even have a diagnostic code retrieval process?

It can be done but not very helpful info. car made after 11/20/1987 need STAR tester before can use analog meter. is MIL on?

i'm not sure what mil is. i had the issue of stalling when the gas pedal was touched. when i asked on here about the 1988 tracer i was told to check fuel pump pressure and check codes. so i stated looking into how to check codes and have no clue.

MIL is the Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine Light).

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/ford-lincoln-mercury-obd1-1995-and-earlier-diagnostic-trouble-code-definition-and-retrieval

Above link explains how to go about but this might not be applicable for your vehicle.

Symptoms you described could be due to a fault with the VAF (Volume Air Flow).

on the 88 tracer i cant find a data port connector(states is under hood by battery) that resembles the one list under the link you posted. nor is there any type of connector that i can locate. i did pull the fuel line off after the filter and the pump does pump gas, which let me to believe something with vacuum hoses. after checking every hose for cracks, i found no visible flaws. so im wondering if the mass air flow meter is the culprate? and how do i go about testing the meter? thanks so much for your input

Check if the connector is underdash.

Using Analog Volt/Ohm Meter (VOM)

1. Turn ignition off and connect a jumper wire from the self test input connector to ground. Set volt/ohmmeter on a DC voltage range to read from 0-20 volts.

2. Connect volt/ohmmeter between White/Green wire terminal on 6-pin self-test output connector and battery negative terminal.

Testing of the VAF is rather complex and requires a DVOM and breakout box.