I've had quite a bit of trouble with the power steering, which sounds common when reading comments from other Cougar owners. I just replaced the hose and it works fine now.
Also, I have had problems with the lights dimming on me when I apply the brakes or roll down the window. I can't find the problem because I've replaced the voltage regulator and the alternator and the battery is good.
I'm 17 and I got my car for my 16th birthday. I love it. I would not trade it for another car. I put a new paint job on it, some Mag wheels, and I tinted the windows. It looks beautiful. I receive comments on it all the time.
Put a relay in for your brake lights and the headlights.. Place the relays nearest to the bulbs and trigger the relays by the wire that would normally power the actual bulbs. And run a heavy gauge wire with an in line fuse direct from the battery to your relays.
You will notice a HELL of a difference with the intensity of your headlights AND break lights. Do this with fog lights too - this applies to All cars.
Relays = good.
I have a 1977 cougar brougham model and it is a good reliable car which I have driven many miles it's a quick large car and beats most of the new Honda's Acura's ect.
Check the grounds on light connections and check the high/ low head light switch on the floor.
The problem is neither with the lack of a relay or the ground. The reason you're having trouble with your lights is strictly the fact that you've not got enough power. To correct this problem the best solution is a heavy duty alternator and a larger battery, most likely to be a 850-650 battery. That is a 850ca-650cca. I had the same problems on a 1978 Cougar XR7 the vehicle is still numbers matching 100% even the the alternator has been rebuilt. Even has the stock carburetor on it.
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