Battery Cable Problems of Mercury Cougar

Mercury Cougar owners have reported 27 problems related to battery cable (under the electrical system category). The most recently reported issues are listed below. Also please check out the statistics and reliability analysis of Mercury Cougar based on all problems reported for the Cougar.

1 Battery Cable problem of the 2000 Mercury Cougar

Failure Date: 07/01/2015

Tl the contact owns a 2000 Mercury Cougar. The contact stated that the battery failed and multiple warning indicators, including the check engine indicator, illuminated. The vehicle was taken to several independent mechanics to have the battery replaced. After multiple incorrect diagnostics, it was determined that the battery cable routing was defective. The contact discovered NHTSA campaign number: 01v031000 (electrical system); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and did not assist. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 38,600.

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2 Battery Cable problem of the 1999 Mercury Cougar

Failure Date: 07/10/2013

The contact owns a 1999 Mercury Cougar. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 mph, the engine stalled without warning. The contact inspected under the hood and tightened the battery cable. The vehicle restarted and resumed normally. The failure recurred upon reaching the residence. In addition, a strong odor of fuel emitted inside of the vehicle with a small amount of leakage on the ground. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign id numbers 04v421000 ( fuel system, gasoline) and 01v031000 (electrical system). The VIN was not included in either recall. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer but had not been diagnosed or repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 117,000.

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3 Battery Cable problem of the 2001 Mercury Cougar

Failure Date: 02/21/2011

The contact owns a 2001 Mercury Cougar. While driving, the contact stated that the vehicle suddenly stalled without warning. After inspecting the vehicle, she noticed that a piece of the metal battery connector had melted. The metal connector was replaced. Approximately one week later, the contact stated that the vehicle suddenly stalled again without warning causing her to lose all power similar to NHTSA campaign id number 01v031000 (electrical system:battery:cables). The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed the contact that the battery cable was burning and smoking. The dealer informed the contact that her vehicle was not included in the previous recall. The vehicle was not repaired the second time. The current and failure mileage was unknown.

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4 Battery Cable problem of the 2000 Mercury Cougar

Failure Date: 03/08/2010

The contact owns a 2000 Mercury Cougar. The contact stated when starting the vehicle, the vehicle would lack power. The battery and alternator were replaced but to no avail. The contact located a recall for the failure (NHTSA campaign id number: 01v031000- electrical system: battery: cables) but was told by the manufacturer that his vehicle was not included in the recall. The failure and current mileages were approximately 62,000. Updated 11/03/10. Updated 2/17/2011.

5 Battery Cable problem of the 2000 Mercury Cougar

Failure Date: 10/16/2009

The contact owns a 2000 Mercury Cougar. While attempting to proceed from a stop sign, the vehicle stalled. Upon further inspection he noticed that the battery cables were melted. The vehicle was towed to a local repair facility. A mechanic concluded that the cable made contact with the power steering line which caused the insulation to wear, and thus an an electrical short. The dealer was contacted in reference to recall # 01v031000 (electrical system:battery:cables). Since his vehicle identification number was excluded from the recall, he was ineligible for a free remedy. No repairs were made. The manufacturer was notified, and he was in the process of sending them correspondence. The failure and current mileages were 110,000.

6 Battery Cable problem of the 2000 Mercury Cougar

Failure Date: 08/25/2009

The lights on the interior and exterior of my car have been flickering since I purchased the car from an individual a few years ago. Last week I smelled burning wires while driving and me and my husband pulled off the road and he investigated the problem as to where the smell was coming from. He noticed the battery cables were hot and melted insulation on them at the battery posts. Now instead of a flickering alternator light,headlights,and dash lights, I have an alternator light that stays on and everything else is still flickering. We took the car to a mechanic because the car quit running,apparently because the battery went dead. They replaced the battery and the alternator which cost me 320. 00. I still have flickering lights and the alternator light is still on. I took it to have the alternator checked even though it was brand new,just to be sure and was told that there was a wiring problem,that the charge from the alternator was not getting back to the battery. All fuses were checked and to my understanding my car is not involved in any recalls according to the VIN I furnished Ford. I want this fixed ,and I see on all the research I have done checking the web for similar problems,that I am not the only Mercury Cougar owner of this year model that can't seem to get any help with an apparent safety issue. Also I have a sunroof that has to be taped down to keep it from blowing out of the car and leaks when it rains if it doesn't have tape on the seams.

7 Battery Cable problem of the 1999 Mercury Cougar

Failure Date: 02/24/2009

Recall id#8389 (Feb 06, 2001) electrical system, battery cables. 1999 Mercury Cougar 2. 5l v6 (70263 miles). Just picked up car after paying $3500 in repairs for headgasket, etc. Mechanic mentioned a bearing in the alternator is going and should be replaced soon. That would be the third alternator in this car. I am the original owner, vehicle purchased April 17, 2000. Alternator #1 Jan 15, 2003 (21672 miles) - covered by warranty (vehicle broke down on interstate). Alternator #2 car again died on the interstate with no warning, no "idiot lights. 09/20/2005 (47,791 miles). Paid for myself. Now, 2/24/09 (70,263 miles) need another new alternator! help!! how do I get this covered, I just got laid off, just paid $3500. 00 in other repairs and cannot believe I need another alternator!.

