All gasoline engine variants offered during the specified model years.
Page Count
Estimated Page Count:
Over 1000 pages (typical for comprehensive factory-style manuals).
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, brake system (front disc, rear drum/disc), wheels, tires.
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, electrical system components (battery, alternator, starter, ignition system, lighting, instrumentation, power accessories), fuses, relays.
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, windows, seats, upholstery, HVAC system, safety restraint systems (seat belts, early airbags if applicable).
Procedures Included
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, lubrication, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) if applicable.
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, repair, reassembly, and installation for all major systems.
Special Tools And Techniques:
Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repairs, torque specifications for critical fasteners.
Technical Depth
Depth:
Comprehensive. Covers everything from basic fluid checks and component replacement to in-depth engine and transmission rebuilds, electrical diagnostics, and bodywork repair.
Approximately 2700 - 3200 lbs (1225 - 1450 kg) depending on engine and options.
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Crash Test Information:
Vehicle safety ratings from this era are not directly comparable to modern standards. Manual will detail safety system maintenance.
Active Features
Braking System:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes (some performance models offered rear discs). Power assist often standard.
Steering System:
Power steering often optional or standard on higher trims. Rack and pinion steering.
Passive Features
Restraint System:
Three-point seat belts (lap and shoulder belts), optional front seat airbags began appearing late in the model run for other Ford vehicles, but less common on Capri.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
AM/FM radio, optional AM/FM stereo with cassette player. Basic speaker configurations.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Optional on many models.
Connectivity
Connectivity Features:
Minimal by modern standards; primarily focused on basic vehicle operation and comfort features.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000 miles (4,800 km) or 3 months, whichever comes first, for conventional oil.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 24,000-36,000 miles (38,000-58,000 km), or as specified by Ford/Mercury for specific transmission types.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
API SF or SG rated, viscosity typically 5W-30 or 10W-30 depending on climate and engine.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, typically a 50/50 mixture with distilled water. Specific type may vary.
Careful monitoring of boost pressure, intercooler maintenance, turbocharger lubrication, and detonation prevention are critical.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Mercury Division Context:
Mercury was positioned as a mid-range brand by Ford, often offering sportier or more upscale versions of Ford models.
Model Evolution
Second Generation Capri:
Based on the Ford Fox platform, shared with Mustang, Fairmont, and Capri. Known for its European styling influence and RWD layout. Offered as coupe and hatchback.
Production
Production Location:
Assembled in the United States (Michigan).
Production Period:
1979-1986, with a facelift in 1983.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Automotive Press Reviews:
The Capri was often praised for its sporty handling and styling, especially in its performance variants like the 5.0 V8 model, which competed with the Mustang GT.
Ratings
Consumer Guides:
Consumer guides of the era often highlighted its value proposition and performance for the price, though reliability could be variable depending on specific components and maintenance.