If you use a certain procedure (described further down), you can gain access to Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) and many other digital readouts from the trip computer display built into the Cougar's gauge cluster. Items that are displayed include, but are not limited to: RPM, MPH, Battery Voltage, Engine Coolant Temp, DTCs, etc.

1. Hold Down "Units" & "Reset" buttons on the trip computer while the car is off.
2. Turn the car on ... The gauges will reset (pet out) and then return to normal.
3. Release the "Reset" button, THEN the "Units" button ... in that order or it may not work.
4. Push "Select" to go through various Diagnostic Modes, press "Units" to switch between Standard and Metric measuring units, and press "Reset" to return to normal mode (gauge needles will peg out again).

Mercury Cougar Paint Codes 1999-2002

Autumn Orange = BG
Melina Blue = K9
Ash Gold = BJ
Spruce Green = FS
Tourmaline Green = NE
Silver Frost = TU or TS
Ebony Black = UB
Vibrant White = W4
Rio Red = EZ
Laser Red = HL
Citrus Gold = B8
Light Sapphire Blue = LV
Zinc Yellow = B7
French Blue = M9
Dark Shadow Grey = TG
Sunburst Gold = BP
Tropic Green = SU
Light Parchment Gold = BQ
XR Racing Red = ES
Grabber Green = F5

The ground wire can be mounted to anything metal. You can screw it right into the trunk if you want. Just be sure to check under the car first so you don't screw into the gas tank or anything else important.

Any stereo shop will probably sell them. They go for about $16 from Best Buy and Circuit City.