1998 mercury mystique. Electrical sub-harness connector problems. *smd the consumer stated he took the vehicle to his mechanic, because the AC wasn't cooling properly and the vehicle would over heat, while it was on. The vehicle has two fans in the front and they found the cooling fan melted and the sub-harness connector burned up. In addition, they showed the consumer the part of the sub-harness with the insulation just falling off the wire. They had to replaced the fan motor unit and had to splice in a fan connector and wire into the rest of the sub-harness, because for said the sub-harness was obsolete and not available. While it functions, the check engine light has since illuminated for a cam shaft position sensor, which the consumer was informed it was related to the sub-harness. Also, the lower control arms, ball joints, front struts, rear struts and rear mounts, numerous o2 sensors, radio antenna, rack and pinion, drivers side power window and switch controller were all replaced. The engine and transmission mounts also had to be replaced.
1998 Mercury Mystique electrical problems
29 complaints (13% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 114,708.
- owner complaints
- 29
- of this car's complaints
- 13%
- typical mileage
- 114,708
- crashes
- 0
- recalls
- 1
Which part fails
- Wiring: fuses and circuit breakers5
- Horn4
- Wiring3
- Wiring: interior/under dash2
- Ignition2
- Alternator/generator/regulator2
- Wiring: front underhood1
- Starter assembly: solenoid1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
Mercury Mystique electrical problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 1998 Mercury Mystique electrical
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Related recalls
Electrical system
- What is wrong
- On certain my 1996-1998 passenger vehicles built at the kansas city, cuautitlan assembly plants or on my 1999 passenger vehcles built at the automotive alliance international assembly plants, the rough surface of the heater blower resistor's stainless steel blades can damage the copper surface of the wiring harness connector. The damage could, over time, cause increased resistance in the connector and, due to subsequent terminal relaxation, result in an open circuit condition.
- Risk
- The open circuit could lead to electrical arcing that could melt the connector housing material creasing the potential for a fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will install a new heater blower resistor and a new wire jumper harness. Owner notification began august 29, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact ford at 1‑800‑392‑3673.
Recall number 01V230000 · Recall details
Related investigations
Blower switch/resistor or wiring harness
There is no summary currently available
EA01001
Blower switch/resistor or wiring harness
There is no summary currently available
PE00023
What 1998 Mercury Mystique owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
I am the 2nd owner of my 1998 mercury mystique. I purchased the vehicle in 2004. It has a computer defect that gives a false reading for the check engine light. This car qualified for the nj lemon law because of this problem with its 1st owner. However, that owner was too kind to do anything about it. The previous owner gave me a file filled with service information from the date he purchased the vehicle, brand new in december 1997. Shortly after his purchase he had the vehicle back to the dealer for the check engine light. He had it back a couple more times for the same thing and they always fixed it. Obviously, they put a band-aid on a major defect. I noticed the light was on when I first purchased the vehicle. The former owner said he had it checked and was told not to pay attention to it. Well, since then I have been told at inspection that it has to be fixed every time. So it goes to my mechanic who wills repair/replace the necessary parts per that day's computer reading. Within a few weeks (occasionally months) the light goes on again. Previous to this years inspection (december 31st) I had my friend look it over and he replaced the valve/sensor that was defected (per that days computer reading). Well, right before inspection the check engine light went back on. And of course, since it was on, it failed again. I mentioned to the inspector that it had a history of this problem. I asked if there was any recourse and he told me to look into the nj waiver program. I called the motor vehicle commission to learn about the waiver program. I understand to be considered, the repair cost has to be about $400 or more. Some time ago the repair costs limit was about $250 or more. Well, for the repair I had done before this last inspection, it cost me about $250 again. I believe that for these reasons I should qualify for a vehicle waiver for the emissions inspection of my vehicle.
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 mercury mystique. The contact took her vehicle to a mechanic because the blower motor resistor failed. The mechanic stated that her fuse box melted, which caused the blower motor to fail. She called the manufacturer and a representative stated that her VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign id number 01v230000 (electrical system), although the failures were identical. The contact would be responsible for the repair costs. She is in the process of having the vehicle repaired. The failure and current mileages were 114,708.
