99 cougar having issues

[Ankleburner]

My Friend has a 1999 Cougar. Recently the alternator and battery went. Since she got it back from the dealership there has been problems. When she hits the brake, it makes a loud clicking noise, and it seems to be coming from teh shifter button. It is an auto trans mission V6 model.

Also when backing up and turning her power steering seems to make whinning noise. The fluid is full on the power steering.

She took it back to the dealer and they said that the cougars are suppose to make that clicking noise, however it never did before the alternator went. The noise from the steering it had to get to happen but it still happens and again the dealership said they couldnt do anything about it.

Anyone had any of this happen or have an idea why it is happening

thanks

[Prime957]

i dont know anything about the steering noises... but i do know what is causing the clicking noise when you hit the brakes...

in Cougars with auto-transmissions, in order for you to shift out of park you must step on the brake before shifting, otherwise you wont be able to move the shifter...

the reason you cant move the shifter is because there is a little switch in the shifter assembly (under the black plastic piece that has the P R N D ... on it) that moves a little piston in and out... it is normally out (and doesnt let you shift out of park) when you aren't hitting the brakes... and when you do hit the brakes, it moves in and allows the shifter to move freely... sorry kinda confusing

anyway, the clicking noise comes from that piston going in and out when you hit the brakes... it happens in my cougar too (99 V6 auto) ... i'm not sure why it would have started after you changed out your alternator... BUT, i know that it is not a bad thing, it means that your shifter is working correctly...

hope that helps!

ps - my steering whines too, but only when the wheel is turned all the way to the right or left and wont go any farther...