1999 Mercury Cougar Fuse Keeps Blowing

MERCURY COUGAR
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MIKI001ME
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
The fuse that controls the headlights and dashboard lights keeps popping on my 99 Mercury Cougar, 110000 miles. An after market stereo was installed (poorly) by the previous owner. I have taped up all the exposed wires, but it still does this. There seems to be no set pattern. It can pop after 2 seconds or take weeks. The last time it was fine for two months and I thougth I had it fixed. Any suggestions?
Sep 11, 2006 at 11:26 PM
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MERCCRUISER
  • MEMBER
  • 16 POSTS
I have the same problem in my 84 Grand Marquis.. I believe it has something to do with the way ford/mercury series their fuses.. this is the only car ive owned that has this problem..
Sep 17, 2006 at 5:01 PM
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HALFCALF1979
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I had that problem and just finally took it in dont do what I did and put in a bigger fuse... cost me lots more in the long run :(
Feb 3, 2007 at 5:05 PM
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MERLIN2021
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 17,250 POSTS
the car has a short, if you don't know how to trace shorts, either scrap the car or take it to a qualified guy!
Mar 4, 2007 at 8:27 PM
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MERLIN2021
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 17,250 POSTS
Have you guys unplugged the connector to the light switch and looked at it? Try it!
Mar 8, 2007 at 6:51 AM
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MERLIN2021
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 17,250 POSTS
Make sure the radio installer didn't put the radio on the light cicuit!
Mar 8, 2007 at 7:57 AM
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Suggested Repair

Treat the intermittent headlight and dash-light fuse failure as a short. Inspect the light-switch connector, and confirm the aftermarket radio was not wired into the lighting circuit. Do not install a higher-amp fuse. If the short cannot be traced, have a qualified technician diagnose it.

Conversation Summary

A 1999 Mercury Cougar owner reports that the fuse for the headlights and dashboard lights blows unpredictably, sometimes after seconds and sometimes after weeks or months. An aftermarket stereo was poorly installed, and taping exposed wires did not stop the problem. Another owner reports a similar issue and warns against using a larger fuse. The expert says the circuit has a short, recommends inspecting the light-switch connector and checking that the radio is not on the lighting circuit, and advises professional diagnosis if the short cannot be traced.

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