1999 Mercury Cougar: won't start

Filed Nov 1, 2008 · Electrical · 145,600 miles · WA

I have owned my 99 cougar for 7 years now I bought it used and everything worked fine the first year but late within the last 3 years I have changed the alternator 3 times starter 4 times and the battery 3 times just recently my car refused to start so I figured it was the starter cause every fall and winter one of the 3 mentioned goes out well I replaced the starter and it wont start now I checked the battery and that is good I also checked the cables and they are good , and just today I found a few recalls on my car online so I went to the ford website to see if the recalls where listed but they are not . Does that mean the previous owner did the recalls ? And if so why is the same problem occurring and what can the dealership do or will do ? What recourse do I have if the dealership refuses to fix my car under the recall?

Filed Jan 23, 2006 · Electrical, Engine · 55,223 miles · PA

As soon as I bought the car used with 49000 it wouldn't start. Replaced the starter, still wasn't right. Had to replace the flywheel because the old and new starter never matched properly with flywheel. Then, the engine light came on. The egr sensor was bad. Replaced the sensor. All of this within one month of owning the car. Then a few months later coolant light wasn't just coming on, but staying on, had to replace coolant tank due to shorting of the sensor in the tank. Now, six months after owning car, engine light is back on.

Filed Jan 10, 2003 · Electrical, Steering · OH

When turning key in ignition there is a grinding noise, sometimes vehicle won't start. Took vehicle to dealer, and dealer replaced bb valves, and cleaned engine. This did not correct the problem. Also, loose outer tie rods. *jb.

Filed Sep 5, 2001 · Electrical · MI

My car will not start. After I have driven it and start it b ack up it will not start. This has been going on since january 2000. I've taken my car to the dealer five times and they keep saying they can't find the problem. I've filed a suit with the lemon law but its taking to long. Please help me. I can't cut the car off when I drop my kids off at the day care. I'm beyond frustrated.

Filed Sep 5, 2001 · Electrical · MI

Sometimes vehicle will not start. After vehicle is started, consumer will turn it off to see if it will start, and it won't. Consumer has contaced dealer. Please provide any further information.

Filed Jun 22, 2001 · Body, Electrical · NC

While standing outside of vehicle with windows rolled down when door closed and automatically locked. Consumer noted this was not a feature of vehicle. Key failed to unlock the door, consumer reached inside vehicle to manually unlock door. Dealer stated if a new alarm system was put in to replace the old one, problem might be corrected. *ak air conditioner turns on and off. Radio will not come on at times. Motor will die out. Alarm went off, door lock by themselves. Key will not crank vehicle at times. Vehicle jumped and jerked almost hitting consumers sister who was standing in front of the vehicle.

Filed Oct 20, 2000 · Electrical · OH

I first thought the problem was with the anti-theft disabling system. I soon found out that was not the case. The car does not start at least once a day. It makes a loud grinding noise when trying to start it. After a few minutes it finally starts. We took the car into the dealership to have it fixed. After stating that other cars had been in with the same problem the dealership proceeding to go out to the car to get more information. Once they seen that it had 38000 miles they refused to fix it under warranty. That is so ridiculous. Other cars have had the same problem, it is not a consumer caused problem. Obviously the car has a defect and I would like to have it fixed free of charge.

Filed Mar 1, 2000 · Engine · TX

While driving vehicle idles and stalls unexpectedly which may cause a crash. Also vehicle experiences a no start condition. Dealer cannot determine the cause of the problem. *ak

Filed Jan 24, 2000 · Electrical · NY

Vehicle does not start all the time, sometimes the starter grinds when you attempt to start vehicle.

Filed Sep 28, 1999 · Electrical, Engine · DE

When starting the car it's making a grinding noise. Finally, took vehicle in and it was the flywheel and starter. Dealer fixed it. Had the vehicle for two weeks after repairs, and it still didn't start. When turning the ignition key, it would either make a humming sound or nothing at all. Dealer kept it for 3 weeks and put over 100 miles on the vehicle, and still can't find what is wrong.