nos879

My brother purchased a used 1998 Mercury Montaineer AWD with about 130,000 from a not so reliable dealer for money reasons. Up until now, the vehicle has been decently maintained new brakes pads/rotors, and I recently changed the oil.

However lately the transmission has been slipping as it takes awhile to go into gears. But there are some other problems I wanted insight on.

When my brother sometimes starts his truck it wont start and he will have to double or triple start it. What gives? As far as I know its the same battery and ignition from before but he has a new starter.

Also when driving the truck will rev into High rpms and stay that way and eventually go into the next gear.

Thanks in advance.

nos879

anybody? now his car is starting to stall periodically. His timing belt is worn though.

1meanGT

First off a 98 AWD should not have a timing belt. Are thinking of the serpentine belt? You do have the 5.0?

As for starting- if it is with the starter engaging........

check that you have 13.5volts to the battery when the car is idling and headlights are on. If not- you may have a weak or bad alternator.

Charge battery overnight- if it starts well when fully charged and no charging issue, you may have a bad battery.

Check battery cables.

Check that the cable is tight on the new starter. My Dad bought an Explorer like this for $1,000. Guy thought the engine was junk because it wouldn't start with a new starter. He found the cable wasn't tight on the brand new starter.

As for transmission:

check fluid levels when the car is running and hot on a level surface.

When was the last transmission service?

Does it have the correct transmission fluid installed?

Does it have a vacuum leak on the engine? This can cause high idles and affect shifting control at the PCM.