The 1988 Mercury Cougar Service and Repair Manual is a practical, workshop-ready reference for maintenance, diagnostics, and repairs. Use it to troubleshoot symptoms, follow step-by-step procedures, verify specifications, and confirm wiring and connector locations before replacing parts.
Ideal for technicians and DIY owners, it supports everything from routine service to deeper mechanical and electrical work—including drivability, no-start, warning lights, overheating, brake and suspension issues, HVAC faults, and circuit testing.
Trims covered
- LS Sedan 2-Door
- XR-7 Sedan 2-Door
Engines covered
- 3.8L 232Cu. In. V6 GAS OHV Naturally Aspirated
- 5.0L 302Cu. In. V8 GAS OHV Naturally Aspirated
What’s inside
- Body
- Brakes
- Chassis Electrical
- Driveline
- Engine Cooling
- Engine Electrical
- Engine Mechanical
- Engine Performance & Emission Controls
- Fuel System
- General Information & Identification
- Heating, Ventilation, & Air Conditioning
- Hybrid & Electric Vehicle Systems
- Steering
- Suspension
- Transmission, Clutch, & Transfer Case
- Wiring Diagrams
Why this manual matters
- Faster diagnostics with system-based troubleshooting and wiring diagrams
- Clear procedures and reference sections to reduce guesswork and rework
- Helpful for maintenance planning and verifying parts/specs before repairs
THE IGNITION SWITCH COULD EXPERIENCE AN INTERNAL SHORT CIRCUIT.
THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE OVERHEATING, SMOKE, AND POSSIBLY FIRE IN THE STEERING COLUMN AREA OF THE
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH.
SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT HEATER CORE LEAKS. *SLC
INFORMATION REGARDING TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE CHARTS. *SLC
SUBJECT REGARDING CONTAMINATION FROM PRIOR TRANSMISSION CONCERNS OR EXCESS WEAR MAY BE TRAPPED IN THE TRANSMISSION FLUID COOLING SYSTEM. *TT
INFORMATION ON THE NEW FLUSH AND FILL TOOL AVAILABLE THROUGH ROTUNDA. *TT
INFORMATION REGARDING THE NEW TRANSMISSION COOLER FLUSHER- SERVICE TIP. *MJS
INFORMATION ON IDENTIFYING NON-APPROVED / ALTERNATE REFRIGERANTS WHICH COULD CAUSE SAFETY, AND PERFORMANCE CONCERNS IF INSTALLED IN FORD A/C SYSTEMS. *TT
SUBJECT ON A WIRE HARNESS TERMINAL REPAIR KIT AVAILABLE FOR REPAIRING ELECTRICAL WIRING HARNESSES. *TT
A NEW SILICONE GASKET AND SEALANT. *YC
Showing the 8 most recent of 22 technical service bulletins on file with NHTSA.
WHILE MY WIFE WAS DRIVING MY COUGAR SHE MADE A 5-10 MPH LEFT HAND TURN THE DRIVER SIDE TIE ROD SNAPPED AND MY WIFE LOST ALL STEERING. SHE SIDE SWIPED ONE CAR AND HIT HEAD ON WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE . I H
VEHICLE EXPERIENCED UNEXPECTED AND UNINTENDED ACCELERATION FROM APARK POSITION. INDEPENDENT ENGINEER IDENTIFIED THE PROBLEM AS A CRUISE CONTROL CABLE HOLDING THE THROTTLE OPENED, EA90-009. *AJ
ON FEB 12, 1994 MY WIFE AND HER FRIEND TOOK MY RED 1988 MERCURY COUGAR LS TO CHURCH AT 6:30 PM. IT WAS AN EXTREMELY FOGGY EVENING. I RECEIVED A CALL AT THE HOUSE AT 6:50 PM THAT MY WIFE HAD BEEN IN
CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT A TIRE THAT FAILED FROM ANOTHER VEHICLE. FRONT LEFT TIRE TREAD SEPARATED FROM A CHEVROLET BLAZER 1984, AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO LOSE CONTROL. VEHICLE HIT TWO OTHER VEHIC
WHILE BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY AND UNCONTROLLABLY ACCELERATED INTO A BRICK WALL. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TOTALLED. *AK CONSUMER WAS INJURED IN ACCIDENT. TP SENSOR REPLACED DU
Showing the 5 most serious of 72 complaints filed with NHTSA.
