Comments: 1-15, 16-30, 31-45, 46-60, 61-75, 76-78
This car eats fuel pumps if the fuel level is not kept above 1/4 tank. I have replaced 2 and wasn't told about the problem with Cougars until the warranty had expired and I had to pay for the replacement, approximately $400. The reason is, as with most tank,mounted electric fuel pumps the gasoline cools the pump as it runs. Due to the fact that the fuel pump is mounted too high the side of the tank cornering caused the fuel to slosh away from the pump, causing overrun when the pump sucks air and nothing to cool the pump. The window seal on the exterior of the rear hatch have come off repeatedly even after several visits to the dealer. The Mercury service personnel admitted this was a problem due to the wrong adhesive being used at the factory.
Our first fuel pump went out at 10,000 miles, we have since replaced the fuel pump 4 times and no one can tell us what the problem is.
I just want to say ThankGod! Youre only the second person I've seen who actually made the connection on why the fuel pumps go bad. I've heard of people needing new ones in under 10k miles. Its sad. I keep my cat over a quarter a tank all the time-as any mechanic or car dealer will tell you you should-and I've never had a problem. I'm up to about 50k miles and no problems yet.
WOW! I have had the same problem. I bought my 200 cougar used in pretty good shape and have replaced the fule pump three times in two years. Thank GOG I choose to spend $100 on an extended warranty - I have MORE than got my money's worth so far!
I really should try to keep the tank fuller - I have a tendancy to empty it.
Thankfully I have not had a fuel pump problem (not yet anyway) but my transmission went up the first week I purchased my cat. Lets see what else, timing belt at 60,000 miles, trunk release is broken, front hood latch is broken, O2 sensor went up, and the biggie that I hope none of you will get is my Catalytic Converter went up. Please let me get rid of this car.
We just had a problem with the fuel pump for the first time this weekend, when the car wouldn't start. I called the number in the owners manual for customer assistance. They told me that there is a program number for that and it was supposed to be covered by some warranty because so many people have been having problems with it. The car only has about 50,000 miles on it so I was surprised that it would have a problem like this, it just happened out of the blue. Our gas was below a 1/4 tank, we added some more gas and a fuel cleaner and it started up just fine. I also had a problem with the back window seal, like the other message. I went through a car wash and it took it right off. About the fuel pump, if you are having problems I would call customer service.
I noticed that some of the complaints about the fuel pump are pretty recent. I had my pump replaced under a recall in May. I also was told that if I provided receipts from the previous replacements I would be reimbursed. I am still waiting for the reimbursement check, but at least I have a new fuel pump. So I recommend everyone to have the pump replaced at your local dealer and keep all receipts on repairs for this car because I'm pretty sure there will be more recalls to come. I have way too many problems with this car including having to replace all four engine mounts twice, trunk has never opened without a key, and the interior is just falling apart.
I also have a 2000 Mercury Cougar. The fuel pump didn't decide to break until I hit 99,980 miles. I purchased the ESP about six months after I purchased the car. It was supposed to be for 5 years or 100,000 miles whichever comes first. Neither has happended yet--getting close. The dealer told me that the warranty expired last April 1st. Don't understand this one, like I said 5 years or 100,000 miles neither has hit yet.
When I called Detroit the lady never answered my question about why the ESP already expired, but I did find out about the recall on them. I contacted the Ford dealer that I took the car too and told him about it. Detroit faxed the paper work to the dealer and the service manager called back to say I saved myself $600.00.
Just to add another point about problem with the Cougar, at 10,000 miles the flywheel and starter needed to be replaced along with the battery. I have since had two batteries, one alternator, and numerous break jobs done on this car. It's a great car, but very high maintenence.
I have read all your comments, I have been warned. But I'm gonna buy one anyway cause they look so cool! Wish me luck!
I want to get a 2000 cat. It seems to me that it is a good car, but needs to always stay over 1/4 tank at all times! I hope if I can just keep to that then I should have a good car. Thank for the heads up.
The 99,s have a misprint in the camshaft, the dots are off and this leads to engine breakages, as far as the 2000 you have to have special tools to time them, be very careful when timing the earlier models due to misprints, also there's a problem with grease coming from the pad break areas inside the car that could lead to fire.
Well this list is quite long. First the sunroof broke, then somebody tried to steal it. Driver door window motor and mechanism was replaced. After that the fun started. I have had 2 coolant overflow tanks replaced. The alternator, fuel pump and engine!
Yes I said engine. This problem was from a thrown connecting rod. I had complained to the local dealer that the car has a hesitation around 3-4k rpms in 3rd gear, they had the car for a month and a half and said that the car was operating normally. Also at the same time I had complained about a rattle at start up (connecting rod) they said that it was because the oil hadn't been primed properly and to not start the car right away. They said to put the key in turn to the on position and wait till the count of 3 then start the car. The new engine cost 5000. The engine light has been on for a month and they replaced the IAC motor 500 bucks. Engine light still on. Was told that 3 of the 6 injectors were not getting the proper pressure. Bought new injectors 400 bucks, engine light still on. Was told all four 02 sensors were bad replaced them and wouldn't you know the engine light is still on. Now the story is that because I have an after-market intake and 19lb/hr injectors that they cannot diagnose the car unless the original parts are put on the car. The reason it has those parts is because before the engine blew I was only getting 18 mpg. With the aftermarket parts It brought it up to 21mpg with no engine light on. About one week before the engine blew the light came on. And they get it turned off and it comes back on and they say it's something all together different. I have gone ahead and leaned out the running rich problem myself and am going to reprogram the ecu to better suit the engine.
I can't believe all the problems you've all had with fuel pumps. I've had my 99 cougar from 65k to 88K miles and I always run it right to empty, and have had no problems. Today it is in the shop for a catalytic converter for about 250. I'm very pleased with the car. Another guy said he was getting 18-21mpg. Mine is stock and get 33 on the highway and 26 in town with a 2.5 V6. Maybe it's just the 2000's with the problems.
I've had problem after problem after problem with this car. Aside from the fuel pump recall, my 2000 Cougar had problems with the coils and electrical system. This week, my car won't start. It's not the battery or starter. The mechanic said the problem is, what else, electrical.
I have a 2000 stick cougar and when I got the car it needed a key, since I am a dealer! well the key $220.00 bucks, so now the engine is warped and the rings are galded and the plastic parts on the moter is melted. so I buy a head one.
Ebay and shop for the rest$$$ guess what,, bad head, dad says put a moter in it!!! done that$$$ now it won't start?
I take it to the dealer $$$$$ they can't figer out why it ain't firing??? its not the key, they checked that, and also the programmed 2 more to make sure, they sayd "sorry" and I said,, I'm going to have to come get my car before I get in deep $$$ since there wanting five more hundred $$$. so I replaced "every" part on the moter!!! nothing helps! the moter just want fire? is it the brain? sheesh, I am begging someone please help me, I have the brain on my desk as I speak, PLEASE.
I do agree, although it was my post : (I edited the post and I guess it didn't go threw err, sorry for the confusion!!! my email is tripple_accessing_your_pc@yahoo.com, I will be looking forward to seek more help, therefor my wheels still don't roll : (