LEMON!!!!!! See my other complaint about this cars electrical system.

Car after 5 alternators finally completely became disabled. It died about a mile from home, had died several times and had developed poor running issues (stalling, surging, not starting etc.) prior to its final demise. Had no choice but to park it. Recently saw a video from another youtuber advising how these 2000 Cougars were prone to gas pump problems where at or below a 1/4 tank, fuel pumps become clogged or all out failed. After replacing a couple fuses and a $30 relay, tried and still no fuel pump action. The youtube person showed how to access the fuel pump and replace. I have always felt the motor was still in good shape, just know the car still has the ongoing electrical problem that FORD would not fix properly (recalled same make, model, year from another factory with same issues but not recall this car with its VIN with same issues). Followed lay persons instructions (NOT from Ford) and found a VERY DANGEROUS situation where 1 electrical lead TO the pump had rubbed between the tank and the floorboard and bared the wire which then was making contact with the metal. This probably lead to the failed fuses. I repaired the wire and tested but still no fuel pump action. I purchased and replaced fuel pump, found old fuel pump inoperative and clogged. I had never seen this type of fuel pump design where it seems the fuel is pumped from the tank, to a chamber in the fuel pump housing, then pumped to the engine. Nonetheless, I put it all back together again, immediately heard the pump actuate when I tested it and the car started. Unfortunately, the electrical problem reported separately remains a devastating issue and the car is still not drivable. I DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS CAR!!

This is my daughter's first car. Thank goodness I have a friend who could help us diagnose the problem and after being quoted $500+ for a new fuel pump at the dealer, bought one for $100 at O'Reilly. Partially dropped the gas tank, took the rear seat out and with much grunting and groaning at the awkwardness, replaced the fuel pump sans fuel gauge, as it was really difficult to get back in there. At the Dealer's found out that the fuel pump has already been replaced - once under warranty and once after. Hmmm....notice a trend here?

Thank goodness my daughter was in a residential area!