Alternator/generator/regulator Problems of Mercury Cougar - part 1

1999 Cougar battery connection problems or something faulty. Sometimes while I'm driving my car just goes dead. It's done that a lot lately. I now have a new battery but the same thing happens and I'm scared when it happens on the freeway . Tonight I was driving on the freeway and it went dead! I had no lights , I had no tail lights,no head lights ,no blinkers and no emergency lights and the car close behind me had to slam on breaks cause there was no emergency lane, no side of the road just a guard rail! I was in the middle of the road . Brand new battery just goes dead like it did many times on the older battery it's not the alternator either. . . Something is not making a connection. I'm gonna end up squashed, dead cause on a freeway at night when the car dies everything dies: lights,tail lights and emergency lights if im in the dark no one would see me in time to stop if im in the middle of the road.

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Tl- the contact owns a 1999 Mercury Cougar. The contact stated that while driving at 35 mph, when the vehicle stalled with out warning. The contact also stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was eventually able to start after several attempts, however the vehicle failed after the contact drove for a couple of miles. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the alternator and fuel pump had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 01v031000 (electrical system) or NHTSA campaign number: 04v421000 (fuel system, gasoline). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 115,000. Wh.

I'm having the same issue with my 2002 Mercury Cougar as everyone else, but when I put my VIN number into the search, there are no recalls listed for it. I don't think that its right that my life be put in serious danger because of an apparent design issue. This car is losing all power and shutting down. It doesnt matter how fast you are going, it happens at all speeds. We thought the alternator was bad, had it replaced and the battery at the same time. The same day, the car lost all power again and died out going 60 mph on the highway. All the gauges start going crazy and the lights dim and eventually everything including the car just quits. Mercury/Ford, needs to be responsible for this coffin that I'm trying to drive and fix the problem for me and everyone else for free. I've done some online research on this, and it seems like there are a ton of people with the same problem from years 99 to 02.

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The contact owns a 1999 Mercury Cougar. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled without warning while driving 25 mph. The vehicle was towed to a local mechanic for diagnostic testing. A failure code was displayed that identified the alternator as the cause of the failure. The alternator was previously replaced three times. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer stated that they were unaware of NHTSA campaign number: 01v031000 (electrical system). The failure mileage was 34,000.

The contact owns a 1990 Mercury Cougar. The contact stated smoke emitted from underneath the hood when the engine was turned on and within seconds the engine was on fire. The fire department advised the fire originated at a fuse box located in the battery and alternator area. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure and current mileage was 89,000.

The contact owns a 2000 Mercury Cougar. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 mph, the battery warning light illuminated on the instrument panel and there was burning odor emitted inside of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for a diagnostic test. The mechanic stated that the battery and alternator would have replaced. The failure occurred a second time after the repair. The vehicle was not taken back to be repaired again. There was a recall under NHTSA campaign id number 01v031000 (electrical system:battery:cables), that may be related to the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that the VIN was not included in the recall. The approximate failure mileage was 75,000.

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Flashing battery light. Lights would dim during accelerations or revving of engine. Alternator fails causing vehicle to stall in the middle of the road. Safety issue, I have taken the car to repair shop, mechanic states he has researched this and says this seems to be an on going problem with this model of car. Battery light still stays on and lights dim on acceleration after replaced alternator.

The contact owns a 2000 Mercury Cougar. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The battery was replaced and the contact received a jump start before he was able to start the vehicle. The vehicle remained on for a few minutes before stalling. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the contact was advised that the alternator would need to be replaced. The alternator was replaced. The contact was able to drive the vehicle but found that the headlights were intermittently dimming. The contact was advised by the dealer and manufacturer that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign id number: 01v031000 (electrical system: battery: cables). The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle would hesitate and that fuel was not traveling to the engine correctly even with a full tank of fuel. The dealer and manufacturer both advised that contact that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign id number: 04v421000 (fuel system, gasoline). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 98,000 and the current mileage was 100,000.

The contact owns a 2001 Mercury Cougar. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled while driving 60 mph. The vehicle restarted after waiting a few moments. The failure recurred on an intermittent basis and occurred more frequently over time. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer and was repaired under the recall associated with NHTSA campaign id number 04v421000 (fuel system, gasoline). The failure began to recur approximately three months later. The vehicle had not been taken back for additional repairs. The contact also stated that fuel system failures led to an alternator failure, which drained the vehicle's battery. In addition, the contact stated that the sunroof was jammed and would not longer open. The manufacturer was made aware of the failures and offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 90,000.

