Starts Sometimes, Doesn't Others '99 Cougar

Help! I recently bought a '99 Cougar with 58K miles, almost immediately the check engine light came on...(the guys I bought it from just turned it off and then it cycles and returns of course) and from the start it has had an issue with ignition. Sometimes it starts with no problem, others it makes a horrible noise. I usually just wait a few minutes and try again....and mostly it either does it again or starts (Hey...I know this is not the ideal situation...but I gotta get to work!) Anyway...had the starter replaced, and then the battery...but still this issue remains. I have a 3 yr extended warranty that covers electrical issues...but I would like to have an idea what is causing this. (One mechanic said he doubted it was a bad flywheel) but I am at a loss.Any thoughts?

You can start by taking the car to autozone and have then pull the check engine light codes (it's free) and posting them here.


Help! I recently bought a '99 Cougar with 58K miles, almost immediately the check engine light came on...(the guys I bought it from just turned it off and then it cycles and returns of course) and from the start it has had an issue with ignition. Sometimes it starts with no problem, others it makes a horrible noise. I usually just wait a few minutes and try again....and mostly it either does it again or starts (Hey...I know this is not the ideal situation...but I gotta get to work!) Anyway...had the starter replaced, and then the battery...but still this issue remains. I have a 3 yr extended warranty that covers electrical issues...but I would like to have an idea what is causing this. (One mechanic said he doubted it was a bad flywheel) but I am at a loss.Any thoughts?

I have the same problem too in 99 cougar minus the check engine light. I think the check engine light is a seperate problem from the noise you hear. I replaced starter just like you did thinking the armature wasn't extending far enough. Still makes the noise. Only thing I can think of is maybe it is the flywheel missing teeth but since a lot of people have this issue it might be a electrical issue Maybe not enough current? or else Ford just makes a whole lot of crapy flywheels.

i have the problem to. i replaced the starter too and it didnt help. i think its the manual lever position switch. let me guess all you guys with this problem has a automatic transmission like me. it acts like a neutral safety switch. when your go to start the car and it grinds. try starting the car in nuetral, it may help ya

the check engine light is probably the egr valve no start could be cable to the alternator there is arecall on them