It is most likely the throttle position sensor i had the same problem it would get real loud and sound like a horn going off and after it goes off it drops to real low rpms and wants to die i replaced it and been running good sense also it is better off to get this in a junkyard it is only two screws holding it in if you buy it new it can cost around 40 to 50 dollars
Needs a new starter
There is something serious wrong, take it back!
check the u-joints in the drive shaft first
belt
that means you need to replace your cv azel We have a 1991 Mercury Cougar LS which is not front wheel drive. We changed the inner tie rod ends and bellows. The right one seemed to be ok but the left one had splattered grease all over it. After changing these the noise stopped.
I also own a 2000 Mercury Cougar with the 2.0 4 cyc engine. I have 74,400 miles on it and I will be replacing the timing belt at about 80,000 miles. Ford recommends the timing belt be replaced at 60,000 miles. I just changed my right front wheel bearing 2 months ago and now my left front wheel bearing is making a growling noise.
hey man i got a 2000 mercury cougar v6 it is makeing a tapping noise under my manifold, and i dont know what that could be. but it sounds like you might be haveing the same problem im haveing. suggestion: try checking where that tapping noise was again, it might be under your manifold!.
I have the same problem some times. I found the air filter box vibrating, which was causing the noise. I am looking for the answer to that one.
Bad Tire or wheel bearing, rotate the tires to the front if the noise follows its the tire if remains in rear its the wheel bearing
I had a very loud humming noise coming from my 99' cougar. I talked to many mechanics and nobody knew what it was. I looked it up online and found two sources( listed at bottom) that said it was the idle air control valve. I replaced the part and my car runs great without the horrible loud noise.;
this is an easy fix. the problem is the iacv. just ask for that part at dealer change it out and the problem is fix.
Personally for myself I find that the spare tire in the rear underneath the trunk bangs around a lot and that's all the noise that you hear most of the time.