2005 Mercury Mountaineer Electronic Message Center

AAGOSTINELLI

MEMBER
2005 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER
4 CYL
AWD
AUTOMATIC
85,000 MILES

On Monday, when I started the vehicle it was cold (below freezing), the electronic message center displayed a "Testa". It then displayed a "Check Gauges" and all the gauges arms began to move up and down until they settled into a normal position. The electronic message center then displayed a series of code like messages with letters and numbers. Because I have not experienced this type of thing before, I pushed the reset button. This only advanced the system through its "Test." Once it started repeating itself (the gauges going up and down) I decided to hold the reset button down to see if it would reset itself back to the normal displays (i.E. Mileage, temp, fuel info etc.) And it did. I should also note that at this point that the car hesitated a bit before turning over. Again after work the same thing happened with the electronic message center and the starting up. Today, the temperature is just above freezing and I did not have any of the message center issues but the car hesitated slightly when I started it. I am thinking it is time for a new battery. The battery has never been replaced. Any other thoughts, ideas?

1 Reply

RICKMAR

MECHANIC
170 POSTS

It very well could be your battery - 4 years old.
The hesitation is a slight indicator.

When there is a power interruption to the message center identical to removing the batteries ground cable, the message center will be very erratic as well as your gauge indicators.

If absolutely sounds like it is a battery issue. The cold weather is here and this is the time when all the repair shop owners start smilling.

Have the battery tested before you purchase another one, (Advance Auto Parts) will check it free of charge.
Although it is 4 years old you are due for a new one, but there is no need to purchase another unnecessarily and find the problem still exists.

Good Luck;
Rick