If your battery is not charging properly the charging system warning light
( located just to the right of the " F " on your fuel gauge ) will light up .
It is the picture of a battery
It is built into your alternator
If the bearings in the alternator get bad enough it can lock up.
I was looking at the 1999 Mercury Cougar Owner Guide and it does not show that it has a gas cap warning light
I have a instrument light that is on ---- 1999 Cougar , it looks light a transmission, but I think it is the emission indicator on the far left of the steering wheel, what does this mean?
if it is a 2.5 v6 than take the passenger front tire off and the alternator is right behind the plastic shroud
There is a battery light above the engine temperature gauge
You can view the 1999 Mercury Cougar owners manual online at : www . motorcraft service . com ( no spaces ) Click on Owner Guides The manual explains , with drawings , what each warning light is for
Usually an early warning sign that the alternator needs to be replaced soon. Get it checked out
It is not a "warning" light but an indicator that you have pressed the button near the shifter to put the tranny into tow mode.
If it runs for a little while then dies it could be your alternator.. If it ticks or just does nothing its either your battery or starter.
There may be a drain on the electrical charging system.First place to look would be the alternator.Put a tester on to the alternator to see if it is faulty.Check brushes in alternator.
possible your alternator is going bad, get your charging system checked out.