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 mercury mystique. While driving various speeds, the contact noticed that the fuel gauge and speedometer displayed inaccurate readings. In addition, the warning lights on the instrument control panel flicker on and off sporadically. The contact also stated that he felt excessive heat underneath the instrument panel. A local mechanic stated that the electrical system was defective and they are currently in the process of repairing the vehicle. The manufacturer did not provide any assistance. The contact has pictures of the failed component. The failure mileage was 43,000 and current mileage was 48,000.
Vehicle instrument panel went hay-wire, car starting hesitating, and slamming from gear to gear. Took to a service center that advised me that it had a bad sensor. Paid close to $800.00 to have replaced. Car started with more electrical issues within the next couple of days. (ie: lights would not go on, etc) took back to service center that then advised that the wiring harness on the car was malfunctioning and causes the electrical system to short circuit. The wiring harness would have to be replaced and wiring on car would have to be redone costing close to $3000.00. They also advised that this car is not safe to drive, that it would be just a matter of time before this car would catch fire. Did not have $$ to make repair, continued to drive car having no other option with a baby, and young child that need to be taken to school, etc. While driving on the interstate days later, the car went from 75 MPH to 10 MPH like hitting a wall. Almost got rear-ended and had to exit, driving home at 10 MPH the whole way.
Dt: the contact states there is a the federal safety agency recall campaign #01v230000 concerning the electrical system. This vehicle has the same problems as indicated in the recall, but it is not included in the recall due to VIN. The vehicle has not been repaired because it was too expensive
Dt: the contact was having electrical problems. She said the vehicle would not start. The vehicle would jump while she was driving. She was going about 40 MPH. She had it looked at, and was told it was in the wiring. She said when the mechanic looked at the vehicle the windshield wipers came on by themselves. A mechanic told her the wires were bad, and they needed to be replaced. She was told this by two different mechanics. She found out about a recall 01v230000 on the wiring harness. Dealer told her the recall has expired. Manufacturer said this vehicle was not included in the recall.
The trans is out not working. It worked fine,and just stop,made a funny noise and just stoped. Ipulled in my yard.know it want move.for know reason.
Dt: while driving down the road, I noticed smoke coming out of the dash. I pull over to the side of the road, opened the hood and the first thing I saw was fire coming from behind the glove compartment. The car caught fire and burned just five after I pulled over. No warning lights, looked at temp gauge and everything was fine before the fire. Called 911 at 5:44 pm, fire dept came and put out the fire. This was on the interstate. *nm
I came to this site looking for recall information to see if there had been a recall related to my problems with the 1998 mercury mystique. So far nothing too dangerous has happened, but I am feeling very unsafe for obvious reasons. One by one the electrical systems in my car are shorting out. I haven't been able to power down the passenger side window for quite some time. Then the radio (always faulty -- they were never able to fix it even by replacing it) shorted out completely on the incident date below. Then the interior overhead and floorboard lights shorted out a few days later. I'm concerned that the exterior lights and power steering are next. I can't get an appointment at the dealership to have all this looked at for another couple of weeks. I was checking the site to see if there were any related recalls or complaints. Thought I'd add a complaint because maybe it needs to be looked into.
Questions about the 1998 Mercury Mystique electrical
Does the 1998 Mercury Mystique have electrical problems?
Owners have filed 29 complaints about the electrical of the 1998 Mercury Mystique, 13% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 1998 Mercury Mystique electrical problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 114,708 miles.
Was there a recall on the 1998 Mercury Mystique electrical?
Yes, 1 recall: 01V230000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Mercury Mystique have the most electrical problems?
The Mercury Mystique model years with the most electrical complaints are 1995 (73 complaints), 1996 (47 complaints) and 1998 (29 complaints).
Other 1998 Mercury Mystique problems
Suspension 49Transmission 38Engine 34Brakes 28Lights 19Airbags 18Visibility 16Acceleration 14Steering 11Fuel system 9Seat belts 7Seats 4Body 3Tires 3Locks 1
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