Cougar service engine light comes on for the first two miles

what is the code your check engine light should blink when you turn key on that is your trouble code ---throwing parts at problem very rarely solves the problem the code can give you the start point towards solving problem

minor engine missing & vibration on slow speed

sounds like the alternator is bad again. Can you take it off and have it tested?

If it has to do with the transmission then yes it prolly will be very costly. My best advise to you is to get an est. from a shop an see if its worth the price

Sounds like a wiring short somewhere. With the car not running, how do the brake lights look when you press the pedal? Check if things are different with headlights on or off... don't guess. Could be a bad ground connection also. Also, make sure your battery is charged and the alternator is working.

you need to check make sure your brake fluid is not low.also make sure your fluid level warning switch connector is not disconnected.

IS THIS THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT? IF SO IT IS JUST GOING THROUGH SELF TEST, THIS IS NORMAL.

Not sure if you got your cougar running or not, but I had a similar problem and it turned out to be my Crank shaft sensor. I replaced it myself, its fairly easy if you are the type that likes to pull stuff apart and fix it. The part cost about $20. you do have to move the ac compressor over but you don't have to remove it makes the job a lot easier. I am still running the 1997 cougar xr7 30th anniversary edition, it has 160000 miles on it and still running strong. I think these are the best cars mercury ever built, i hope they come out with them again in this body style and platform.

You need to Replace your Cas Cap. The Seal is bd on it and is allowing air into the Fuel Tank Causing Both Dash Lights. This should solve your Problem.

go to autozone.com and enter vehicle and engine info. then click on location and follow . you should find it.