How to Replace the Throttle Body in a Mercury Cougar

The Mercury Cougar debuted in 1967 as a powerful pony car. Over the years, the Cougar was reinvented, transformed and discontinued by 2002. Remembered fondly for performance as well as looks, the 2002 model is popular among used-vehicle buyers. The following guides the do-it-yourselfer through the installation of a new throttle body in models produced between 1999 and 2002. Other models and engine types may require different procedures.

Things You'll Need

• Mechanic's toolset, including a full socket set, wrenches, screwdrivers
• Replacement gasket
• Clean shop cloths
• Torque wrench
• Plastic scraper
• Coolant

Instructions

Remove the Throttle Body

1. Disconnect the battery ground and then isolate it to avoid accidental contact with the terminal while installing the throttle body. Drain about half the coolant from the system.

2. Pull the air cleaner outlet tube and then disconnect the electrical connectors. Remove the throttle position (TP) sensor connector, the idle air control (IAC) and the TP switch electrical connectors.

3. Take both the accelerator and the speed control cables from the throttle linkage. Disconnect the coolant hoses from the throttle body.

4. Loosen and remove the nuts that hold the throttle body in place. Remove the throttle body and discard the gasket.

5. Place a clean shop cloth over the opening to the manifold to prevent dirt from falling into the engine.

Install the Throttle Body

1. Clean the gasket surface of any debris, old gasket material and carbon deposits. Install a new gasket.

2. Set the throttle body in place over the new gasket. Torque the nuts in two passes, first to 89 inch pounds, then to 15 foot pounds.

3. Connect the coolant hoses to the throttle body, then connect the accelerator and speed control cables to the throttle linkage. Reconnect the electrical connectors.

4. Reconnect the TP sensor, and the IAC and TP switch electrical connectors. Put the air cleaner outlet tube in place.

5. Use the appropriate type coolant and refill the cooling system to the proper level. Connect the battery ground cable.

6. Start the engine. Test for coolant leaks.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep in mind that dogs and cats are attracted to and will drink coolant left in open containers or puddled on the floor and ingestion is often fatal. Drain coolant into a container that can be sealed. Reuse the coolant unless it is contaminated or several years old.