The Mercury Cougar, regardless of engine type, relies on a distributorless ignition system (DIS) to start the car. In a DIS, an ignition module contains the ignition coil rather than a distributor, which is why the part is also know as a ignition coil pack. From the ignition module, the Cougar ignition coil generates the spark needed to trigger the spark plugs.
Detach the negative battery cable from the terminal. You may want to set your emergency brake as well.
Find out what type of engine you have in your Mercury Cougar. If you have a 2.0L engine, you only need to remove the intake resonators from your car. On models with the 2.5L engine, you need to remove the ignition coil pack connector, disconnect the radio interference capacitor and remove the EGR vacuum regulator solenoid from the upper intake manifold.
Disconnect the ignition coil pack connector.
Squeeze the locking tabs on the spark plug wires, pull gently on them to detach them and move them out of the way. You may want to wrap masking tape around the wire and notate the proper location for the wire in regards to their connection points on the Cougar ignition coil pack.
Use a socket head to remove the mounting bolts that secure the ignition coil to the module. There should be four bolts.
Lift out the ignition coil and replace it with a universal or stock replacement Cougar ignition coil.
Fasten the new ignition coil into place and reattach the components that you previously removed.
