1999 Mercury Cougar Consumer Discussions

Mercury Cougar Engine Questions

• brass fileilngs in oil pan

  Written by: dcrall on Apr 16, 2010 8:07:50 PM

  H just pulled the oil pan on a 1999 mercury cougar 2.5 v6 dohc 99k mi found a amount of sludge two parts of the timing chain guide, plus some brass fileings .. pulled a rod bearing good babbit what in the engine could be wearing ? brass?

• 99 Cougar no spark

  Written by: icanfixitnat on Apr 11, 2010 6:25:21 PM

  I recently changed engines in an 1999 Mercury Cougar. It has no spark. Can anyone give me any pointers on what to check?

Cougar Support Group - General Maintenance

• Need to replacement headlamps

  Written by: muggle on Sep 28, 2008 9:56:44 PM

  I can't find any replacement headlamps for a 1999 Mercury Cougar I just purchased. Can anyone help?

Mercury Cougar Engine Questions

• 1999 Cougar: hose on top of transmission case: where does it go?

  Written by: vtraudt1 on Jun 21, 2008 4:03:11 PM

  1999 Mercury Cougar, V6, Auto: We found a disconnected rubber hose (ca. 1/3 in = 8 mm diameter). It has a 90 degree plastic elbow and plastic mounting slot on the loose end. The fixed end ends up in the transmission housing on the top, right under the battery bracket. When blowing into the hose, trans fluid comes out of the trans dip stick. We already spent hours trying to find ... Read More

Cougar Support Group - General Maintenance

• Same Old Problems !!!

  Written by: jayejames on Mar 4, 2008 9:42:59 AM

  So . . . I'm back. I own a 1999 Mercury Cougar. I've always had a problem with the CEL. Well, it was suggested to me that I should change the spark plugs. I did that. No results. I still have that same old problem, the CEL. I ran out of ideas a very long time ago. Not to mention the fact that I still haven't solved the problem with my ... Read More

• Is There Anything That Can Be Done?

  Written by: jayejames on Dec 24, 2007 7:34:12 AM

  Well, I am new to this website. Therefore, I will begin with an introduction. I'm Jaye James. I am 23 years of age and I currently reside in Hampton, VA. Now, on to the more important stuff. I own a 1999 Mercury Cougar. Sure, I've had some problems . . . but I will admit that my problems with this car haven't been as bad as some of the others discussed ... Read More

• Re: 1999 Cougar V6 [dyegrl]

  Written by: fish8 on Aug 31, 2006 7:15:15 AM

  WOW!! A 4cyl Cougar in '99 was very rare!! I believe Mercury stopped building the 4cyl because the car was way too heavy for such a small engine.

Cougar Support Group - Chats On...

• I'm still here

  Written by: blane on May 2, 2003 5:11:51 PM

  I'm still here, and driving my beautiful '99, even though it has cost me about $900 this year for two problems that should not have happened within the 37K miles that I've driven it. Today's NY Times "Escapes" section has an article about Pontiac Aztek (UGGGGLYYYYY) owners who have similar complaints. The following is an excerpt: "Should the calamity come to pass, Aztek owners will at least find themselves in good ... Read More

99 COUGAR WHAT A LEMON HELP?

• Lemons are called lemons for a reason...

  Written by: jpcarrow on Sep 25, 2002 10:03:26 AM

  Thanks for the "heads-up" on the 1999 Mercury Cougar. I wondered why a loaded 1999 (gorgeous-by the way) Merc Cougar was only $10,995. I'm a starving grad student and "just" smart enough to do some heavy-duty investigating. I appreciate that you shared your experience. Sorry for your costly dilemma. I bought a lemon once too, and am still mourning that loss. For whatever it's worth---take the hit and git!

Cougar Support Group - General Maintenance

• Help

  Written by: mylemon1 on Jun 26, 2002 9:57:43 AM

  I need some serious help...I believe I purchased a lemon but am not sure how to go about proving my theory. I purchased a 1999 Mercury Cougar last October and since the purchase the problems have been a broken gas needle, the automatic window arm which controls the window broke, finally the engine lite is on and has been for approx. 4 months. At first the engine light would go off ... Read More

Cougar Support Group - Chats On...

