Why does the check engine light in my Cougar turn on when I start my car?

Generally, your check engine light turning on upon ignition is not a bad thing. It’s just your Cougar firing up its circuits. The light should go off shortly. Bring your vehicle in if it doesn't.

Why is my Mercury Cougar making engine noise?

Unusual noises can signal a problem with your Mercury Cougar engine. Tapping or knocking could mean you need an oil change. A high-pitched whistle could signal an intake leak or misaligned belt. Squealing can indicate a loose fan belt, and grinding might be coming from the brakes, not the engine.

What could damage a Mercury engine? [ordered-list-1-item-3-1]Are you unknowingly damaging your Mercury Cougar engine?

Certain driving habits can damage your engine and should be avoided. These habits include 'running on fumes,' flooring the gas pedal while the car is in Park, or slamming the gas pedal while the engine is still cold. Help sustain your engine’s performance and efficiency by staying miles away from these bad driving practices.

Can I put water in my Mercury Cougar radiator?

It’s not recommended you put water in your Cougar radiator unless it’s an emergency. Under normal circumstances, use a 50/50 mix of water and coolant or a pre-mixed coolant. But, if you need to keep driving while out of coolant, using water is better than driving with an empty coolant reservoir.

Why did my Cougar engine suddenly stop?

Your Cougar car engine could stop suddenly due to low fuel, electrical issues, overheating, a faulty ignition system, mechanical troubles, or sensor problems.

Who repairs Mercury Cougar engines?

Your local Firestone Complete Auto Care has you covered with expert Cougar engine repair. Schedule an appointment today and see us at one of our thousands of locations.

Engine Repairs for Your 1988 Mercury Cougar

Learn about

1988 Mercury Cougar Trim Options

Select your Mercury Cougar trim level to learn more about Mercury-recommended engine repair. Use the following chart to find information.

V6/3.8L

V8/5.0L

Mercury Cougar Repairs and Services

Nothing lasts forever. Even your Mercury Cougar's many parts and pieces. We’re here to help when something stops working. Select a service or repair below to learn more about what we can do for your 1988 Mercury Cougar.

We Know Mercury Cougar Engines

Mercury Cougar engines are known for their reliability. You probably thought about that when you got it. Even so, pieces and parts can break down over time. Things can go sideways sometimes. When they do, you might find yourself searching for 1988 Mercury Cougar engine repair or replacement parts. That's when it's time to head to Firestone Complete Auto Care. Since 1926, we’ve taken care of 500 million+ cars, so you can rest assured knowing your Mercury Cougar engine will be in good hands. If you think something’s wrong with your engine, schedule an appointment at your convenience. Firestone Complete Auto Care is a top choice for professional engine diagnosis, service, and repair at an affordable price.

Illuminated Check Engine Light on 1988 Mercury Cougar

An illuminated check engine light on your Mercury Cougar is one of the first signs it's time to 'brake' for engine service. A check engine light that’s flashing or steadily illuminated could point to problems with your combustion, Potential causes may include a faulty oxygen sensor, damaged spark plug, a clogged catalytic converter, or a leaking engine vacuum, to name a few potential sources. Bring your Cougar to Firestone Complete Auto Care to get computerized diagnostics and our expert techs will get the root of the problem. Other signs it's time for Mercury Cougar engine service might include oil leaks, or misfiring.

1988 Cougar Engine Services

If your 1988 Mercury Cougar needs engine repair, our technicians will make sure you understand what’s going on before they start working on your engine. We never do any work without your sign-off. If a repair can wait, we'll let you know. We'll also tell you if it's necessary for your safety. We want to give you all the details you need to make an informed decision about your engine repairs. By choosing Firestone Complete Auto Care for Cougar engine repairs and you can feel confident knowing that we use Mercury-approved parts and components like the cambelt, motor oil seal, sensors, or other parts.

1988 Mercury Cougar Engine Q&A

Why does the check engine light in my Cougar turn on when I start my car? Generally, your check engine light turning on upon ignition is not a bad thing. It’s just your Cougar firing up its circuits. The light should go off shortly. Bring your vehicle in if it doesn't.
Why is my Mercury Cougar making engine noise? Unusual noises can signal a problem with your Mercury Cougar engine. Tapping or knocking could mean you need an oil change. A high-pitched whistle could signal an intake leak or misaligned belt. Squealing can indicate a loose fan belt, and grinding might be coming from the brakes, not the engine.
What could damage a Mercury engine? [ordered-list-1-item-3-1]Are you unknowingly damaging your Mercury Cougar engine? Certain driving habits can damage your engine and should be avoided. These habits include 'running on fumes,' flooring the gas pedal while the car is in Park, or slamming the gas pedal while the engine is still cold. Help sustain your engine’s performance and efficiency by staying miles away from these bad driving practices.
Can I put water in my Mercury Cougar radiator? It’s not recommended you put water in your Cougar radiator unless it’s an emergency. Under normal circumstances, use a 50/50 mix of water and coolant or a pre-mixed coolant. But, if you need to keep driving while out of coolant, using water is better than driving with an empty coolant reservoir.
Why did my Cougar engine suddenly stop? Your Cougar car engine could stop suddenly due to low fuel, electrical issues, overheating, a faulty ignition system, mechanical troubles, or sensor problems.
Who repairs Mercury Cougar engines? Your local Firestone Complete Auto Care has you covered with expert Cougar engine repair. Schedule an appointment today and see us at one of our thousands of locations.