Six problems related to ignition have been reported for the 1999 Mercury Cougar. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
While standing outside of vehicle with windows rolled down when door closed and automatically locked. Consumer noted this was not a feature of vehicle. Key failed to unlock the door, consumer reached inside vehicle to manually unlock door. Dealer stated if a new alarm system was put in to replace the old one, problem might be corrected. Air conditioner turns on and off. Radio will not come on at times. Motor will die out. Alarm went off, door lock by themselves. Key will not crank vehicle at times. Vehicle jumped and jerked almost hitting consumers sister who was standing in front of the vehicle.
Caliper pin was replaced by dealership, no charge.
Ignition locks and vehicle won't start, dealer has attempted to fix the problem but cannot.
When turning key in ignition there is a grinding noise, sometimes vehicle won't start. Took vehicle to dealer, and dealer replaced bb valves, and cleaned engine. This did not correct the problem. Also, loose outer tie rods. .
Engine> vehicle has been hesitating since 10/01. Vehicle brought in for regular check and description of hesitation/bucking esp. On highway provided to service rep. Vehicle serviced hesitation problem diagnosed as ignition wires in need of replacement. Ignition wires replaced, lube, oil, filter, and fluids topped. Also told all four tires would need to be replaced. Declined tire replacement at this time. Total cost for service with tax &labor=$346. 70 vehicle continued to run the same way. Also coolant and airbag icons came on and would not go off. Scheduled for servicing again on 12/5/01. Diagnosis airbag censor in need of replacement (still under warranty ) and in need of a new collant expansion container (approx. Cost $200. ) car in on 12/31/01 ,airbag sensor replaced and car checked again for cause of hesitation. Response unable to duplicate customer's concern. Hesitation continued and on 1/05/02 while returning home on secondary road, check oil light icon came on. Dealership nearby so attempt was made to drive car there . Vehicle died, no power steering. Large puddle of oil under vehicle. Roadside assistance towed vehicle to dealership. Diagnosis> engine gone and in need of replacement. Imploded from within.
While traveling and without any indication vehicle would stall. Dealer has been contacted. Please provide furhter information.