🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Ford

Model:

Cougar

Model Alias:

Mercury Cougar (USA)

Generation:

Fifth Generation (North American Market)

Production Years Covered:

1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002

Market Designation:

European and Australian Markets

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The Ford Cougar (European/Australian designation for Mercury Cougar) was a sport-focused coupe positioned as a stylish and performance-oriented option within Ford's lineup, often competing with models like the Ford Probe and similar sporty coupes from other manufacturers.

Competitive Analysis:

In its segment, it competed with vehicles offering a blend of performance, style, and practicality. The 2.5L V6 engine provided a strong power output for its class.

Key Features:

Sporty styling, available V6 engine, front-wheel drive platform, and a driver-oriented cockpit.

Platform:

CDW27 platform, shared with the Mercury Mystique and European Ford Mondeo.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage:

Comprehensive service and repair for the Ford Cougar 2.5L V6 models from 1998-2002.

Page Count:

Not specified, but typical for a full workshop manual covering these systems.

Manual Type:

Workshop Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF)

Operating Systems Supported:

All Windows Operating Systems, All Mac Operating Versions.

Delivery Method:

Digital download link sent to registered email after payment.

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

General Information, Automatic Transmission, Anti-Theft System, Brake System, Chassis Electrical, Clutch System, Cooling System, Driver Information & Control, Emission Control, Engine Control, Engine Mechanical, Keyless Entry System, Exhaust System, Exterior, Disc Brake, Drive Axle, Front End Alignment, Fuel System, HVAC System, Entertainment System, Charging System, Glass & Window, Ignition System, Interior, Lighting, Instruments and Switches, Maintenance, Manual Transmission, Parking Brake, Drum Brake, Suspension System, Steering Wheel & Column, Wheel Drive Shaft, Sunroof & Convertibles, Steering System, Transfer Case, Trim and Panels, Wheel Wiper Washer, Wiring Diagram.

Procedures Included:

Routine maintenance, troubleshooting, diagnostics, repair procedures, component removal and installation, system overviews, wiring diagrams, specifications, and torque values.

Technical Depth:

Comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance and fluid changes to in-depth engine, transmission, and electrical system repairs and diagnostics.

Engine Mechanical Procedures:

Includes engine assembly/disassembly, cylinder head removal and installation, piston and connecting rod service, crankshaft and bearing service, timing belt replacement, oil pump servicing.

Transmission Procedures:

Covers automatic transmission fluid changes, filter replacement, valve body servicing, torque converter replacement, and manual transmission clutch replacement, gearbox overhaul.

Brake System Procedures:

Includes disc and drum brake pad/shoe replacement, caliper and wheel cylinder servicing, brake rotor/drum resurfacing or replacement, brake fluid bleeding, parking brake adjustment and repair.

Suspension Steering Procedures:

Details replacement of ball joints, tie rod ends, control arms, shock absorbers/struts, wheel bearings, steering rack and pinion, power steering pump and hoses.

Wiring Diagram Coverage:

Comprehensive wiring diagrams for all electrical systems, including engine management, lighting, chassis electronics, and interior systems.

Diagnostic Procedures:

Includes diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) for engine control, transmission control, and ABS/airbag systems, along with troubleshooting flowcharts.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

File Size:

61 MB (ZIP file)

Software Requirements:

Adobe Acrobat Reader, WinZip or WinRAR for extraction.

Print Quality:

Digital, quality dependent on user's printer. Content is professionally documented.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital download)

Searchable Text:

Typically, PDF workshop manuals are text-searchable, allowing users to quickly find specific topics or components.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

2.5L V6 (Duratec 25, internal code 'Vulcan' is sometimes associated, though 'Duratec' is more accurate for this era)

Displacement:

2544 cc (2.5 Liters)

Aspiration:

Naturally Aspirated

Horsepower:

Approximately 170 hp @ 6250 rpm (Varies slightly by market and specific engine tune)

Torque:

Approximately 166 lb-ft @ 4250 rpm (Varies slightly by market and specific engine tune)

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Ignition Type:

Electronic Ignition with Coil-on-Plug or Distributor-based (depending on exact build)

Cooling System Type:

Pressurized liquid cooling system with engine-driven water pump and thermostat.

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

5-Speed Manual Transmission (AX4N variant sometimes used, though manual is common for sport focus)

Optional Transmission:

4-Speed Automatic Transmission (AX4N)

Transmission Features:

Both manual and automatic transmissions are front-wheel drive (FWD) configurations.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approximately 4750 mm (187.0 inches)

Width:

Approximately 1775 mm (69.9 inches)

Height:

Approximately 1370 mm (53.9 inches)

Curb Weight:

Approximately 1450-1550 kg (3197-3417 lbs) depending on transmission and equipment.

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Ratings:

Refer to NHTSA or IIHS reports for specific model year crash test data; generally considered to meet standards of its era.

Active Safety Features:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was standard or optional depending on trim and model year.

Passive Safety Features:

Front airbags, front seatbelt pre-tensioners, side-impact door beams.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player and CD player (optional). Speaker systems varied by trim level.

Driver Assistance Features:

Limited to ABS. No advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) like adaptive cruise control or lane keeping assist.

Connectivity Features:

No integrated Bluetooth or USB connectivity from the factory. Aftermarket solutions are common.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used. Consult manual for exact recommendations.

Engine Oil Type:

5W-30 or 5W-20 synthetic blend or full synthetic recommended (check manual for specific API/ILSAC ratings).

Coolant Type:

Ford Gold Coolant (or equivalent orange-colored HOAT coolant).

Transmission Fluid Type:

Mercon V for automatic transmission. Manual transmission may use specific gear oil, consult manual.

Common Issues:

Potential issues include intake manifold gasket leaks, power steering pump leaks, starter motor failure, ABS sensor faults, and HVAC control module problems. The V6 engine is generally robust but requires diligent maintenance.

Scheduled Maintenance:

Covers recommended intervals for spark plug replacement, air filter replacement, fuel filter replacement, coolant flushes, brake fluid replacement, and serpentine belt inspection/replacement.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Ford has a long history of producing performance-oriented vehicles and sporty coupes, building on models like the Mustang and Capri.

Model Evolution:

The Cougar (North America) / Cougar (Europe/Australia) was part of Ford's strategy to offer stylish coupes. It was based on the same platform as the Mercury Mystique/Ford Mondeo, sharing many mechanical components.

Production Location:

Assembly plants in North America (e.g., Flat Rock, Michigan for Mercury Cougar) were the primary manufacturing sites for the platform.