Clutch Pedal/linkage Problems of Mercury Cougar

Loud grinding noise from the manual transmission occurs when car is down shifted to first gear coming to a stop, or shifted to first not being at a complete stop, the shift lever "pops out of gear" and admitting a very loud grinding noise. Preventing this would be coming to a complete stop from neutral, then after stopping completely proceed to engage clutch and put car into first gear. First gear sometimes hard to shift into, might be a shift linkage problem. Sounds like the manual transmission grinding with a loud winding squeal.

See all problems of the 1999 Mercury Cougar 🔎.

Clutch assembly failure due to poorly designed clutch packs/cylinders.

See all problems of the 1997 Mercury Cougar 🔎.

While driving 50 mph vehicle stalled. Consumer applied the clutch, and the clutch was inoperative. Vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic was not able to duplicate or resolve the problem.

See all problems of the 2001 Mercury Cougar 🔎.

Intermittent engine racing to 3000-3500 rpm, when clutch is engaged, which lasts for approximately 10 seconds and intermittent overdeceleration (as if the brakes were applied) that releases when the accelerator is tapped.