Mercury Marquis Ballast Resistor Replacement at your home or office.

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Ballast Resistor Replacement Service

How much does a Ballast Resistor Replacement cost?

On average, the cost for a Mercury Marquis Ballast Resistor Replacement is $142 with $48 for parts and $95 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

CarServiceEstimateShop/Dealer Price
1980 Mercury MarquisV8-5.0LService typeBallast Resistor ReplacementEstimate$209.99Shop/Dealer Price$243.74 - $322.49
1979 Mercury MarquisV8-5.0LService typeBallast Resistor ReplacementEstimate$744.53Shop/Dealer Price$916.93 - $1411.60
1982 Mercury MarquisV8-5.0LService typeBallast Resistor ReplacementEstimate$744.53Shop/Dealer Price$916.93 - $1411.60
1986 Mercury MarquisL4-2.3LService typeBallast Resistor ReplacementEstimate$189.99Shop/Dealer Price$223.74 - $302.48
1981 Mercury MarquisV8-5.0LService typeBallast Resistor ReplacementEstimate$189.99Shop/Dealer Price$223.77 - $302.55
1985 Mercury MarquisL4-2.3LService typeBallast Resistor ReplacementEstimate$189.99Shop/Dealer Price$223.76 - $302.52
1986 Mercury MarquisV6-3.8LService typeBallast Resistor ReplacementEstimate$194.99Shop/Dealer Price$228.62 - $307.28
1983 Mercury MarquisV6-3.8LService typeBallast Resistor ReplacementEstimate$749.53Shop/Dealer Price$922.17 - $1417.02
Show example Mercury Marquis Ballast Resistor Replacement prices

What is the Ballast Resistor all about?

Modern ignition systems use electronic circuitry to control voltage during engine starting and operation, but it wasn’t always this way. Older vehicles with points and coils did not have the benefit of circuit boards and computers, so another way to control voltage was needed. The ballast resistor coil was the solution. Think of it as a giant fuse in a way, although it serves a much greater purpose.

The ballast resistor coil plays several roles in your engine and charging system. In terms of position, it’s located between the ignition switch and the positive battery cable. During engine operation, the ballast resistor is responsible for lowering voltage applied to the coil to ensure that it doesn’t overheat and burn out, or damage the battery. During cranking, the ballast resistor allows normal battery voltage into the coil to ensure a good, strong spark for starting the engine.

The ballast resistor is subjected to significant amounts of heat during operation (the resistor’s resistance level increases or decreases with the application of heat and voltage). Over time, it will eventually wear out and need to be replaced.

Keep in mind:

  • The ballast resistor is not inspected during normal maintenance.
  • The ballast resistor is subject to significant amounts of wear and tear.
  • Ballast resistors are not generally found on fuel-injected engines.

How it's done:

  • The Ballast Resistor is verified that it needs to be replaced. The battery and battery tray are removed.
  • The defective Ballast Resistor disconnected and removed.
  • The new Ballast Resistor is installed, secured, and connected.
  • The battery tray and battery are reinstalled. The Ballast Resistor is tested for operation.
  • The vehicle is tested to ensure proper operation of the Ballast Resistor and road tested to ensure fan operation.

Our recommendation:

Over time and through normal use, the ballast resistor is subject to a great deal of wear and tear, and heat. This can cause it to fail unexpectedly. When this happens, your vehicle will experience unwanted, and perhaps dangerous, operation. It may crank but then stop running immediately after. Have any starting problems immediately diagnosed by one of our expert mechanics.

What common symptoms indicate you may need to replace the Ballast Resistor?

  • Engine cranks, but dies immediately when the key is moved back to the run position from the start position

How important is this service?

Without a ballast resistor, your engine will not operate unless you jump the resistor, which is dangerous, as it will eventually burn out the points, and is not recommended. If your engine dies immediately after turning the key back to run from start, likely the ballast resistor needs to be replaced. If the engine runs with the key in the run position, you may have another issue. Have it properly diagnosed by one of our expert mechanics immediately.

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Sam

15 years of experience
123 reviews
Sam
15 years of experience
Mercury Villager V6-3.0L - Car Starter Repair - Norman, Oklahoma
Quick, proficient, polite. He did a great job!

Robert

20 years of experience
1098 reviews
Robert
20 years of experience
Mercury Grand Marquis V8-4.6L - Ignition Coil - Broomfield, Colorado
Robert is helpful as always. He's now my go-to guy when I need any maintenance done on my car.

Joseph

12 years of experience
14 reviews
Joseph
12 years of experience
Mercury Cougar V6-2.5L - Car does not move when I step on the gas pedal - Belen, New Mexico
Thank you.

Chris

22 years of experience
2235 reviews
Chris
22 years of experience
Mercury Mariner L4-2.5L - Check Engine Light is on Inspection - Irvine, California
Very thorough and good at explaining what you can do to yourself to make minor improvements.

Excellent Rating

(1,387)

Rating Summary
1,301
50
9
6
21
1,301
50
9
6
21
Number of Mercury services completed
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