Where is the fuel pump on a 1997 Mercury Cougar XR7 and how di get to it?

It's inside the fuel tank. Access is on top. Remove tank. 2 straps hold it in place.

Removal

1. Relieve fuel system pressure as described under Fuel System Pressure Relief.
   

1. Drain fuel from the fuel tank as described.
   

1. Raise vehicle on hoist.
   

1. Remove the exhaust system as required. Refer to Section 09-00.
   

1. NOTE: The connections for the rear fuel supply return and vapor tube (9S278) to the fuel pump module are on top of the fuel tank and are inaccessible. They must be disconnected with the fuel tank partially lowered from the vehicle.
   
   Disconnect fuel tank to filler pipe hose (9047) and vent hoses connecting the fuel tank filler pipe (9034) to fuel tank. Disconnect one end of the vapor crossover hose at the rear over the driveshaft (4602).
   

1. Place a safety support under the fuel tank. Remove the bolts from the fuel tank support straps (9092). Take care not to deform the fuel tank or fuel tank support straps. Fuel tank capacity and/or fuel pick-up may be adversely affected.
   

1. Partially remove the fuel tank and disconnect the rear fuel supply return and vapor tubes at push connect fittings using Fuel Line Disconnect Tool Set T90T-9550-S. Disconnect electrical connector from the fuel pump module.
   

1. Remove fuel tank from the vehicle.