Introduction
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Market Position
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Target Audience:
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Professional technicians and experienced DIY mechanics.
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Segment:
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Mid-size sedan/coupe, competing with models like the Chevrolet Celebrity, Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme, and Chrysler LeBaron.
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Competitive Analysis
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Value Proposition:
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Provides professional-level repair and maintenance information, equivalent to what technicians use, for a fraction of the cost and with immediate accessibility.
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Key Features
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Manual Features:
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Detailed sub-steps, notes/cautions/warnings, numbered instructions, bold figure numbers, detailed illustrations/drawings/photos, enlarged insets, numbered table of contents, combined troubleshooting and electrical procedures with wiring diagrams.
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Manual Coverage
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Systems Covered
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Powertrain:
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Engine repair, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, exhaust system, manual transmission, automatic transmission.
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Chassis:
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Suspension (front and rear), steering system, brakes (front and rear), wheels and tires.
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Body And Electrical:
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Body panels, interior trim, exterior trim, lighting, HVAC system, power accessories, instrument cluster, wiring diagrams, troubleshooting.
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Wiring Diagrams:
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Detailed wiring diagrams for all electrical systems, crucial for troubleshooting and repair.
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HVAC System:
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Air conditioning and heating system components, operation, diagnosis, and repair.
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Procedures Included
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Maintenance:
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Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes (oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid), filter replacements, tune-ups.
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Repair Rebuild:
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Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, brake component replacement, suspension component replacement, steering system repair, electrical component repair.
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Diagnostics:
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Troubleshooting common problems, diagnostic procedures for engine performance, electrical systems, and mechanical components.
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Body And Frame:
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Procedures for body panel alignment, rust repair, interior trim removal and installation, and exterior trim replacement.
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Fuel System Repair:
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Carburetor overhaul, fuel pump replacement, fuel line repair, EFI system diagnostics (if applicable).
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Ignition System Repair:
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Spark plug replacement, ignition coil testing, distributor maintenance, ignition timing adjustment.
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Technical Depth
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Depth:
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Comprehensive, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY mechanics, covering detailed diagnostic and repair procedures.
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Repair Complexity:
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Covers everything from routine oil changes and filter replacements to major component overhauls and full engine rebuilds.
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Engine Specifications
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Primary Engine
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Engine Options:
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Likely included 2.3L 'Lima' Inline-4, 2.8L Cologne V6, and potentially 3.8L Essex V6 (depending on market/trim). Specifics would be detailed in the manual.
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Performance
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Horsepower Torque:
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Varies by engine option. For context, the 2.8L V6 typically produced around 114-130 hp. Specific figures for 1986 models will be in the manual.
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Compression Ratio:
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Varies by engine. Manual will provide specific compression ratios for each engine option.
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Fuel System
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Fuel Delivery:
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Likely carburetors (e.g., Motorcraft 2150/2300 2-barrel) for base engines and potentially electronic fuel injection (EFI) for higher trims or specific markets. Manual will detail specific systems.
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Engine Options
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Engine Codes Potential:
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Examples could include the 2.3L OHC (e.g., code 'L') and 2.8L V6 (e.g., code 'B'). Specific engine codes for 1986 will be detailed in the manual.
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Maintenance
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Service Intervals
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Oil Change Interval:
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Typically 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions. Manual will provide definitive guidance.
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Tune Up Interval:
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Spark plugs, ignition wires, and distributor cap/rotor were typically recommended for replacement every 30,000-60,000 miles. Manual will detail specific intervals.
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Fluid Specifications
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Engine Oil Spec:
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Likely API SG/SF service classification, with viscosity grades such as 5W-30 or 10W-30 depending on ambient temperature. Manual will list precise specifications and capacities.
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Coolant Spec:
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Ethylene glycol based coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Manual will specify coolant type and capacity.
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Transmission Fluid Spec:
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For automatic transmissions, likely Ford ESP-M2C166-H or Mercon. For manual transmissions, manual specifies appropriate gear oil. Manual will list exact types and capacities.
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Brake Fluid Spec:
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Typically DOT 3 brake fluid. Manual will confirm specification and bleeding procedures.
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Power Steering Fluid Spec:
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Ford specified power steering fluid or equivalent. Manual will detail type and capacity.
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Known Issues
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Common Problems:
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Typical issues for vehicles of this era can include carburetor performance, ignition system reliability, exhaust leaks, suspension wear (ball joints, bushings), and aging electrical components. The manual will provide diagnostic steps for these.
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