Replacing the headlight on a Mercury Cougar is a job that can be completed in less than a half hour. Most Mercury Cougar headlight assemblies attach to the frame with four screws, and the assemblies are similar in design for all model years. Replacing a burned-out or damaged headlight in a timely manner is important, as the lights are part of the Cougar's safety system. You can replace the headlight yourself, saving you time and money.
Unfasten the negative cable from the battery terminal with an open-end wrench.
Remove the four screws securing the headlight to the frame. Three of the screws are behind the headlight near the grill, and the fourth is below the headlight on the frame.
Maneuver the headlight carefully away from the housing on the frame. Remove the headlight from the metal shield in the back by hand. Unplug the electrical wiring harness from the back of the headlight by turning the socket and pulling it straight out of the headlight.
Remove the bulb from the socket by pushing in on the bulb and turning it until it comes loose. Put a new headlight bulb in the socket, pushing in and turning to lock the bulb in position.
Insert the socket into the headlight and turn it to lock the socket and electrical wiring harness into place. Position the headlight in the metal shield in the back and place it in the vehicle housing. Secure the headlight with the four screws.
Reattach the negative cable to the battery terminal with an open-end wrench.