• Still Cougaring

  Written by: blane on Jun 1, 2002 6:15:25 AM

  I'm still very happy with my 1999 New Edge Cougar. I drive it every day and aside from a couple of early-on concerns, I've experience none of the supposed horror stories implied by the printed reliability articles. Clearly, due to Mercury's total lack of Cougar advertising, and therefore trashing of my future resale value, I am very displeased with Ford Motor Company and will quite probably never again purchase one of ... Read More

Mercury Cougar

• hatch release problems

  Written by: clarkie3 on May 5, 2002 6:37:28 AM

  Does anyone have a usere serviceable solution to fixing a hatch release that fails to work on my 1999 Mercury Cougar? Please help.

Cougar Support Group - Chats On...

• It's all about the money

  Written by: fastback2 on Apr 7, 2002 11:47:58 AM

  After a quick read of the Autoweek article about Mercury possibly bringing in the Mondeo, I've pretty much come to the following conclusions: 1. Ford doesn't make cars, it (trys to) make profits and secures automotive market shares. 2. For corporations such as Ford, 6 months is a long time and 2 years is an eon. Public corporations have a strong tendency to think only on a quarter-by-quarter basis, and not ... Read More

• Ex-Cougar owner weds Christmas Pickle Chick; Subaru vandalized

  Written by: burnsmr4 on Mar 22, 2002 7:21:55 AM

  Atlanta, GA - In startling news today, ex-Cougar owner burnsmr4 was married to the infamous "Christmas Pickle Chick" in Winston-Salem, NC over the St. Patrick's Day weekend. burnsmr4 was spotted at a local country club dancing with and singing to his new bride, the "Christmas Pickle Chick." The bride was given her knickname after she left two big jars of "Christmas pickles" in burnsmr4's then beloved 1999 Mercury Cougar V-6. The ... Read More

• Little Card

  Written by: blane on Mar 17, 2002 2:09:43 PM

  blackcoug1: Don't get me wrong. I'm very happy with my Cougar. But, I too got the "little card" that you received. I didn't think it was worthwhile sending it to where Mercury wanted it sent. Instead I wrote the following letter: Brian P. Kelley, President Lincoln Mercury 19 Technology Drive Irvine, CA 92618 Subject: Mercury Cougar Reference: Your recent Owner Survey Dear Mr. Kelley: I recently received an Owner Survey form ... Read More

Mercury Cougar

• no title

  Written by: stageleft on Jul 12, 2001 5:35:20 AM

  It is odd that they would have removed ABS as a standard feature on the V6's. I recently read an article about the new 2001-2002 which mentioned something about ABS not being standard. In 1998 when I bought my 1999 Cougar, ABS was standard with the V6 because of the added weight and HP. I got the Manual Transmission because I love to "row my own" and I also got the ... Read More

Cougar Support Group - General Maintenance

• MTX

  Written by: blane on Jan 27, 2001 9:52:05 AM

  crighto: There were only a few TSBs for Cougar transmissions. The folks posting on this site didn't have any significant problems with them. You might ask your dealer's service department manager to review this Technical Service Bulletin: Service Bulletin Number: 0019 Bulletin Sequence Number: 122 Date of Bulletin: 0001 NHTSA Item Number: SB612301 Make: MERCURY Model: COUGAR Year: 1999 Component: POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY Summary: INFORMATION REGARDING SEVERAL INTERNAL CHANGES THAT HAVE ... Read More

• Transmission

  Written by: blane on Apr 3, 2001 7:51:40 PM

  lokigirl: Here's some help for your post #375 automatic transmission problem. I'm sorry that this is such a long post, but I've included summaries of several Ford Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) references that seem to be related to your problem. I'd suggest that you print out the list and take it to your dealership's Service Manager and ask them to review the specifics of each TSB. They have a much more ... Read More

