Brand: Cougar was dormant; now it won't run - Minneapolis Star Tribune
Q: I have some questions regarding the fuel pump on my 1995 Mercury Cougar with the 4. 6-liter V-8. The car was garaged for about three months and now won’t run. When the key is turned to the “On” position I do not hear a “whirring” sound from the fuel pump. I checked the fuel pump fuse in the power distribution box and it showed continuity. Lastly, the manual says to unplug the fuel pump connection near the front of the tank and check for power. If there’s no voltage, then a relay may be bad, but the manual states that checking the relay on a 1994 and later car is not a DIY project. First check the inertia switch for the fuel pump, located behind the trim panel on the driver’s side in the trunk. If the vehicle suffers a big bump or hit as could happen in a crash, this magnetic switch will open the electrical connection to stop the fuel pump. You can test the switch by unscrewing it from its mount, unplugging the connector and test the connections for continuity. If that’s not the problem, with the car in park and foot on the brake have a helper try to start the car while you pound on the bottom of the fuel tank with a rubber mallet. “Tired” fuel pumps will often start with a little “outside” help. If this works, the fuel pump itself is the likely problem. Source: www.startribune.com
