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2000 Mercury Cougar Base 3dr Coupe I4

2000 Mercury Cougar
Trim Info:
Front Wheel Drive, 3 Door Coupe, Compact
24 mpg city / 34 mpg hwy
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February 23, 2013, 3:10 pm

Christina G
 

Question: wondering why it's bogging; stalling and shuting down while driving then turning back on?

Trying to help a friend find out whats up with her car.
It was originally her fathers. then it was given to her. she kind put some "ware and tare" on it since she's have had it. Now, it seems to just want to die on her. She NEEDS this vehicle to run! it's really all she's got right now.
There have been a few times now that when she starts it up it just doesn't want to. When we do finally get it to run, it bogs out.
What really weirds us out, is when I am driving down the road and all the lights turn off and the car shuts it's self off COMPLETELY! Then a few seconds later turns back on!
What's the deal?! Please help us!!!


February 23, 2013, 7:40 pm

Ron W
Expert Mechanic

Check the terminals and connections at the battery. Sometimes greenish/gray corrosion gets on the battery cables and when a new battery is installed, it doesn't make a good connection. Use a little sand paper or terminal brush to clean them up. It may be all you need to do. If they're OK, you may have to take it in and have it checked.


When battery voltage gets low, all sorts of strange things happen, including multiple dash lights illuminating.


If that's good, have the charging system tested. It sound like it is an electrical issue.


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