Eight problems related to speed control linkage have been reported for the 1997 Mercury Mountaineer. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
The contact owns a 1997 Mercury Mountaineer. He experienced difficult steering, because the front sway bar linkage had fractured. Secondly he would intermittently smell an odor of gasoline inside of the vehicle. Thirdly during brake application the accelerator pedal would also stick. This condition would cause the vehicle to lurch forward. Lastly the main bar that held the two bumpers together had corroded. The failures were described in recalls (98v060000, 00v422000, 00v402000). However he was advised by representatives from the dealer and the manufacturer that the previous owner had the vehicle repaired according the recalls. The current mileage was approximately 157,000. The failure mileage was approximately 156,000.
When applying accelerator pedal from a stop, pedal sticks and you have to hit pedal to get it to move. The longer the vehicle is driven the worse the problem appears to be. (temperature related?) this is a very dangerous scenario, especially when on slick road conditions. The mechanic at the dealership tells me the problem is with the throttle body and linkage, and entire throttle body assembly must be replaced at an expense of over $300. This problem seems to pretty much parallel the problem w/ the 4. 0l sohc engines that are a part of NHTSA campaign id # 00v422000 recall. And yet there is no recall for this problem on the 5. 0l engine. I don't get it!.
Consumer received recall notice (97v-074) regarding throttle linkage and control failure which was not repaired due to scheduling problems.
While pulling into driveway with foot on brakes, engine started roaring/racing and suddenly accelerated, rear ending another vehicle. Air bags did not deploy.
While backing out of a parking space the vehicle accelerated suddenly. The dealer and manufacturer have been notified.
Sudden acceleration caused accident due to throttle linkage failure.
When brakes applied the vehicle suddenly accelerated, causing the vehicle to collide with another . Owner states that in order to stop the vehicle, she had to stand on the brakes. Had to put the vehicle in park to stop the engine from racing. The dealer has the vehicle .
Throttle linkages and control stuck due to the cold weather conditions in this area of chicago, causing the vehicle to idle while not moving. There is a recall, but the state of illionis is not included. Dealer has been contacted.