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I am the original owner of a 1999 Mercury Cougar automatic v6. I have never been in an accident with the vehicle, but continue to have mechanical problems. Like other 1999 2000 Mercury Cougar owners I worry about the safety of driving a vehicle with more problems than can cost effectively be fixed. My list of broken items include the radio, power window regulator, O2 sensors, transmission at 59,000 miles, dashboard lights (low coolant and check engine), door/window leaky seal issues, engine misfire (decreased acceleration) and now my cruise control and turn signals do not work. Upon researching the recall for cruise control fires dealing with Ford products I found that I am among other disgruntled Cougar owners. Ford/Mercury or Ford technicians have not done a satisfactory job letting owners know of recalls that need attention. My latest concern is that my Cougar might start on fire, per my complaint with Ford; they see no threat with my cruise control issues and suggested I contact the NHTSA with my complaint.

Engine light came on, them battery light. A new battery was installed but after a few days the battery and engine light came on again. Alternator was checked and found to be in perfect order. Eventually one day all the panel lights just went dim and the car shut off totally. Car was towed to dealer where I was told that I needed an alternator at the cost of $550. I agreed. Got the car drove it from the dealer the engine lights and battery lights came back on that very same day. Called the dealership and was told that it takes time for the electrical system to adjust. I drove it for one week and the car shut off again. I had it towed again. Dealer said it was fixed and that I should not have any problems with it. It's has happened over and over again since them. I don't know what else to do.

I also own a 99 Cougar and have had nothing but issues, but I love the way the car drives when it works correctly. I have also replaced the alternator and it's also on its 5th window motor, which still does not work correctly. I have replaced almost every sensor possible, too. Of course when I have questioned Mercury on these issues, they claim that it's not a common problem with the Cougars. I have heard from others on the tire issues, but luckily mine has not had any issues with tires. The newest issue with mine is the headlamps. I was in some heavy rain water in the beginning of oct. 2006 and they leaked and had puddles inside of them. I took it to be serviced by Mercury and I have not had my car back for 3. 5 months! in talking with Ford I have found out that they have not made any headlamps for the 99 Cougar since Jan. 2006 and they are on a nation wide backorder. To make a long story short, I am hoping that Ford will make things right for not stocking headlamps and putting me without a car for the past 3. 5 months.

With no warning, my car's electrical system will start failing. Lights will dim, rpm and speed gauges reset and the car stalls with in a matter of minutes. The vehicle will not start again and has to be towed to the dealership. Vehicle has left me stranded 5+ times because of this. The failure is in the alternator to the car and possibly the battery as well which both have only ever been the manufacturers parts. I have had to have my battery replaced 4 times and my alternator 5+ times it is obvious that there is a substantial problem with this car's electrical system. The car is not dependable at all and causes more stress, money,& time than it is worth. These issues should be addressed by the Ford motor company.

Mercury Cougar 2000 started to give me problems within the last week: lights flickering,loss of power, stalling. Currently in a garage getting a new alternator installed. Not under warranty. I fortunately found on the web that there is a recall for an electrical problem, but don't believe this will resolve the issue as it hasn't for anyone else. I read countless reports of this same problem on the web.

2000 Mercury Cougar. The consumer found recall 01v031000 for the electric battery and alternator. The battery has been replaced three times in the last week, and the alternator has been replaced once. However, problem recurred. . When she contacted Mercury they stated this vehicle was not included in the recall due to VIN. The vehicle will start. But when she turned on the air conditioner or radio the vehicle stalled. Both the battery and alternator have been checked to see if they were the problem. Two mechanics stated the battery and alternator were fine. It was an electrical problem. The emission system light on the vehicle kept coming on. Ford stated they knew of this problem and that could be checked.

While driving 40 mph vehicle stalled. Driver tried to restart the vehicle and was not able to do so. Vehicle was towed to a garage for inspection, and mechanic determined that the alternator and battery needed to be replaced and replaced them. However, the problem recurred.

Vehicle interior and headlights constantly brighten and dim when brake or gas pedal is applied. Brought it in to dealer on 11/26/04, alternator was replaced (100 dollars spent). Alternator had previously been replaced due to complete failure on christmas eve 2001. Now on third alternator. On Monday November 29, car began exhibited the same brightening and dimming effects. Brought to dealer and was informed that the wire between the battery and alternator could potentially have a problem. Dealer was nice enough to fix it for free. I have contacted Mercury corporate several times and asked to speak with someone who can actualy help me and and always told that I can't speak to anyone else. There are so many more things that have gone wrong with this car I dont even know where to begin.

Went out to go to work one morning and car would not start, all systems completely dead, jumped car off next day and barely made it to garage, replaced battery 11/04, problems ever since with battery light constantly flashing as well as all interior and exterior lights flashing bright to dim day or night, was told 11/04 needed a new alternator, still have not gotten a new alternator and do not plan to at this point, received the recall on battery cable and rerouting and had that done, if this is a consistent problem with v-6 2000 Mercury Cougars the company should take care of this problem immediately, if driving at night and car completely stalls, all lights and controls are inoperable which will cause accident to self and/or others, this is a scary thought for a single female driving at night and in areas where cell phone doesn't always have a signal, Ford should fix this battery/alternator problem ASAP before someone gets hurt and sues.