• Brake concerns

  Written by: blane on Oct 6, 2000 3:02:18 AM

  Anyone owning a Cougar WITHOUT antilock brakes, built before March 17, 2000, should read this from www.blueovalnews.com: Ford Motor Company will issue a safety recall concerning certain 1996 through 2000 model year Contour and Mystique models and 1999 through 2000 model year Cougars for a possible brake defect. The vehicle's Brake Pressure Control Reducing Valve will be replaced under safety recall number 00S03. According to Ford, "on some of the affected ... Read More

• Oil Viscosity

  Written by: blane on Apr 1, 2001 6:54:44 PM

  louf22: Here's what the Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) database at the National Highway Transportation Safety Board's site at http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/tsb/servicemmy.cfm has regarding your question: Service Bulletin Number: 99816 Bulletin Sequence Number: 642 Date of Bulletin: 9905 NHTSA Item Number: SB606420 Make: MERCURY Model: COUGAR Year: 1999 Component: ENGINE Summary: FORD MOTOR COMPANY NOW RECOMMENDS SAE 5W-30 VISCOSITY GRADE FOR SERVICING ANY FORD GASOLINE-POWERED VEHICLE REGARDLESS OF MODEL YEAR. *TT

Cougar Support Group - Chats On...

• no title

  Written by: badulah on Mar 29, 2001 5:59:02 AM

  burnsmr4: I agree with Fish8. You should either go to your local dealership or register your car on the Mercury web site to get the latest recall data. I don't mean to shrug your request off, but I might not be able to acquire all the recall notices that specifically apply to your vehicle. It is apparent that some of these recalls effect some of our cars while not effecting all ... Read More

Mercury Cougar

• Cougar problems

  Written by: kaw6 on Mar 13, 2001 7:50:52 AM

  Am I the only having a tremendous amount of problems with my 1999 Mercury Cougar?? I have never been so disappointed with a car before. It has been in the shop close to 10 times and the dealership has not been at all helpful. I plan on getting rid of it this spring, I don't think I will ever buy a Ford product again.

Cougar Support Group - Chats On...

• no title

  Written by: badulah on Feb 19, 2001 6:40:25 AM

  Morning All: Unfortunately I'm not one of the lucky people who have off today. bbell1941olds: I'm really sorry, but I don't think we can help you with your question. This forum is devoted to the 1999 and newer Mercury Cougar. There is a news group that is devoted to all Cougars: alt.autos.mercury.cougar You may find some direction from them. grinsekatze: The only jolt my car experiences is when I turn on ... Read More

• Blue Oval News Cougar S Article

  Written by: dgemini on Feb 9, 2001 9:39:51 PM

  In case you haven't read it yet check out Blue Oval News' Cougar S Article: Feature Report Cougar S confirmed dead - New models announced Published: February 09, 2001 By: Robert Lane Updated: 09Feb01 2:57am, est. Sources: Mercury, Ford internal reports Mercury Chief Mark Hutchins confirmed in Chicago yesterday that the Cougar S program was history, and instead would be replaced by two paint and trim models to help improve the ... Read More

• sales figures

  Written by: gambit293 on Jan 5, 2001 11:37:31 AM

  What can I say? I am a numbers guy: Sales year-to-date for Sporty cars 2000 1999 1 Ford Mustang 163,541 156,181 2 Mitsu Eclipse 66,572 56,528 3 Toyota Celica 49,826 12,462 4 Chevrolet Camaro 39,361 37,767 5 Mercury Cougar 38,562 54,170 6 Pontiac Firebird 29,209 31,466 7 Acura Integra 24,436 24,337 8 Mazda Miata 17,283 16,799 9 Hyundai Tiburon 14,269 9,106 10 VW Cabriolet 13,280 10,731 Honda Prelude 9,035 10,726 Toyota ... Read More

