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).

Mercury Cougar Paint Codes 1999-2002

Autumn Orange = BG
Melina Blue = K9
Ash Gold = BJ
Spruce Green = FS
Tourmaline Green = NE
Silver Frost = TU or TS
Ebony Black = UB
Vibrant White = W4
Rio Red = EZ
Laser Red = HL
Citrus Gold = B8
Light Sapphire Blue = LV
Zinc Yellow = B7
French Blue = M9
Dark Shadow Grey = TG
Sunburst Gold = BP
Tropic Green = SU
Light Parchment Gold = BQ
XR Racing Red = ES
Grabber Green = F5

Any stereo shop will probably sell them. They go for about $16 from Best Buy and Circuit City.

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.