Headlights go out for various intervals and is preceded by flickering and/or blinking which causes loss of visibility which increases my risk of a crash. Also note a burning smell from vents when this happens. My vehicle is a 1991 cougar and I went online to see if there was a recall for this problem. Noted recall for same problem on 1992 and 1993 models not for 1991. Called ford motor company and asked if there was a recall for my model since it has the same issue as 1992 and 1993 cougars. Was told no recall for this and to pay to get it fix myself. They would report problem to proper department.
1991 Mercury Cougar: fire, smoke or burning smell
8 of the 73 complaints about the 1991 Mercury Cougar describe fire, smoke or burning smell.
- owner complaints
- 8
- of this car's complaints
- 11%
- recalls
- 1
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall and 3 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below
Fire, smoke or burning smell by model year
What owners say
Tl*the contact owns a 1991 mercury cougar. The contact smelled something burning while driving 50 MPH. The headlights and instrument panel lights dimmed and the headlights began to flicker. The dealer stated that the circuit breaker had a short circuit. Recall number 99v275000 (exterior lighting:headlights:switch) was found. The current and failure mileages were 141,000.
Parked car and it caught on fire.*ak consumer statesvehicle was parked and about 15 minutes later it was on fire near steering wheel area.
Drove vehicle about 200 yds, saw smoke coming from steering column, stopped & checked under hood, few minutes later flames were coming from steering column.
The vehicle caught on fire due to the altenator. Please describe.
An electrical short or shock caused the ignition switch and wires in the steering column to catch on fire while parked. Please describe.
While parked in front of home, owner heard explosion sound; came out to check; vehicle was engulfed with flames inside and outside, underdash/underhood.
Auto was parked when it burst into flames. Tt
Service bulletins that may apply
Related recalls
Electrical system: ignition
- What is wrong
- The ignition switch could experience an internal short circuit.
- Risk
- This condition could cause overheating, smoke, and possibly fire in the steering column area of the vehicle.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the ignition switch.
Recall number 96V071000 · Recall details
Questions about the 1991 Mercury Cougar fire or smoke
Is fire, smoke or burning smell a common problem on the 1991 Mercury Cougar?
8 of 73 owner complaints about the 1991 Mercury Cougar (11%) mention fire, smoke or burning smell. The model year with the most reports is 1991.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 1991 Mercury Cougar?
There is 1 recall and 3 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 1991 Mercury Cougar
VIN decoder
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