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I have a 2000 cougar 2.5l myself bought with 51,000 miles. on it and just like everyone had said with the pulsating, no get up and go, and don't forget to mention the syncro. in 3rd. gear, what a disgusting sound that thing makes. I love the car to death done some mods to it, but nothing to impressive. My opinion to the matter is no matter what kind of car it is one of these days it will go south and you'll be stuck with the decision to feed your family or bend over and let "ford" slam it in sideways.
Does any one know what to do to fix the alternator problem? I'm on my fourth one. rexshows@hotmail.com
WWWWOOOOOWWWW, So many bad things to say about this car, I've had my 1999 cougar for 2yrs now and I've driven it 1yr. I've been through 5 alternators in 5months, someone finally realized that there was bad oil leak right above the alternator and seeing that they put the alternator on the bottom of the car behind the tire its easy for an oil leak to leak on the alternator. But this was the last thing tanyone discovered I've been through Electrical test, wire inspections, everything before they notice the oil leak above it. I have the blinking lights, it wants to stall, I don't know whats wrong with this stupid car. Just when we get the oil leak fixed I wrecked the car, now I need a bumper and a driver headlight which are hard to find at a junkyard, its in the shop now being repaired front end damage. Call me if you want to get rid of parts tjohnson220@hotmail.com.
I hate I ever got this car call the 1999 mercury cougar i have had nothing, but trouble trouble with this car you name it I have had it.
Wow that sucks for all you guys with the problems I've had my 99 cougar with 150k on it and havent had a problem yet, it runs great and I haven't replaced anything, I guess I got a lucky one.
I have just purchased a 1999 cougar for my daughters 16th birthday. I paid 2500.00 As is, I hope I do not have to take out a loan to pay for the E-Test and Certification.
The Engine light is on and the moon roof is broken.
I own a 1999 Cougar also (automatic). WOW, I thought I was all alone... but looks like I'm in the same boat with the rest of you! I absolutely LOVE my car, but I have to admit it has its problems. I too have replaced my alternator twice, master cylinder once, brake pads EVERY year, the O2 sensors (along with several other things the mechanic thought I should replace before replacing the O2 sensors), and battery three times. I've had it since Sept of 1998 and it has 142,000 miles on it.
My engine light has been on for approx 3 to 4 years. I was told it was the catalytic converter. I was also told not to worry about it until it started to give me problems. Well, the problems have arrived!! The vacuum hose has popped off because of the back pressure from the catalytic converters. Yes, plural!! I took the car to my mechanic (who doesn't charge to check it out) and he took it to a muffler shop because when he tried to replace the vacuum hose it just popped right back off on acceleration. Muffler shop said that my car has THREE catalytic converters and they all three need to be replaced!! They can't figure out which one is causing the problem and they want $1,500 to replace them!
I love my car so much that I would just about consider putting that much into it. However, I also think my transmission is slipping (fluid level is fine). Who knows, maybe it is a fuel injection problem instead. All I know is I don't want a car note!!!
By the way... My car failed the emissions test several years ago and the guy performing the inspection told me to rev the engine to 2000-2500 RP-Ms for 30-45 seconds. I did and he retested... I passed with flying colors!!! Have passed every year since by revving the car right before I pull in for inspection. Try it... who knows, it might work for you too!!
I have 99 Cougar, 86k so far. Few months ago my car started to stall. It was a cold day. Then it was OK. A few days ago, I started my car at night and it did not start. But the second attempt, it did. Also I've seen my Aribag light binks for 5-7 times. Today, I changed my head lights. (put some blue ones :D) Then I was runig to the store and say the Airbag light blinks. I thought it is because the cold rainy weather. Suddenly, I saw the CHECK ENGINE light is on and the Airbag light is off. the Check Engine light is did not turn off. I don't think that new light bulbs have anything to do with the check engine light. Can anyone tell me what to do? I don't know much about cars. Should I go to an Auto Zone and check the error first? pramod@kandynet.net.
We have a 2000 mercury cougar that was experiencing flickering dash lights- battery / charge warning light and headlights. it was taken to mercury 3 times they changed 3 alternators! the battery was replaced. if you have this vehicle and are experiencing these problems I have the answer, we found a shop where the mechanic was'nt afraid to go over the electrical wiring step by step without charging the "hourly labor rate". he found a coroded wire in the harness leading to the alternator, removed a one inch section of wire soldered the connection and the problem has been solved. I hope this helps some of you.
I have a 1999 Cougar that has 89,000 miles on it. I bought it when it had 65,000 miles on it and have only had to replace the fuel pump on it. My check engine light came on yesterday and the dealer says it is an O2 sensor, and they need to clean out the fuel injectors. They gave me an estimate of $575. Is this a rip off? Or should I just ignore the check engine light (because a lot of people that have this car say it never goes away)?
Yes sounds like an O2 sensor I would imagine.
As for $575 which is roughly £280.
That is a rip off! do not get it done there.
All you need is a good haynes manual and some tools you can do almost anything yourself.
1999 Cougar, what a car, Looks Fabulous.
Purchase price 6000.00.
Required New Head light from Moisture built up.
New Engine.
Now the car will not pass emissions.
DO NOT BUY THIS CAR!!!
I purchased my 99 Cougar in 2001 and the check engine light has been on since 2003. I have had the O2 sensors replaced, the gas cap replaced, the entire exhaust flushed and many other repairs and replacements. After extensive research I found that there is a recall on over 88,000 Cougars for the Fuel System and the filter in the fuel delivery module which was causing my problems. The recall number is 04V421000. Call Ford at 800-392-3676 with your VIN number to see if yours is on the list (I never received notice for mine).
If you are having issues with your battery and alternator there is a recall for the battery cable being misrouted. For other issues you may be having with your Cougar check www.recalls.gov, it is possible your problems are a result of factory defects.
I purchased my cougar new in 1998. It was fine for about 2 years when the alternator started acting up. Replaced alternator twice since. The alternator is a poor design and its best to buy a genuine Ford remanufactured unit. Everything else is junk (Autozone, Pep Boys, etc.). The dash lights always flickered on this car since day one. I believe that the entire electrical system is poorly engineered and there isn't really a solution. My latest problem is a hard pull to the right when I brake. Took car to three different mechanics who all said that the brake system is fine. They have never seen a vehicle pull like this and say car is unsafe. Bottom line- THIS CAR SUCKS.
Well, I have a 1999 Cougar that I bought from a friend with 94K miles on it. For her, she told me that it was a good car and she experienced no big problems other than an alternator and a battery that she replaced about a year ago. HOWEVER, after reading all these comments it really makes me nervous. My Cougar has a V6 with a manual transmission. The clutch seems to be in good shape and the car runs good... no weird noises or anything. Do you guys think that it will be okay? I don't really have the money to go out and buy a brand new car just yet. This car will be used to get me back and forth to work in when I get a job in early fall. Once I get a job I'm saving up for a Tiburon GT because I love that car and they have killer warranties. I really hope my car holds up.