1999 cougar issues for me

[swholter]

help
I have a 1999 cougar. First. problem is that it starts very hard I have to floor the pedal and crank for 30 sec a couple of times before it starts.I have replaced plugs, coil pack at my local parts store advise this did not help. Second and may be related is there is a miss when in high gear or under a load such as up hills or passing. Third. i have no heat unless the engine is running 2500 3000 rpm so i have to drive it in 4th gear on highway rather than shifting up to 5th. I have replaced thermostat 2 times and checked under car hoses going into firewall are hot, there is clean antifreeze at proper levels in tank, The hoses do not seem to have alot of pressure on them as i can squeeze them when car is at temp. ANy help would be greatly accepted

[Ralph123]

You need to determine if your poor starting/running problem is fuel related or ignition related. Have you checked your fuel pressure? Are you getting good spark off your coil to all your plugs? You didn't mention if your check engine light was on.

[swholter]

yes check eng light comes on the only code i get is multiple missfire noted.

[Ralph123]

Try spraying some starting fluid into your intake. If it makes your car start and run your problem is probably fuel related. If the starter fluid has no effect your problem is probably spark related but it still could be other things like a clogged cat or compression. Was your code a P0300? Do you smell gas under the hood? If so, you may have leaking fuel pressure regulator.