8 Battery Cable problem of the 1999 Mercury Cougar

Failure Date: 09/04/2008

The contact owns a 1999 Mercury Cougar. On September 4, 2008, while driving approximately 65 mph, the interior and exterior lights began flickering on and off. The following week, the contact replaced the battery, but the failure persisted. The dealer performed a diagnostic and stated that the battery cable was defective. The manufacturer stated that his VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign id number 01v031000 (electrical system:battery). The vehicle has not been repaired. The VIN was unknown. The current and failure mileages were 55,000.

9 Battery Cable problem of the 2000 Mercury Cougar

Failure Date: 02/06/2008

The contact owns a 2000 Mercury Cougar. While driving between 55-60 mph, all of the vehicle lights began flickering. The vehicle failed three times and was towed to a mechanic. The mechanic stated that the alternator needed to be replaced. When the alternator was replaced, the vehicle lights still flickered. The contact was informed that his VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign id number 01v031000 (electrical system: battery: cables). The powertrain was unknown. The current and failure mileages were 67,000.

10 Battery Cable problem of the 2000 Mercury Cougar

Failure Date: 10/29/2007

The contact owns a 2000 Mercury Cougar. The vehicle would not start and it was jumped by aaa. The vehicle was driven to the repair shop and they stated that the cable that connected the battery to the alternator needed to be replaced. The manufacturer stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign id number 01v031000 (electrical system:battery:cables), even though the vehicle was manufactured within the manufacture dates. The vehicle was manufactured in April of 2000. The current and failure mileages were 118,000.

11 Battery Cable problem of the 2000 Mercury Cougar

Failure Date: 09/15/2007

The contact owns a 2000 Mercury Cougar. The contact stated that there was a recall on the alternator battery cable. When the battery shorts out, it catches fire and also shorts out the alternator. While driving 35 mph, the cable caught fire, but it extinguished on its own. He took the vehicle to the dealer and they stated that his VIN was not included in any recalls. The contact paid for the repair and wants to be reimbursed. Ford refuses to reimburse him and advised him to call NHTSA. The current and failure mileages were 65,000.

12 Battery Cable problem of the 1999 Mercury Cougar

Failure Date: 09/01/2007

The contact owns a 1999 Mercury Cougar. In 2003, the engine failed when fuel was present in the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and repaired under warranty. Currently, fuel is not able to enter into the engine. The vehicle will start and then shut off. A diagnostic test has not been performed on the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle has also had electrical failures, which caused the battery to fail four times in four years. The battery cable has been retightened several times and replaced once. The speed was unknown. The current mileage was 99,000 and failure mileage was 20,000.

13 Battery Cable problem of the 2000 Mercury Cougar

Failure Date: 06/05/2007

The contact owns a 2000 Mercury Cougar. While driving approximately 45 mph on normal road conditions, the warning indicators illuminated on the instrument panel. There was a moderate loss of power in the vehicle and a burning odor. The vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop and they stated that the failure was related to the alternator battery cable. The vehicle was repaired. Recently,the contact observed an excessively high temperature reading from the voltage of the alternator. On three separate occasions, the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for the identical failures. There were no resolutions. The contact experienced failures identical to the ones mentioned in NHTSA campaign id number 01v031000 (electrical system:battery:cables). The failure mileage was 62,000 and current mileage was 68,000.

14 Battery Cable problem of the 2000 Mercury Cougar

Failure Date: 07/10/2006

My 2000 Mercury Cougar has a problem with the battery light flashing intermittently and the head lights and interior lights flickering consistently. First I took it to two local repair shops who found no charging problems. The second shop provided me with a recall and recommended that I take it to the dealer. I took it to the Ford dealer(with the recall paper work) and they first replaced the alternator (which didn't fix the problem) then replaced a connector (which didn't fix my problem). When I asked them to replace the battery cable to the alternator which is mentioned in the recall the service manager told me that he would have to replace a $1,900. 00 wiring harness to do that. He recommended that I trade my car in. So I went out and bought a "consumer reports" used car buying guide to look for a reliable used car and I found a section in the back for "recalls". Under the '99-00 Mercury Cougar section it references this recall and says "if necessary, replace the battery cable". I have filed a complaint with Ford and plan to call the attorney generals consumer affairs division next.

15 Battery Cable problem of the 1999 Mercury Cougar

Failure Date: 06/18/2006

Most recent information is given. Had to have alternator replaced twice with in a 7-8 month period due to a recall issued by Ford on February 6, 2001. Nhtsa campaign id number: 01v031000. I had 2 dealerships search for recalls using my VIN, no recalls came up.

