Cougar - Interior and Exterior lights flicker when Idle

WildRacer · 07-08-2017, 11:50 PM

Hi everyone,

I am a fairly new owner of my 2000 Eibach Cougar. I have noticed a few flaws which have been fairly easily corrected.

But one thing which is really bugging me while driving at night when stationary at the lights, the outside lights begin to flicker or dim (as do the interior) when the car is sitting idle.

But then goes away when the revs pick up.

I did a few searched on newcougar and found that the 99/00 model had a weak ground connection which wares out over time. Apparently I have to apply something called the big three mod, which strengthns the ground connection.

Has anyone actually attempted this to their Cougars? If so was the process straight forward enough that anyone could attempt to do it?

Link of procedure on NewCougar: http://www.newcougar.org/forums/how-...e-visited.html

Cheers.

**russellw** · 08-08-2017, 06:31 AM

It's simple enough. We got the upgraded positive on AU spec Cougars so you only need to do the earth upgrade to fix the dimming lights issue.

Cheers
Russ

thearrow · 11-08-2017, 10:45 AM

Just hope it is not the alternator.

WildRacer · 13-08-2017, 02:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by russellw

It's simple enough. We got the upgraded positive on AU spec Cougars so you only need to do the earth upgrade to fix the dimming lights issue.

Cheers
Russ

Thanks Russ, I'm hoping to do it soon.

Quote:

Originally Posted by thearrow

Just hope it is not the alternator.

I hope it's not the alternator, heard they are a pain to change.

REDDYZ · 14-08-2017, 04:35 AM

No its definitely not the alternator. Even if it is, they are not hard to change as everyone thinks. I've changed regulator on mine and looked impossible initially but with a universal joint and long extensions, bolts can be undone from the top (behind the engine under the bonnet). Once you know how and have the right tools its easier than other cars.

thearrow · 18-08-2017, 01:33 PM

Changing the alternator is apparently quite easy although my mechanic did it, you take off the drivers side wheel and it is quite easy or so he said.

WildRacer · 28-03-2019, 09:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by russellw

It's simple enough. We got the upgraded positive on AU spec Cougars so you only need to do the earth upgrade to fix the dimming lights issue.

Cheers
Russ

Apologies for the big bump but thought I'd update in case anyone was curious. Did the earth upgrade from the loom to the alternator a couple of weeks ago and can confirm that this fix does indeed work! Was a bit of a pain of a job as the loom has to come from the back bottom of the engine to the top to do the soldering, but well worth it. All flickering has stopped and also feels more responsive too! no longer looks like a Christmas tree at night lol.

Also got a dicky Alternator too, from a long drive, It went into limp mode on the way home, had to get her charged by the RAA. Was smelling a bit electrical and making a whining noise. Lucky it's only my cheap second Cougar!