general problems of the 1998 Mercury Mystique

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 days 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.

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 NHTSA 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.

The contact states there is a NHTSA 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.

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.