Damage to the ignition lock cylinder can happen from merely inserting the wrong key and attempting to turn the cylinder. This can cause the mechanical gears on the inside of the cylinder to bind or get knocked off track. The accessory lights may come on, but if the cylinder can’t engage the ignition switch, your Cougar’s engine won’t start. You can replace the ignition lock cylinder on the 2000 Mercury Cougar right at home. With a few tools, the job should take 35 minutes to complete.
Remove the negative (black) cable from its post on your battery with a socket wrench. Wrap electrical tape around the square metal terminal at the very end of the cable. Lay the cable down along the right side of the battery.
Open the driver’s door on your Cougar and kneel down in the door jam. Remove the three screws holding the trim at the bottom of the Cougar’s steering wheel in place with your Phillips screwdriver. Pull the piece of trim away from the column.
Remove the two screws holding the trim on top of the steering column with your Phillips screwdriver as well. Lift the trim off the steering column. Set the bottom and top piece of trim on the backseat so they’re not damaged. Place all five of the screws in your pocket.
Take the ignition key off your key ring and insert it into the lock cylinder. Turn the key forward into the “ACC” accessories position. On top of the ignition lock cylinder housing, you should see a small hole.
Insert the tip of your ice pick into the hole. Push down on the little retaining tab inside of the hole and hold it in position. Grab the key with your free hand and pull the ignition lock cylinder out of the housing.
