1991 Mercury Capri XR2 from North America - Comments

I had a similar problem with my Merkur XR4ti. It idled fine, but then, the idle would start to race, it would go to 3000 rpm in neutral. That was one problem, but like you, I would be driving on the highway and all of the sudden the car would loose power for a second and then it would speed up then slowdown and then speed up. It did not seem to happen until I hit around 120 km/hr, about 70 mph. My mechanic changed the coolant temperature sensor and that seem to have fixed both problem. With the sensor not working, the computer would get a false temperature reading. The engine would be hot, but the computer thinks it's cold and would increase the idle to warm the engine up. That was causing the racing idle, but the car is not surging on the highway anymore. Give that a try.

I saw your comment, because I have been thinking of get a Capri convertable for a long time. But they are not admissible to Canada, until they are at least 15 years old, The 1991 models are now allowed to be registered in Canada. It is just the shipping or picking up cost that I am concerned with. But I'm am sure it will be worth it.

Kevin G

Toronto, Canada.

I have the same problem with my 91 XR2.

My mechanic traced it down to the throttle position sensor. At least, that's what he thinks. I have yet to track one down and replace it, however.

I own a '91 XR2 and I've had it for 3 years. I really do love it, but I find that it is so hard to get help on finding things for it. Due to the engine compartment being so tight, its hard to work on, but being a woman, my hands fit better than most. I have a lot of questions about the car and it would be great to talk to someone. tish_bball@yahoo.com I love the car, but my husband is trying to talk me into selling it since it is so hard to get help and parts for it.

It has 170K miles, but still runs like a champ. To be an older car it really hasn't given me a hard time. The biggest problem I've had with it is keeping the alternator belt tight enough. It has broken twice, but I'm sure that's my fault, not the car's fault.

For those who have had problems with the XR2's power fading in and out while driving or "sputtering" if you will, I may have the answer to the problem.

I own a 91 XR2. I love the car, and while I will be replacing the engine for a third time, the sputtering problems of mine stemmed from the crank shaft pulley and the keyway of the crankshaft. It is a faulty design on early model Capris that was corrected after 1991. Mazda knew about the problem, but did nothing to correct it, as the problem did not occur until high mileage, after the warranty had expired. I hope this helps.

I have a 93 Mercury Capri XR2 and it won't start now. It cranks just fine but won't fire. It all of a sudden did this as it was running just fine and then "poof".

Here is what happened, I cranked it like I always did with the key and the RMP gauge shot up all the way and stuck there. I reset the battery and it then went back down to 0. Now it does not start at all.

The fuel filter, Spark plugs, are new.

I do notice that there is coolant pouring out of the overfill container even when the engine is off after I filled the radiator.

I reset the fuel whatever in the trunk.

I put the car on a flatbed and took it to the garage, and they said there is no codes that are failing.

Please, do you have any ideas?

Hi guys, I own a 89 Capri with a twin cam non turbo engine (Clubsprint bodykit).

Anyway I have a similar problem with the rpm jumping. when I have the throttle position sensor plugged in it idles fine, but as soon as I rev it to 3000rpm and hold it, it jumps around from 2500 to 3000. As soon as I unplug the sensor it doesn't do it.

Now I've changed the sensor once before with another used one. It did nothing. I was snooping around my engine bay and found my O2 sensor wire cut, would this be the source of my problems???

If anyone can help, please email me at aebero@yahoo.com.au