The lights on my dashboard kept diming when ever I had hit the gas. Did inform l/m of problem and had made an appointment for them to look at it. They informed me there was no problem. That this does happen on some Cougars but not to worry about it. I bought it in again for something and mention the diming again and they said the same thing to me. On the way home from work one day my car started to loss power and by the time I got home I didn't have any power. I called l/m and told them of the problem. I was told to bring my car in. They inform me it was my alternator. I had 3/36 warr on it & I had not even 37,000 on it and l/m told me it wasn't cover under warr and wanted to charge me over $1000. 00. That was on 12/19/2002. . . On 9/4/2004 I was driving and car went out on me and I bought it to firestone and they my battery was so dead and they couldn't even finish the testing after putting in a new battery they told me it was my alterntor. This is the 3rd one since I purchase my car. I was told that the diming which is still happening wasn't a problem and now I am on my 3 rd altertner. Even I know there is problem. This shouln't been happening on a car less then 5 yrs old and it 3rd alternator.

Vehicle lost power while driving down highway. Replaced the battery and took to shop to have alternator and whatever else looked at. Mechanic could not find anything wrong. Battery light still flashing. I'm scared this will happen again and leave me stranded. Also have had same electrical problems (power windows) as everyone else, as well as spending $600 on brakes, and trunk latch won't work. Radio works off and on. Also had to replace bumper as it was ripped off while pulling out of parking space. (not negligenc).

I have a 2000 Mercury Cougar that I bought brand new and has been service faithfully by a dealership. But recently in the past 2 months there have been 3 alternators put on my car all resulting from the same problem. The console lights flicker and dim, the headlights flicker and dim, the battery light flashes and eventually it stays lighted and the gauges zero out and the car shuts down starting with the radio and eventually the light goes out and the car dies. This has happened 3 times to me within the past month all while driving in lot's of traffic. The last time I was able to pull over to a parking lot. I've seen that there are many other Cougar owners with the same year as mine that are continuously having the same problem over and over. Why? a brand new car should not be doing this and to completely break down in rush hour traffic is definitely horrifying. The dealership has just put the 4th alternator on and says they had to rewire a harness but didn't say to what or for what. It's costing me $700 and how am I to believe that it won't break down again with the same problem. How come Ford doesn't issue a recall for the alternator/battery/wiring problem. A brand new car is not supposed to break down before it's paid for. I'm definitely not buying another Mercury product again.

For the last 18 month the head lights and dash lights have flickered. I have taken it to the dealer 4 or 5 times. Twice before the warranty ran out. The problem was never fixed and the dealer alway told me the electrical system checked out find. The problem has gotten worse and now the alternator has failed twice in 30 days. This was my third and last Mercury.

With little or no warning, my car's electrical system will start failing. Lights will dim, rpm and speed gages reset and the car stalls. The vehicle will not start again and has to be towed to the shop. Vehicle has left me stranded 3 times because of this. The failure is in the alternator to the car and possibly the battery as well which has only ever been the original Ford batteries. I have had to have my battery replaced 3 times and my alternator 3 times. This has all occurred within the last 2 1/2 years. . Read more...

The battery seemed low on the car, indicated by interior lights not being very illuminated, but then dashboard lights started flashing and windows rolled up very slowly. I charged the battery for many hours and it took a charge, so I could get to the Mercury dealer. It died when I got there and they were closed, so I had to jump it and move to a safe location to leave overnight. This had happened twice before in the past 2 1/2 years, so I new it was the alternator again! that's three alternators in 2 1/2 years. This time I am out of warranty and am expected to pay $550 for a recurring problem that clearly will happen again. The dealer can not tell me why this is occuring, and Ford "customer service" could care less. After researching this problem on the internet, it seems that many Cougar owners have experienced this problem continually. I have also had to have the transmission replaced, as well as the motor for the sunroof.

Repeated issues on various dates. Problem 1: the vehicle alarm will randomly activate itself. It will go through it's 5 minute alarm process and then shuts itself down. Then anywhere from 3 to 10 minutes latter it will set itself off again. It does not matter the location of the vehicle so that could rule out interference. Problem 2: battery lamp illuminates in the higher rpm range and battery and alternator have been checked to be functioning properly. Problem 3: there is a loud popping sound from the front driver's side when the car shifts to 2nd gear at full throttle.

Alternator in my 2000 Mercury Cougar failed for the third time. The car is now out of warranty and I am stuck with the bill. Failure was followed by smoking in the engine compartment which steadily increased, small fire evolved soon afterward. Was able to put it out with a bottle of coke (a brand that has never let me down). I was assured by the dealership that this issue was taken care of some time ago. I have hated this car for all of its problems and have successfully steered people away from Ford products. I will never purchase another domestic vehicle for as long as I live.

