1997 Mercury Cougar Factory Alarm System

Hello .. thanks for the doantion .. much appreciated.

Sounds like you have a fault on the anti-theft system .. which does not get armed when you lock doors using the key !! this system has a self test system .. do the test's and let me know !!

RETRIEVING DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES
Ensure preliminary inspection procedure is performed before proceeding. See PRELIMINARY INSPECTION under SELF-DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM.
Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) may exist if a problem exists in the anti-theft disarm switches on door lock cylinders, trunk lock tamper switch and anti-theft ignition sensor. To retrieve DTCs from anti-theft controller module, turn ignition switch to ON position.
If alarm indicator light does not come on and remain on steady for 10 seconds, go to step 5). If alarm indicator light comes on and remains on steady for 10 seconds, go to next step.
Check anti-theft ignition sensor on ignition switch and Dark Green/White wire between anti-theft ignition sensor and anti-theft controller module. Anti-theft ignition sensor provides ground circuit to anti-theft controller module to indicate ignition switch has been tampered with. Anti-theft ignition sensor is located on side of ignition switch. See Fig. 2 . Anti-theft controller module is located in the trunk, behind panel cover on driver's side fender. See Fig. 1 .
Operate power door unlock button 5 times within 10 seconds to enter output test mode on anti-theft controller module. Count number of times that alarm indicator light on instrument panel flashes. The flashing will repeat every 10 seconds.
If alarm indicator light flashes only one time (DTC No. 1), input signals from anti-theft disarm switches on door lock cylinders and trunk lock tamper switch are operating properly. Proceed to SYMPTOM TESTS for testing by specified symptom.
If alarm indicator light flashes 2 times (DTC No. 2), input signal from anti-theft disarm switch on door lock cylinder to the anti-theft controller module is shorted. Go to next step.
NOTE:Anti-theft disarm switch may also be referred to as door lock cylinder switch.

Check for defective anti-theft disarm switch on each door lock cylinder and for a short circuit on Dark Green/Purple wire between anti-theft disarm switch on each door lock cylinder and anti-theft controller module. Anti-theft disarm switch is located on door lock cylinder. See Fig. 3 . Anti-theft controller module is located in the trunk, behind panel cover on driver's side fender. See Fig. 1 .
If alarm indicator light flashes 3 times (DTC No. 3), input signal from trunk lock tamper switch to anti-theft controller module is shorted. Go to next step.
Check for defective trunk lock tamper switch and for a short circuit on Brown/White wire between trunk lock tamper switch and anti-theft controller module. Trunk lock tamper switch is incorporated into the trunk lock cylinder. Anti-theft controller module is located in the trunk, behind panel cover on driver's side fender. See Fig. 1 .
If alarm indicator light flashes 4 times (DTC No. 4), input signals from anti-theft disarm switch on door lock cylinder and trunk lock tamper switch to anti-theft controller module are shorted. Go to next step.
Check for defective anti-theft disarm switch on each door lock cylinder and for a short circuit on Dark Green/Purple wire between anti-theft disarm switch on each door lock cylinder and anti-theft controller module. Check for defective trunk lock tamper switch and for a short circuit on Brown/White wire between trunk lock tamper switch and anti-theft controller module. Anti-theft disarm switch is located on door lock cylinder. See Fig. 3 . Trunk lock tamper switch is incorporated into the trunk lock cylinder. Anti-theft controller module is located in the trunk, behind panel cover on driver's side fender. See Fig. 1 .
Fig. 2: Locating Anti-Theft Ignition Sensor
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Fig. 3: Locating Anti-Theft Disarm Switch
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.