Questions and Answers

Mercury Mystique Questions Q. I have a 1998 Mercury Mystique. 107,000 miles, V-6, P/S, A/C, automatic transmission. The power steering hose developed a leak at 37,000, just after warranty. Had it replaced. After 40,000 miles, it started to leak again. What else is wrong?

2. Automatic transmission: Harsh shifting both up and down between second and third after 20 miles of uphill driving. Doesn't do it on the flat land.

3. Recently replaced the spark plugs and the wiring. Car has now developed a miss and a hesitation. The miss is not constant. Bad new plug? What about the hesitation? Replaced air filter with a K&H lifetime air filter 12,000 miles ago.

Help!!!
David
Santa Clara, CA

A. Here it is, by the numbers.

1. If you replaced the power steering line with an aftermarket hose, that may be the problem. I would try an OEM power steering hose from Ford. That should last longer. I never did like the way those power steering hoses were designed.

2. I would try a transmission filter and fluid change. It may just be a partially clogged transmission filter. Don't get a flush, just the new filter and replace whatever comes out.

3. If the problem wasn't there before you replaced the spark plugs and ignition wires, and appeared after you replaced them, then it's safe to assume that the spark plugs and ignition wires are the problem. I would try putting the old wires back on and see if it goes away to confirm it. I doubt the spark plugs are at fault if they are the correct spark plugs for the car and are gapped correctly. Spark plug gap should be 0.052" to- 0.056".