2CarPros - Car Questions & Answers

1999 Mercury Cougar Repair Question


Topics covered: Engine, Fuel tank, Coolant.
Mileage: 155,000 miles.

Asked on October 14, 2012

Mercury cougar starting issue

1999 mercury cougar when trying to start acts like its only firing on two cylinders. After it starts eventually it idles really really rough fir about a minute then gradually gets better then car runs fine. What could this be?
Avatar Asked by Berreric

Answer

Replied on October 14, 2012

Do you have coolant losses and overheating issues?
The cold start does not seem to be working and this can mean a fault with the idle control system.
Is the Malfunction Indicator Light showing?

Tiny Answered by KHLow2008 (expert)
39,978 answers provided
Replied on October 14, 2012

No coolant loss or overheating. I replaced the fuel tank about a week ago then all these issues started. I was driving when I went up a hill and car lost all power. Idled fine just no power under acceleration. The check engine light is on and its a p1131 code which is switch,sensor indicates lean.

Tiny Response from Berreric
1 question asked
Replied on October 14, 2012

Only thing replaced was the fuel filter and tank. The fuel pump is only maybe eight months old. Car while running has 48 psi fuel pressure. Doesnt seem to have fuel pressure when just turning the key on though.

Tiny Response from Berreric
1 question asked

Replied on October 14, 2012

DTC P1131

DTC P1131 indicate air/fuel ratio is correcting rich for an overly
lean condition.
Possible causes are:

Fuel system malfunction.
EGR system malfunction.
Air intake or vacuum system leak.
Engine oil level too high.
Incorrect cam timing.
Restricted air cleaner.
Faulty PCV system.
Excessive internal engine wear.

Inspect engine for obvious defects in specified systems. Repair as necessary.

Tiny Answered by KHLow2008 (expert)
39,978 answers provided
Replied on October 14, 2012

Why would this just happen after replacing the fuel tank? This code was there before the fuel tank was replaced. Car ran fine before.

Tiny Response from Berreric
1 question asked
Replied on October 14, 2012

Maybe something was not done correctly when fuel tank was replaced. On the other hand the problem could be something new that just started.

Tiny Answered by KHLow2008 (expert)
39,978 answers provided