Vehicle shut off after being driven for half hour, and failed to start. The dealer replaced battery/alternator/ ignition switch, and relay, but the problem continued. After all repairs were made, problems continued to exist. . Also the ball joint was replaced, the trunk release did not work.

This is the 2nd time that I am replacing an alternator on my 2000 Mercury Cougar. This time, it's been less than a year since I replaced the old one. This seems to be an ongoing problem with the 2000 Cougar, and Mercury/Ford have no intentions on recalling the vehicle for this problem. It's extremely frustrating that the alternator keeps going on this vehicle. Of course it keeps happening after the warranty is up, causing you to have to shell out hundreds of dollars over and over again. This last time, not only did I have to replace the alternator, but I had to pay $175. 00 for towing because I was 75 miles away from home. This is ridiculous, and I am considering getting rid of this car once it is paid off next year. And since there are other people who are having the same problem, and Mercury/Ford does not want to recall this vehicle, I will never purchase a car from this company again. Clearly there is something causing the alternator on the 2000 Mercury Cougar to keep going, but the maker will not recall the vehicle.

Hi. I am from canada and hope that everyone that reads this never buys one of this pieces of junk Cougars that Ford is selling. The name speaks for it self fix or repair daily - drivers window assemby broke $100. 00 to fix - feul pump at 56,000 km $500. 00- window stress cracked at 60,000 km not fixed yet- transmission replaced at 70,000 km $2500. 00 - two ball joints and alternator replaced at 72,000 km $400. 00- rearhatch will not open from inside not fixed yet- lights flicker on dash alternator again at 85,000km but did not help so put in new battery but didn,t help no sense of phoning Ford they don,t give a damn $18,500 for this junk and by time it is paid off $24,000 plus all the repairs best place for all the Ford junk is form the plant to the scrap yard so nobody has to put up with all these problems after reading all this you still go out an buy a Ford as the saying goes there is a sucker born every day.

Just over 36,000 miles, the alternator completely failed leaving myself and a passenger stranded more than 50 miles away from home. Due to the fact that the warranty expired at 36,000 miles the local dealerships all refused to assist me with this matter forcing me to pay to replace the alternator. Furthermore, I was informed by several mechanics that a reasonable time estimate on an alternator is 100,000 miles.

Power windows didn't work as fast, and eventually the car wouldn't start. The same thing happened not two months later. It took eight days to fix the alternator, which had been repaired by that same dealer before and only took 2 days. The day I got it out of the shop the sunroof broke. And then on March 29, on my way to work in the morning, as I was exiting the ramp onto the highway the rpms shot way up and the car "lurched " a few times before finally dying. I pulled over to the side of the road and called a wrecker. Once at the repair shop it was diagnosed as being low in gas, causing the fuel pump to overheat. They also found that the bolt holding the motor to the motorcarriage was missing, but I haven't heard back from them on why. The car presently only has 44,376 miles on it, and one complaint has already been filed with Ford.

I own a 1999 Mercury Cougar. I just bought the car in January of 2003 with 32,000 miles on the car. Two weeks after purchasing the car the alternator died, which is a common problem with this car, and the dealership replaced the alternator. But two or three weeks after that, my power sunroof broke, which is also a very common problem, and because the car was not under warranty anymore it cost me over $1200. 00 with labor to fix. I have since learned that there are many Cougar owners that have had the sunroof break because the 1999 and 2000 Cougars were made with plastic rails that easily break. The 2001 and 2002 Cougars were made with metal rails and work fine. The parts that you order now for the 1999 and 2000 Cougars are metal, so my question is, why wasn't this a recall, and why should we all have to pay for a defective part that is very expensive and breaks only because it is poorly manufactured? when I bought the car I had no idea how much money I would have to put into fixing the stock parts, such as the alternator, sun roof, and fuel pump, and rear hatch door, which are also very common problems.

Vehicle had loss of power and lights were flickering. Wiring harness, alternator and voltage regulator need replaced. Vehicle has 47000 miles on it. Dealer said it was 4th Cougar with exact same problem but yet no recall. Cost of repair is at least $800. 00.

Electrical problems, car is almost 5 years old, just put in 3rd alternator; now, cannot pass emmisions, cannot find a problem. Tons of electrical problems.

Same as previously recorded issue, however, this time the replaced part (alternator) fails after one day of operation. Vehicle broke down again, while approaching traffic light. All lights went out, gauges were not responding, radio shut off etc. Again, possible failure reported in warranty period, however, dealer and manufacturer refuse to repair. 11/12/2002 repair appears to have not been working. Will never buy fomoco product again. Contemplating contacting attorney and resolve situation with fomoco. Dt.