• gambit

  Written by: fish8 on Dec 8, 2000 12:21:28 AM

  Well.......where do I start..... I have a 1999 Mercury Cougar V6. I picked up my Cat on June 28, 1999. I just ticked over 19,000 miles. Now for the details!! As everyone on this thread nows, I have had some problems with my Cougar. Here is a quick list: AC, rattles(still) and rear liftgate. I probably had a couple of other items that I forgot about but that about it. The ... Read More

Mercury Cougar

• 1999 Overhead Warning Lights

  Written by: badulah on Nov 14, 2000 2:34:28 PM

  Phattcatt: The Wrench: "Service Intervals: Illuminates after approximately 7,700km (4,800 miles) or 358 days to indicate that routine service should be performed. Check your maintenance schedule to determine the routine service to be completed. Routine service should be performed by an authorized Ford Dealer. The light should be switched off by your Ford dealer after completing the service. To reset the light, hold the SELECT and UNITS buttons on the trip ... Read More

Cougar Support Group - Bigger & Better

• Fish8

  Written by: ptailor on Oct 21, 2000 8:12:44 PM

  Thanks, But for some reason they do not have this TSB listed. I looked at the National Highway Transport website and found the following.. I was looking for more of the summary as it gets cut off.. I remember someone did post it a long time ago.. Service Bulletin Number: 12612 Bulletin Sequence Number: 534 Date of Bulletin: 9903 NHTSA Item Number: SB605335 Make: MERCURY Model: COUGAR Year: 1999 Component: AIR ... Read More

• New bulbs; 3 recalls; partridge in a pear tree...

  Written by: burnsmr4 on Oct 13, 2000 1:19:22 PM

  Folks, I FINALLY found the 9006CB "Cool Blue" Xenon Sylvania replacement bulbs for the 1999 Cougar. These are for the low-beam headlights -- I've been to every AutoZone, Advance Auto Parts, NAPA Parts Store, and Wal-Mart around my area without finding the low-beam replacements, which I wanted to try first. Found 'em at a Pep Boys last night -- last pair. $32 and change for the pair. The 9005CB "Cool Blue" ... Read More

• miahart

  Written by: fish8 on Oct 11, 2000 1:06:43 AM

  You can go to the Mercury web site www.mercuryvehicles.com and look at the 2001 Cougar. I have had my Cougar since June of 1999 and still love it(all 16,600 mile of it). There are a couple of things that annoy me(rattles,noises and AC problems), but other than those things the car has been very good to me. I am sure the '01 models are more trouble free than the '99's were ... Read More

• Brake concern

  Written by: blane on Oct 6, 2000 2:59:03 AM

  Anyone owning a Cougar WITHOUT antilock brakes, built before March 17, 2000, should read this from www.blueovalnews.com : Ford Motor Company will issue a safety recall concerning certain 1996 through 2000 model year Contour and Mystique models and 1999 through2000 model year Cougars for a possible brake defect. The vehicle's Brake Pressure Control Reducing Valve will be replaced under safety recall number 00S03. According to Ford, "on some of the affected ... Read More

• Forget MP3s -- HOW 'BOUT TV?!

  Written by: burnsmr4 on Sep 29, 2000 4:10:57 PM

  Everyone go to Crutchfield.com and visit the automotive electronics area. Sort the products according to your Mercury Cougar through the 2001 model year. Look under in-dash CD receivers, and tell me what you find under Kenwood... That's right! The Kenwood P907 CD Receiver, according to Crutchfield.com, will fit in a 1999 Mercury Cougar, even though it features an IN-DASH LCD TELEVISION SCREEN! This screen, supposedly, will manage to slide out of ... Read More

• Coolant Light

  Written by: blane on Sep 26, 2000 1:00:52 PM

  jimbo_g: Does this TSB help? Service Bulletin Number: 0024 Bulletin Sequence Number: 122 Date of Bulletin: 0001 NHTSA Item Number: SB612314 Make: MERCURY Model: COUGAR Year: 1999 Component: INTERIOR SYSTEMS:INSTRUMENT PANELINDICATOR Summary: VEHICLE MAY EXPERIENCE THE LOW COOLANT LAMP TO ILLUMINATE WITH COOLANT AT NORMAL OPERATING LEVEL, VEHICLES WITH 2.5 L ENGINES. *MJS How about this one? Service Bulletin Number: 985087 Bulletin Sequence Number: 131 Date of Bulletin: 9811 NHTSA Item ... Read More

