Took the plunge

H

Hardip

Forum user
Mar 5, 2012
18
1
Essex
Finally managed to pick up a V6 black Cougar, and am impressed. It is a 2001 model (Y regged) and is in overall excellent condition. I was luck enough to get the original alloys in addition to the new ones (both 16's however!)

The last owner spent a fair wack eliminating some problems and there's only a couple of things I'd query.

When braking at low speeds (approach to junction, for instance), the ABS(?) seems to kick in - spring sound - although it appears to have no effect on the braking itself (doesnt interfere with the amount I apply). There was an advisory note and it suspected the sensor either needs a clean or replacing. Does this sound right?

Another thing was the climate control. Unless these things operate with a mind of their own, whenever I switch it on, the AC indicator on the readout is always on. Pressing the AC button takes it off, but when releasing the button, it just reads AC again. The same problem with the circulation button, except you have to press the button to turn it on (but releasing it turns it off!)

I am going to put it through a service in the next few weeks (new HT leads and motorcraft sparks purchased!) so might get them to clean out the ABS sensors.

Anyways, susbscribed and onboard :D

Regards,
Hardip.
 
Hello and welcome to the forum. Try turning the direction control away from 'Windscreen' and see if you get more control over the aircon.
 
Hello and welcome aboard Hardip. As Andy has said above ^^^^ If you turn the control dial off the windscreen and switch to 'face/windscreen' the Air con can be switched off. It will only come on automatically if you have it set to 'windscreen' icon only. It's the same with the circulation control - turn it away from just 'windscreen' - you can then switch the air-con off and just have on normal air.

Re: ABS - if you have a look at some of the 'How To's' section - there will be a lot of helpful advice in there.
 
When the blowers are set for the windscreen you can't turn the AC off. You can on any other setting though. If the car had an ABS issue it should have the light on unless you've just got a quick foot lol. Maybe get the brake fluid checked at the same time as having the sensors inspected. You may just need to have the fluid changed. My first V6 did this and it was a sticky caliper. A few possibles but nothing drastic.

On the whole, sounds like you've bagged a good one! Getting harder to do ;)

Anyhow, have a browse around, make yourself at home and enjoy the car! :)
 
Booked it in for the service with brake fluid replacement.

I had a sticky caliper on my Ford Probe and from memory it was more like a ping, but this is like something springing into action (motorised/spring combo sound, but nothing frighting me).

Thanks for the advice guys!
 
Be worth having a visual of the suspension components and just making sure bushes/drop links etc all look ok and if the wishbones have been done. Bushes and links are inexpensive and easy enough to sort out. Wishbones are not so cheap! ;)
 
There was something on the bills for suspension but that work has been carried out. Alternator was done recently as well.

Just to note that the climate controls are fine and as suggested it was down to selecting a different flow from Window.

Cheers.
 
Hardip said:
Just to note that the climate controls are fine and as suggested it was down to selecting a different flow from Window.
Click to expand...

That confused the heck out of me the first time I saw it, too. Might be re-used programming logic from the MAX AC setting on the US version.

As for your brakes...take off the front wheels and inspect the sensors and reluctor rings. Might not be affecting your low-speed braking now, but they will.
 
Reading the diagnostic service report he had done, it states "Front ABS rings sensors broken/damaged" and details

Investigate ABS, Traction Control and Handbrake lights on dash. Reported both outer CV sensor rings need replacement, both front ABS sensors may need replacement...
Click to expand...


Cant remember for sure, but I thought he had told me the sensor rings were replaced and it was a question of the sensors themselves (either cleaning or replacement).

In any event, I have no experience or idea in what I'm looking for/at so I will leave this for servicing in a few weeks.

Cheers.

ETA: for some clarity, dug some info up and both front drive shafts (incorp'ing CV ABS rings) were replaced. ABS sensor is looking suspect for service/replacement.
 
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