Ensure that your doors are unlocked before you press the trunk-release button inside the cabin of the vehicle. The trunk does not seem to release (safety feature?) when the doors are locked. (Sorry, seen alot of people run into this problem.)

If you use a certain procedure (described further down), you can gain access to Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) and many other digital readouts from the trip computer display built into the Cougar's gauge cluster. Items that are displayed include, but are not limited to: RPM, MPH, Battery Voltage, Engine Coolant Temp, DTCs, etc.

1. Hold Down "Units" & "Reset" buttons on the trip computer while the car is off.
2. Turn the car on ... The gauges will reset (pet out) and then return to normal.
3. Release the "Reset" button, THEN the "Units" button ... in that order or it may not work.
4. Push "Select" to go through various Diagnostic Modes, press "Units" to switch between Standard and Metric measuring units, and press "Reset" to return to normal mode (gauge needles will peg out again).

The ground wire can be mounted to anything metal. You can screw it right into the trunk if you want. Just be sure to check under the car first so you don't screw into the gas tank or anything else important.

In an effort to save money and also meet stricter emissions standards, Ford decided to make all of it's vehicles with returnless fuel systems starting in May of 1999. These new fuel systems allow for greater control of fuel, thus allowing Ford to get better gas milage and lower emissions. So, any car producted before 5/3/1999 has a return style fuel system while those produced on and after 5/3/1999 have a returnless fuel system. To determine your car's production date, look for a sticker on either your passenger's or driver's side door jam that has the vehicle production date.