• Wheel Noise

  Written by: blane on Aug 23, 2000 10:59:19 PM

  stageleft: Have you noticed that rear passenger side wheel noise only happens when you are backing up after having parked overnight, especially after a humid or rainy night? My Cat has such a problem, and it is described in the following TSB. The dealer claims that Ford doesn't have a fix yet. When I pick up my car, I'm asking for a printout of the whole TSB. Service Bulletin Number: 8192 ... Read More

Cougar Support Group - General Maintenance

• Written by: fredly on Aug 14, 2000 1:33:09 AM

  here is the email that I recieved from FMC: Dear Mr. XXXXXX, Thank you for your message of 11/08/99 regarding your 1999 Mercury Cougar. We appreciate the time you have taken to write us concerning the type of oil in your vehicle upon delivery to the dealership, the oil change recommendation after the break-in period and the weight of the 16-inch wheels. After careful research into your inquiries, we have the ... Read More

• Flasher

  Written by: blane on Aug 4, 2000 2:40:43 AM

  caryncb: Sorry, but thus forum is dedicated to "New Edge" Cougars, the front wheel drive 1999's and 2000's only. They are totally different from your rear wheel drive 1996, which was based on the Ford Thunderbird. Why don't you ask someone in the service department of a Ford or Mercury dealership. They won't charge you for an answer, as long as you don't ask them to do the work.

• Oil

  Written by: blane on Jul 14, 2000 2:44:48 AM

  benisem: If you plan to change your oil as often as 3,000 miles (Ford says 5,000) then you would be wasting your hard earned money buying synthetic oil. Normal name-brand high-detergent oil of the proper viscosity will do all that anyone could reasonably ask. Change your oil filter each time too. Here's what Ford says about the proper viscosity for your Cougar, whether 1999 or 2000: Service Bulletin Number: 99816 Bulletin ... Read More

Cougar Support Group - Bigger & Better

• re:200SX

  Written by: ryster on Jun 24, 2000 5:01:22 PM

  Good afternoon! Just to clarify, 1998 was the last model year for the Nissan 200SX, which was basically a 2-door Sentra. The coupe (200SX) was cancelled starting with the 1999 model year when Nissan deemed low sales did not justify continuing production. The SE-R was the "hottest" model, but was nowhere near the performance bargain the previous generation Sentra SE-R turned out to be. Now for my Cougar question...my dad currently ... Read More

• Wonderful loaner experiences...

  Written by: burnsmr4 on Jun 14, 2000 11:58:03 PM

  Badulah -- in a KIA? There is a god. He's the same guy that employed the devil to assign Badulah to a Kia. A purple one at that. Help -- I've fallen over laughing, wet my pants in hysteria, and I can't get up! Seriously, though, I don't know where you people are going to for service. My dealership is pretty stupid sometimes when it comes to putting things back together, ... Read More

Cougar Support Group - A New Start

• Cougar Info

  Written by: racerrandy on Jun 2, 2000 1:52:36 AM

  Hi gang! I'm looking for some input from all of you cougar owners. I've been shopping for a replacement for my 1998 Mazda Millenia and have found a "new" 1999 Cougar at a local Mercury dealer. (I'm hoping it will cure the ol' mid-life crisis!) The car has 12,000 miles (but was never titled) is Rio Red with grey leather and has every possible option. The price is quite attractive! I ... Read More

• Written by: krnch on May 26, 2000 7:29:06 PM

  Well put, badulah. Talk about ignoring Mercury, vraj2525, in Canada as of 1999, there was no more Mercury. The Cougar and Grand Marquis are now sold at Ford dealerships. Is this the future fate of Mercury world-wide?????

