2001 Mercury Cougar Hesitating and loss of power

Actually, the tune up is no different than any other vehicle. However, I really question if it needs tuned up. The need for one becomes noticeable over time and not all at once. If the car didn't have the problem prior to the trans replacement, I would be checking other things. First, I would start by checking for vacuum leaks. When they removed the trans, several would have been disconnected and they may have forgotten to reattach one. Or, one may have been damaged. Check that out and let me know what you find.
Joe

What is involved in changing the spark plugs on this 2001 Cougar?

You will either have plug wires or coil packs. If wires, remove the wires one at a time (so they don't get mixed up) to access the spark plug. Just unbolt the old one, gap and replace the new one. Some cars have coil packs for each cylender. IF that is what you have, remove the coil pack to access the plug.

I guess I came off as an idiot but actually I'm not. What I meant was when you open the hood on this car, all you see is a big cover over the engine. My question is am I going to have to take the manifold off to get to the plugs like you do on some other cars like say some of the models from Mitsubishi and some other manufacturers? The Ford dealers want over $300.00 to do this tune-up and I know they're way over priced but is this a 4 hour job? Thanks again.

I looked it up labor for replacement, and according to mitchell on line it calls for 1.5 hours. So, 300 dollars seems high.

Thanks for your help.

Let me know if you have other questions, and thanks for using 2carpros.com.

Joe

You actually have to take the 6 bolts that hold the manifold in place out, the 3 bolts holding the distributor in place, and the 3 bolts holding the front cover of the engine out and then it's a piece of cake to get the plugs out. You could probably leave the manifold alone but it was just alot easier with it loose. I changed the plugs and replaced the spark plug wires and had it back running in about 40 minutes. Not bad for the first time seeing the car.

if you really new anything about this year make and model of the car you would have an area where you could put your two sense in but since you obviously dont then please keep the remarks to real mercury mechanics

[quote:c570923403="Jacobandnickolas"]I looked it up labor for replacement, and according to mitchell on line it calls for 1.5 hours. So, 300 dollars seems high.[/quote:c570923403]


the reason it is $300 is you have to add in parts plug wires and plugs and possible which i would recommend a new coil pack right off the bat