Mercury Cougar Recalled

Ford Motor Company

Models: Mercury Cougar Years: 1999-2000

Number Involved: 120,000

Dates of Manufacture: December 1997 - September 2000

Defect: On certain passenger vehicles equipped with 2.5-liter V6 engines, the battery cable was misrouted and its attachment to the alternator cable was under-torqued. If misrouted, the cable could contact the power steering line and the insulation could wear, resulting in an electrical short. The short could potentially result in a fire, stalling, or a condition under which the vehicle does not start.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect the battery cable to the alternator for damage and if it is damaged, will replace the cable. Additionally, the routing of the cable will be corrected, as necessary, and a routing clip will be added. Also the torque on the alternator attachment of the cable will be checked and, as required, will be tightened to specification. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began on March 5, 2001. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.

[NHTSA Recall No. 01V031/Ford Recall No. 01S02]

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Ford Motor Company

Models: Mercury Cougar Year: 1999

Number Involved: 33,000

Dates of Manufacture: December 1997 - August 1998

Defect: On certain passenger vehicles, the brake lamp switch terminals could overheat, potentially causing either a loss of brake lamp function or continuously illuminated brake lamps.

Remedy: Dealers will install a new stop lamp extension harness with bronze terminals at the brake lamp switch connector, and also inspect the brake lamp switch for signs of overheating and replace, as required. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began on March 5, 2001. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.

[NHTSA Recall No. 01V032/Ford Recall No. 01S03]