Cougar Support Group - Modifications

• Written by: daexpert on May 26, 2000 4:07:13 PM

  bobschm, On NOPIs site, you have to look up the 1999 Mercury Cougar, not the 2000. Then the Pacesetter will show up. I emailed them and they told me that they are selling it for $147. At that price, I'm seriously considering it, I figured that if it sucks, at least I won't lose that much. The Borla looks great, but boy, it's expensive! Hey, esbrock, are you gonna give us ... Read More

Cougar Support Group - A New Start

• Written by: stageleft on Mar 29, 2000 2:19:09 PM

  Hello all! Welcome to the kick-off of our very own online car club! It's official. We welcome the owners of 1999 and newer Mercury Cougars to join us here to discuss the various things that car owners talk about. As Bonnie mentioned, we can add Cat-egories to our topics, so we can keep them straight in the long run. For example, we'll have a "Modifications" discussion where members can post their ... Read More

Mercury Cougar

• Written by: badulah on Mar 15, 2000 8:49:09 PM

  Attention Cougar Owners! After months of hard work, the Cougar Support Group (CSG) finally has a web site to call its own! The new web site will give the CSG a place to gather and post useful information such as: Install guides, modification reviews, member lists, detailing tips, and other great Cougar related information. The site also features a CSG catalog section. Soon we will be coming out with all sorts ... Read More

• Lemon?

  Written by: blane on Jan 3, 2000 1:41:31 AM

  petey406: Elizabeth, I'm sorry and surprised to read of all of your problems. Initially, you should visit Edmunds Townhall, Sportscars Topic 1528, Cougar Support Group Part 8. There is a very helpful and supportive group of New Edge Cougar owners there, and there are thousands of posts in this and the first seven Parts of the CSG. Worth reading all the way back through the "frozen" Parts too. Check: http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/tsb/servicemmy1.cfm There ... Read More

• Cougar prices

  Written by: blane on Sep 22, 1999 2:55:50 AM

  tduet: Price seems reasonable, assuming that there are no other options on that particular vehicle. Just make sure that you have done your homework on a line by line cost basis at: http://www.edmunds.com/newcars/1999/mercury/cougar/4cylindercoupe.html Also make sure to visit our very active: Cougar Support Group (CSG) Part 4 (Topic #627)in this Townhall's Conference for Coupes, Convertibles and Sports Cars.

• And Now...Here's the Road Test

  Written by: bnormann on Jul 21, 1998 4:03:30 AM

  Here's a link to the new, Full Review by one of our Staff. 1999 Mercury Cougar If you do a search, you'll also find topics in the Coupes conference. Make sure you come back to Hatchbacks, though. {;^) Bruce. Sedans Host.

• Until Our New Road Test...

  Written by: bonnie_rick on Jul 6, 1998 7:31:36 PM

  comes out, here's the link to our 1999 Mercury Cougar V6 Coupe review. Administrative Host, edmunds.com

• ron

  Written by: vanzuylen on May 26, 1998 3:51:56 AM

  I test drove the 1999 Mercury Cougar last week, for a quick evaluation of the beast. It was an Automatic (4-Speed) V6 with fabric seats. (No manual transmission or leather version was in stock.) This is not your father's Cougar. :-) The "new edge" exterior, like it or not, is eye-catching and unique. It looks like a show car. Definitely something Mercury hasn't had in ages. (Ever?) It's definitely going to ... Read More

• Hatchbacks as Fastbacks

  Written by: bnormann on Jan 12, 1998 2:39:47 AM

  I spied the 1999 Mercury Cougar at the Edmund's coverage of the Detroit Motor Show. I can scarcely believe that FoMoCo has NO hatches in its inventory. I guess that's why we (wife & I) test drove the Contour 2 years ago when we were shopping for her. ....ended up with a 96 Golf, an in-kind replacement for her 89 Golf. All's well that ends well. Not that she would have ... Read More