1999 Mercury Cougar blinkers

check the turn signal relay located on the top of the steering column

i had the same problem with my 2000 mercury cougar. and yes it was the relay. it's a little black box (like 1 inch by 1 inch) that looks like a phone charger almost. it's located on the left side of the trunk thing that's connected behind the steering wheel.
takes 3 screws to get the plastic covering off.
cost $14.09 at auto zone to get the replacement part.