The Hayes repair manual for the Mystique has good diagrams with step by step illustrated instructions for timing belt removal and installation. You can find them in most auto parts store and they run around $20.00. In my opinion, I believe the Hayes manuals for this particular make and model are better than the Chilton manuals.
Diagrams for timing belt marks for 1999 Mercury Mystique cars are great for mechanic's. If they need to replace a timing belt the diagram can show pictures of how the parts are set up to make sure they are fixing the timing belt correctly.
Is it safe to drive my 2000 Mercury Mystique with a bad timing belt?
According to the 1996 Mercury Mystique Scheduled Maintenance Guide : The timing belt for the 2.0 liter four cylinder engine is changed at : ( 60,000 mile intervals )
A 1998 Mercury Mystique with the 4-cylinder 2.0 DOHC appears to have a non-interference engine. Therefore, if the timing belt breaks, there should be no damage to the valves/pistons.
No ( not according to Gates , they manufacture timing belts etc. )
No , according to the Gates website ( they make timing belts etcetera ) the 2.0 liter four cylinder engine in a 1999 Mercury Mystique IS NOT AN INTERFERENCE ENGINE
According to Gates ( they manufacture timing belts etc. ) starting with the 1998 model of the Mercury Mystique - it shows to inspect the timing belt at 120,000 miles and replace if necessary on the 2.0 L - 4 cylinder engine
On a 1998 Mercury Mystique , 2.5 liter V6 engine : NO timing belt ( it has 1 timing CHAIN to each cylinder head , so there are 2 timing CHAINS )
Mine on the 98 is a belt. It is behind the serpentine belt under covers on the front of the engine.
No , according to the Gates website ( they make timing belts etcetera ) the 2.0 liter four cylinder engine in a 2000 Mercury Mystique is NOT AN INTERFERENCE ENGINE
No it isn't ( according to Gates - they manufacture timing belts etc. )
locate timing chain guides.