Top 10 1999 Mercury Cougar Questions & Answers

1999 cougar. before they tell me I need a fuel pump I want to be SURE the anti theft system has not shut off the fuel to the engine.
how do I confirm that?

it resets itself.

Principles of Operation
The PATS uses a specially encoded ignition key. Each encoded ignition key contains a permanently installed electronic device called a transponder. Each transponder contains a unique electronic identification code out of over 18 billion, billion combinations.
The passive anti-theft system (PATS), also known as SecuriLock ®, uses radio frequency identification technology to deter a drive-away theft. This system is known as SecuriLock® in North America, Safeguard® in the U.K., and PATS in Continental Europe. Passive means that it does not require any activity from the user.
The SecuriLock® System (PATS) is not compatible with aftermarket remote start systems, which allow the vehicle to be started from outside the vehicle. These systems may reduce the vehicle security level, and also may cause no-start issues. If equipped the remote start system must be removed before investigation of PATS-related, no-start issues.
Each encoded ignition key must be programmed into the vehicle's powertrain control (PCM) before it can be used to start the engine. There are special diagnostic repair procedures described in this section that must be carried out if a new encoded ignition key is necessary.
This system contains a new feature named Unlimited Key Mode. This feature allows a customer to program more than eight keys to the vehicle if they request it. Each vehicle in Unlimited Key Mode is set up with a special Unlimited Transponder Security Key. This allows all the customer vehicles to share the same keys, but no other keys from outside can be used to operate the vehicles. For an individual customer, any randomly selected Security Key is acceptable. Refer to Unlimited Key Mode Programming in Key Programming Switch State Control in this section.
The PATS transceiver module communicates with the encoded ignition key. The module is located behind the steering column shroud and contains an antenna connected to a small electronics module. During each vehicle start sequence, the transceiver module reads the encoded ignition key identification code and sends data to the PCM.
The control functions are contained in the PCM. This module carries out all of the PATS functions, such as receiving the identification code from the encoded ignition key and controlling the engine enable. The PCM initiates the key interrogation sequence when the vehicle ignition switch is turned to RUN or START.
All elements of the PATS must be functional before the engine is allowed to start. If any of the components are not working correctly, the vehicle will not start.
The PATS uses a visual theft indicator. The indicator will prove out for three seconds when the ignition switch is turned to RUN or START under normal operation. If there is a PATS concern, this indicator will either flash rapidly or glow steadily when the ignition switch is turned to RUN or START. The PATS system also flashes the theft indicator every two seconds at ignition OFF to act as a visual deterrent.
The PATS will be activated and will disable the vehicle from starting if there is a:

• incorrectly encoded ignition key
• damaged encoded ignition key
• unprogrammed key
• non-encoded key (key has no electronics)
• damaged wiring
• damaged transceiver
• damaged PCM

Lack of HO2S-11 Switch, Indicates Lean.Right bank front 02 sensor. When an HO2S sensor indicates lean at the end of a test, the system is trying to correct for an over-lean condition. The code is set when the fuel control system no longer detects switching for a calibrated amount of time.In other words the 02 sensor is indicating lean and the fuel trim has reached the programed limit trying to correct it.
There are many things that could cause this like a bad 02 sensor,a vacuum leak,a leaking or contaminated fuel injector/s,a stuck open PCV valve,leak in hose between MAF sensor and engine causing un-metered or unmeasured air entering the engine,exhaust leak,improperly seated oil dipstick,stuck EGR valve.
Check PCV valve first if it is stuck open if you pull the hose off of the valve cover that hooks to the air tube between MAF and engine you will feel a strong vacuum pull there,normal you would hardly feel it.

Common issue at the shop (i'm a ford technician), here is what I do to correct it.
Here is the most common cause of surges and stalls at stops and low erratic idle speed and rough idle, it is the idle speed control air-bypass valve and throttle valve (IAC for short), they get full of gunk over the miles and cause idle issues (stalls, low idle) like yours, Get a can of intake cleaner from any local parts store, not carb spray, intake cleaner, it is made by a company called CRC, remove the air intake hose to the engine, hold the idle high so the engine won't stall, then spray the can of cleaner into the intake while keeping the engine running, use at least 1/2 the can, shut down the engine and disconnect the battery for 5 minutes, then restart and complete a number of mixed driving cycles, town, freeway, stop and go etc., after a few days the problem will go away as the system will relearn to the clean intake.

I just got done replacing the O2 sensors in my 99 Cougar due to throwing a P0135 malfunction code. There's 3. Facing the engine there's one in the front coming off of the front header, which is easy to get to. Another more tricky one if between the engine and the fire wall on the rear header pipe. The third is under the vehicle behind the transmission pan on top of the exhaust. In order to replace the O2 sensor near the fire wall you will need to remove the 4 retaining bolts for the ECM module and move it out of the way. Additionally you will need to remove the 2 retaining nuts for a wiring harness that is seated below the ECM module. Pay close attention to the connectors because the front and under vehicle O2 sensors have round connectors the one near the firewall has a squared connector. I was able to replace all 3 by myself in approximately 35 minutes. If your throwing a O2 heater malfunction code it is most likely going to be the sensor near the firewall. make sure that you know someone with a code reader so the code can be cleared. If you're do for an emmissions inspection be sure to put at least 40 miles on the new O2 sensor with different types of driving (e.g. highway, coasting, decellerated turns and rapid acceleration). Gotta love project cars for your kids!!

SECTION 412-04: Control Components 1999 Cougar Workshop Manual REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION Blower Motor Resistor Removal

1. Remove the upper footwell trim panel (passenger side).
   • Remove the pushpins.

1. Disconnect the blower motor resistor electrical connector.

1. Remove the blower motor resistor.

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yes my battery light started coming on my cougar and i checked the voltage with a meter and the battery is showing the right voltage. but when i drive at night the lights goes dim and then to bright again. so can you help

Item Part Number Description 1 Body mounting cup 2 Spring seat 3 Spring 4 Strut 5 Crossmember 6 Stabilizer bar 7 Front arm 8 Rear arm 9 Wheel spindle 10 Tie-bar 11 Dust cap 12 Brake drum 13 Hub retaining nut 14 Hub and bearing assembly 15 Backing plate 16 ABS sensor 17 Tie-bar mounting bracket

V6 ? 4CYL? Have you verified SPARK? Did anyone check the "fuel pump inertia switch?" Its in the right front kick panel. If it was a "Anti-theft Issue" the light would be on or flashing.

99 mercury cougar. Fuel pump problem car wont start