16 Battery Cable problem of the 2000 Mercury Cougar

Failure Date: 01/30/2006

The contact stated while driving at 50mph the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was towed to the dealership. Upon inspection the dealer found the battery wire had came loose from the alternator. The problem returned a second time under a similar circumstance, but the vehicle was driven to the dealer. The battery wire was reattached the second time. The contact found there was a previous recall for the battery cables, NHTSA campaign id # 01v031000. The vehicle was inspected on October 15, 2001 and there was no problem found. According to the records the recall is closed.

17 Battery Cable problem of the 1999 Mercury Cougar

Failure Date: 03/21/2005

3/21/05 vehicle taken to Lincoln Mercury driveability concern by>>( my wife)>>>check engine light on, they fond intake gaskets leaking vac & bank 2 also monitor are very active need tune up and plug wires and tires. . . My wife gave them all technical service bulletins diagnostic trouble codes po420 & po430 paper. . . . Also,told them 99-Mercury Cougar 2. 5l engine stall and have inability to start car. . . They kept paper, and told her she need new battery cables!!!! call manufacturer on TSB and recall, we was told there was no recall on our vehicle I. D. Number. . . . Etc. . . . . . . . Consumer reports used car buying guide fond recall ---99-00 Mercury Cougar with 2. 5l v6 engine----natsa number #01i009000 please help. . . . . . . . . . . . .

18 Battery Cable problem of the 2000 Mercury Cougar

Failure Date: 11/01/2004

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.

19 Battery Cable problem of the 2000 Mercury Cougar

Failure Date: 04/18/2004

The contact owns a 2000 Mercury Cougar. The contact stated that the battery cables leading from the battery to the alternator caused shortages. All of the electrical components flickered inside and outside the vehicle. He took the vehicle to a certified mechanic, who confirmed that there was a short somewhere in the vehicle. In addition, he noticed a failure within the fuel injection system. The rpm's would rev to a high degree and then decrease very quickly, which occasionally caused the vehicle to stall. The rpm's fluctuated when shutting off the vehicle or revving. The vehicle has not been taken to the dealer. The manufacturer stated that the VIN was excluded from NHTSA campaign id numbers 01v031000 (electrical system:battery:cables) and 04v421000 (fuel system, gasoline). The current mileage was approximately 106,000 and failure mileage was approximately 52,000.

20 Battery Cable problem of the 2000 Mercury Cougar

Failure Date: 08/01/2002

Recall campaign 01v031000 concerning battery cable routing. Consumer vehicle is experiencing intermittent problem with the hesitation and stalling. Dealer replaced alternator twice, and repair shop once. However, the problem recurred.

21 Battery Cable problem of the 1999 Mercury Cougar

Failure Date: 02/12/2001

Prior to recall notice 01v-031 the vehicle experienced electrical problems which caused the vehicle to stall while driving, the consumer left the vehicle to get assistance and upon returning to the vehicle he found the front of the vehicle was on fire. Nlm.

22 Battery Cable problem of the 2000 Mercury Cougar

Failure Date: 12/15/2000

When turning key to start vehicle there is a loud noise, not clicking sound, vehicle will not start. Consumer has to take key out of ignition and try again, a couple of times before vehicle will start. To dealer who found nothing wrong. Could be recall on battery cable routing.

23 Battery Cable problem of the 1999 Mercury Cougar

Failure Date: 11/24/2000

The victims parents believe that recall 01v-031 of the misrouted battery cable may have been the result of there daughters death, the recall was recieved 1-Mar-01, 4 months after the accident occured. Nlm.

24 Battery Cable problem of the 1999 Mercury Cougar

Failure Date: 01/10/2000

01 v 031 000/battery cable routing: vehicle has an ongoing problem with stalling. Vehicle been to the dealer for repairs ,and the problem still occurring. Feel free to provide any further information.

25 Battery Cable problem of the 1999 Mercury Cougar

Failure Date: 07/01/1998

Persistent high pitched whine comes thru the speakers in the car. Noise intensifies with more gas. Told it was altenator but now is said to be "normal". Gromets on the emergency brake cables were left off during assmebly of the car. Dealership neglects consumer in response to fixing these problems.

26 Battery Cable problem of the 1999 Mercury Cougar

The consumer is not satisfied with the vehicle due to the amount of recalls that have been issued on the vehicle since the date purchased, brake pressure control valve 00v-075, battery cable routing 01v-031, brake lamp switch jumper harness 01v-032.

27 Battery Cable problem of the 1999 Mercury Cougar

The dealer refuses to repair recall 01v-031 because the consumer lodged a complaint against them. Nlm.


Other Common Electrical System related problems of Mercury Cougar


Fuel Economy of Cougar Vehicles
Cougar Service Bulletins
Cougar Safety Recalls
Cougar Defect Investigations