Engine miss - 1999 Cougar

[cougar17]

My second post as a 'newbie'! This car has the V-6 with a 5-speed manual transmission. I have had an engine miss on acceleration for well over a year now. It is very noticeable in 2nd and 3rd. I have read in some forums that this is a common occurance on this vehicle, but I have not found any real answers. The car had been diagnosed by the dealer and my own mechanic. It has the latest firmware and throws no codes for this problem. Mileage is now at 95K and it was just tuned, including de-carbonizing and injector cleaning. My mechanic said "yes, it had a miss, but he has no idea" (and he is good!). There is absolutely no change in the miss after a $350 service. I decided to purchase a remanufactured A1Cardone MAF and just installed it two days ago. At first there was no change, but 50 miles or so of driving resulted in a 50% improvement (less missing). The problem does not entirely go away. The only other (maybe related) item is that the dash lights and headlamps will flicker a bit when they are on. I am wondering if this is a result of an engine miss or if an electrical problem could be causing the miss. I have read that this car is also susceptible to alternator problems. Last, I have a subtle engine whistle on acceleration. In one forum I read that the intake manifold gaskets on this engine were likely to dry and crack, needing replacement early. Could this be my problem? All vacuum lines have been checked as OK. Sorry for the length of this!

[TrAuM-D]

Sorry bout the missin...that most deff sux...but...the whole "headlight flicker" thing...I've read ALOT that, that is a tell tale sign of an alt going bad...now i dont kno this 4 sure, since i'm a newby myself...but i've u search alittle u should most deff find facts to back that up...for all its worth i hope it's not...good luck

[jakegday]

Originally Posted by TrAuM-D

Sorry bout the missin...that most deff sux...but...the whole "headlight flicker" thing...I've read ALOT that, that is a tell tale sign of an alt going bad...now i dont kno this 4 sure, since i'm a newby myself...but i've u search alittle u should most deff find facts to back that up...for all its worth i hope it's not...good luck

im pretty sure the headlight flicker thing is not an alternator going bad, if that was the case my alternator has been going bad for about 3 years now, and has never left me stranded

[beyondloadedSE]

A misfire would not be MAF related. If it were the case, every single cylinder would misfire.

Instead, this is probably an electrical issue. Check your coilpack, spark plug wires, and plugs.

[mikecox1]

Originally Posted by cougar17

My second post as a 'newbie'! This car has the V-6 with a 5-speed manual transmission. I have had an engine miss on acceleration for well over a year now. It is very noticeable in 2nd and 3rd. I have read in some forums that this is a common occurance on this vehicle, but I have not found any real answers. The car had been diagnosed by the dealer and my own mechanic. It has the latest firmware and throws no codes for this problem. Mileage is now at 95K and it was just tuned, including de-carbonizing and injector cleaning. My mechanic said "yes, it had a miss, but he has no idea" (and he is good!). There is absolutely no change in the miss after a $350 service. I decided to purchase a remanufactured A1Cardone MAF and just installed it two days ago. At first there was no change, but 50 miles or so of driving resulted in a 50% improvement (less missing). The problem does not entirely go away. The only other (maybe related) item is that the dash lights and headlamps will flicker a bit when they are on. I am wondering if this is a result of an engine miss or if an electrical problem could be causing the miss. I have read that this car is also susceptible to alternator problems. Last, I have a subtle engine whistle on acceleration. In one forum I read that the intake manifold gaskets on this engine were likely to dry and crack, needing replacement early. Could this be my problem? All vacuum lines have been checked as OK. Sorry for the length of this!

this car has a 130 amp alt with a 200 amp fuse between the alt and the battery. before trying to replace the alt (this alt is not easy to change you have to remove the drive axel,the y pipe for the exaust,the front wheel, and the fender well) get under the car and make sure the red (4guage) wire is not touching the frame causing a partial short. this is a commion mfg. problem. i have read many complaints that the alt is bad and or i have replaced the alt 3-5 times this the problem A PARTIAL SHORT!!! MOVE THE WIRE.if the alt is bad E-MAIL me and i will tell you step by step how to change it.if you have the right tools it can be done without removeing the exaust or the drive axel and i would be happy to go through that with you. i have a verry large sound system in me car and have done it twice