1998 Mercury Cougar from North America - Comments

My 1999 Cougar was bought used with 15,000 miles on it in January 2001.

I did not have any problems for a year after I got it. I had all of the

recalls taken care of and then my engine light came on and stayed on.

I took it in to have it worked on

and tested. They said a fuse had blown and I payed $160 for it because it was not covered under the

extended warranty.

When I got in my car to leave, the

light was still on. Then they told me something was causing the fuse to blow. WELL DUH.

A couple of weeks later the coolant light came on. The car ran fine so I did not worry about it.

Then today at about 31,500 miles I was driving near the dealership when my

battery light came on. I figured since I was right there I would take it in and show them. I did and

they thought it was either my battery or the alternator. They said they checked the alternator, but

I don't think they did. The battery was dead and was a cold start. They wanted to charge me $115 for a new

one with installation. I said hell no and got a battery myself somewhere else. The catch is, after I

got the new battery, all of the lights that were on before, including the battery light were still on. I

am taking it back to the dealership tomorrow.

Amanda.

I like the car a lot. I had wanted one since they first came out. But, I am really getting tired of messing with it.

Just a follow up on my cougar. The problem with the engine light ended up being a bad O2 sensor. The battery light ended up being the alternator after all. It was all covered under my extended warranty and all I had to pay was the deductible and taxes. Man, was I relieved!!!

Amanda.