Mercury Mystique, Cougar: Powertrain

Affects Mercury Mystique, Cougar · 1996–1998 — about 28K vehicles.

The hazard

Certain passenger vehicles. The rough surface of the heater blower resistor's stainless steel blades can damage the copper surface of the wiring harness connector. The damage could, over time, cause increased resistance in the connector and, due to subsequent terminal relaxation, result in an open circuit condition. The heater blower resistor may overheat causing the attached electrical connector to melt, creating the potential for a fire. Correction: Dealers will install a new heater blower resistor and a new wire jumper harness.

What to do

Contact your dealer; the remedy details were not included in the filing.

Critical — crash/injury risk now High — injury risk; see remedy Moderate — fix at next service Low — minor / informational