Category: car parts

Instructions on How to Replace the Power Mirror in a Mercury Cougar Car

The Mercury Cougar is a popular compact sports hatchback and comes in two different versions.  There are the two and four door models, and both are well documented in having troublesome power mirror issues.  Thankfully the power mirror construction is very similar on all models and generations of the Mercury Cougar, so you can follow the guide below which will show you how to replace them in some very easy to follow steps so you can do your own DIY car repair job if you have this problem.

 

What Tools You Will Need

You won’t need too much to replace the power mirror on the Mercury Cougar.  Make sure you have these tools and you will be ready to get going:

  • Screwdriver x 1

Believe it or not, that’s all you are going to need!

Remember to Take Safety Precautions!

First thing you should do is disconnect the negative cable from the battery underneath the hood of the Mercury Cougar.  Failure to do so could lead to injury so pay particular attention to this task.  Once you have done that you can then remove the covering triangle mirror which is located on the inside upper door panel. You can get the cover off using a standard flat headed screwdriver – so loosen the casing and then unscrew the fixing bolt which holds the mirror cover in place.  Be sure to remove the casing carefully as it could crack.

Dismantle the Wired Connections

Next you will need to completely dismantle the wired connections in the mirror.  This is the reason we asked you to disconnect the battery – so you don’t suffer an electric shock.  Once that is done you can take off the mounting door fittings that encase the mirror by unscrewing the mounting nuts.

Pull the Old Mirror Off and Secure the New One in Place

It should now be possible to pull the mirror off completely at which point you can install the new Mercury Cougar power mirror.  Put the new one into the casing and start to slowly turn the mounting nuts.  To make it all secure, tighten the nuts whilst holding the mirror upwards – but not too tight as you could crack the casing.  Now reconnect the wiring for the new mirror and slightly adjust the inside cover before you even start to put the screw cap back on.

Reconnect the Battery Back Up

It’s now time to connect the negative battery cable back under the hood of the car.  The job is complete and your new power mirror should now be in full working order.

Some Final Hints and Tips

Some final tips: You should look to avoid accidentally slipping with the screwdriver because this could mean you smash the car’s window.  Also never do this in very cold weather because if the mirror is very cold it can actually crack when you do the replacement job.  Make sure that the car is warm before you do the replacement job.  You can also get easier access to the casing by reaching through the door on side which you need to replace – this should make things a lot easier and quicker.  Avoiding any breakages will mean that you keep your Mercury warranty intact.

 

Basic Car Maintenance Tips for Longer Car Life

English: Oil being drained from a GMC Sport Ut...
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Cars and trucks are very expensive these days and there is no sign of them dropping in value anytime soon. This is why it is important to properly maintain your vehicle to sustain its value. Also, many people are keeping their vehicles for much longer time frames and maintaining the vehicle will avoid costly repairs down the road. The following basic car maintenance tips will help you keep your car or truck looking and running great.

Changing the oil in your vehicle at the recommended intervals is crucial to long engine life. Follow the manufacturers recommended oil change schedule, or your car may have a warning light that comes on when it is time to change the oil. In addition to oil changes, there are a number of maintenance suggestions which should be completed in your owner’s manual.

Keeping proper pressure in your tires is another thing that is important when it comes to maintaining your vehicle. If you let the air in your tires go under the recommended pressure you will experience a greater loss of fuel economy. The correct tire pressure will be printed on the side of the tire. Also, you can ruin your tires by over inflating them, so be certain your are in the recommended range.

Most people will break down and wash there car once every month or two. This is not nearly enough if you want your exterior to last and look great. A car wash is fine for in between cleanings; however, if you want to do the best job you should hand wash your car with a quality auto soap and a wash mitt. This is the only way to remove all the dirt and grim which accumulates on the surface. Also, it is important to remove bugs from the finish as quickly as possible. The acid from their bodies will eat into the clear coat of the paint if left for long periods of time. Apply a coat of quality wax at least twice a year.

It is also important to maintain the interior of the car as well. Simply wiping the dash and doors down with a damp cloth will keep the car looking great. A regular vacuuming is also important. Dirt buildup in the carpet will act like sandpaper and eventually scratch and wear through places.

Following this advice will keep your car looking great. Remember to change your oil regularly, monitor tire pressure, and regularly clean your vehicle. This will get you more money when it comes time to sell as well as keep it running smoothly for years and years.

Enhanced by Zemanta