Hi, i have a 1999 ford cougar 2.5 V6, when it's first started and for some while after it makes a very loud whining noise on acceleration and even whilst driving along and has got progressively worse in volume. I took it to a mechanic who said it was the idle control valve so i got him to replace that and the problem hasn't gone. He says it is the air creating a vacuum and that he doesn't know what the problem is! Any ideas what it could be or if it is a common problem with the cougar?

SOURCE: Car won't idle without revving when cold and dies when in drive

This Vehicle needs an Idle air control/Idle speed motor. Good Luck

SOURCE: water pump location on the 2.5L V6 engine 1999 cougar

It is located on top of the engine under the throttle body, it sucks, plan on a whole day if you are a good machanic.

SOURCE: Mercury Cougar 1999 V6 Starting problem.

To remove the alternator, you have to remove the serpentine belt. They have a tensioner in which you place a socket wrench and pull on it and it loosens the belt. Before removing the belt notice how it is routed. Some vehicles have a diagram on the hood or on the front near the grill.You take the belt off. Then you remove the alternator by removing the bolts attaching the alternator to the engine. There are two or three bolts you have to remove. Two of them are fairly big bolts. About a size 14 metric or so. Disconnect the negative battery cable battery so you won't hit any grounds.Then take off the plugs from the alternator and the small nuts that hold the wires. Notice how they are placed before removing so you can know where each plug goes.Then replace the new alternator. Plug it back up and install the same way you took it out.Replace the belt starting from the left to right and pull on the tensioner and reinstall.

SOURCE: roaring loud noise will come on while in drive with my 1999 couga

leaking seal on vacum booster where rod from brake pedal enters. will go away until it gets severe

SOURCE: 97 Ford Ranger 4.0L V6 Idles rough only when cold

Orand

Ther is a air Idle control valve located on the side of the throttle body. unplug it remove it spray it and clean it with carb cleaner replace it plug it back in and you will be a Happy person again.

Lugnut61