Ignition Switch Problems of Mercury Cougar

Faulty ignition switch causing shorts and sparks. Effecting turn signals, blower motor and other elc. Ford advised me that my vehicle was involved with a 1996 recall for the switch and that it was serviced and replaced. Yea - replaced with a faulty one! Ford rep. Said the replacement switch is out of warranty. I am not happy with this at all!.

I have had multiple problems since I purchased the car in 10/99. I have had the sun roof replaced once and now needs it again for the same reason; the track broke ($1000 to fix, $2000 if I go to the dealer). The ignition switch has been changed twice because it sticks (it need to be changed again). In 2/00 it started: whenever the car got cold, the car would either not turn on or would just shut down while I was driving. The car was brought to the dealer multiple times for the same problem. He changed numerous parts but was unable to resolve the issue, until a 2004 recall for something to do with the fuel system. About three years ago the engine light came on at which time the dealer replaced the catalytic converter. A few weeks later the engine light came on again at which time the dealer told me it was the head gasket. That, I had replaced by an independent mechanic and then still had to bring it back to the dealer to have the catalytic converter done a second time, and to have the computer reset to have the engine light shut off. Anytime I have work done on the car, even just maintenance, the check coolant light or the engine light comes on and I have to bring it to the dealer to have it shut off. In 9/05 the coolant light illuminated and a day later the engine light came on, I brought the car to an independent mechanic who changed the overflow tank because he believed it to be a bad sensor. After fixing that, the engine light would not go off as well as one of my brake lights. He did multiple tests and determined that it is something electrical, unfortunately he could not pinpoint the exact cause of the electrical problem. For some reason those lights have gone off but I expect them come back on soon.

See all problems of the 1999 Mercury Cougar 🔎.

Linkage system between ignition switch and ignition cylinder broke. Dealer service department does not know why and has stressed that this is a very rare occurrence and that parts are not even stocked because manufacturer and dealerships never see this type of problem.

First noticed that hatchback indicator tone would not go off. Then when key is put in ignition it won't turn sometimes. When clutch is engaged rpms will go as high as 4000. Engine stalled while driving at 50 mph. Took to dealership and was told they could find nothing wrong.

See all problems of the 2000 Mercury Cougar 🔎.

At 2600 miles engine check light and airbag light came on, and key in ignition switch wasn't working.

The vehicle has been taken in several times for these ongoing problems. The problems have occurred since the first week of having the vehicle. Arbitration papers were filed but request was denied due to dealership not registering problems as well as indicating a part capable of fixing the problem, however the part did not. Vehicle was taken to a new dealership who registered the compliants. Dealership replaced the ignition switch but problems still remain. Dealership told owners it was an electrical problem that would be to complicated to find. The vehicle is a lease and is used for traveling back and forth for a college student on highways where the vehicle has failed several times.

Ignition switch failed causing vehicle to shut off and smoke to come from the steering column. Mjs.

The air conditioner was turned on. It failed to cool inside of vehicle, not working properly. The trunk fails to lock when closed. The locking mechanism is not holding the latch . Would need to jiggle the ignition key in the switch before it starts. The passenger side seat slides back & forth without locking into place. While backing up vehicle, it would make loud noises from the front end near wheels.