Questions and Answers

Mercury Cougar Radio Noise Q. I have a 1986 Mercury Cougar, 5.0 liter engine and automatic transmission. Just bought it for $1,500.00, has a great body, a canvas roof, new tires, excellent interior. I love it more than my newer econobox. I am having one problem, the radio makes that ignition system noise. You can hear it rev up with the car. I replaced the wires, plugs, cap and rotor and still have the noise.

I used these super expensive Bosch plugs with the four electrodes and no gap to be set. It runs smooth but the noise was there with the old plugs and still there with the new resistor plugs. What other possibilities should I consider?

I thank you very much for your time and consideration.
James

A. The noise is from the alternator, not the ignition system. There was a TSB issued to correct the problem.

Article No. 86-8-7

Radio - Alternator Whine And Conducted Ignition Noise- 1986 Electronic Search Radio

Ford: 1986 Tempo, Taurus, Thunderbird
Lincoln-Mercury: 1986 Topaz, Sable, Cougar
Light Truck: 1986 Bronco II, Econoline, Club Wagon, Aerostar

Complaints of alternator whine coming through the radio can be fixed by installing a noise filter using the following procedure.

1. Remove radio from vehicle.
2. Remove the cover from the inboard connector, which is part of the vehicle wiring harness.

Figure 5

3. Remove the yellow wire and connector pin assembly, (A+/Ignition, No. 137 Circuit, Pin 3) from the inboard connector. This is performed by inserting a small flat screwdriver blade into the space located between the connector pin and the moveable pin lock. This action releases the pin. Remove this pin from the connector. (Refer to Figure 5.)
4. Insert choke filter red lead pin into the inboard vehicle harness connector Pin 3 slot, a slight click will be heard. This is the engagement of the connector pin lock. Check pin engagement by attempting to remove this pin. An opposition to removal indicates the connector pin lock is functioning and the red filter wire has been inserted properly.
5. Replace connector cover on inboard vehicle harness connector.
6. Cut and discard the pin from the yellow wire which had been removed from the vehicle harness. Strip off 3/8" of insulation from wire.
7. Insert stripped wire into the connector located on the yellow lead of the choke filter assembly. Crimp connector using a wire crimping tool, T67S-17018- A, and insure a good electrical connection has been made.
8. Secure choke filter assembly (using tape or tie/ strap) to a location which will not interfere with other operating devices. Make certain that the filter is firmly secured to prevent rattles from developing due to vibrations and time.
9. Connect the spade lug attached to the black wire of the choke filter assembly to the stud located on the radio rear housing. Install radio in vehicle.

PART NUMBER	PART NAME
E6DZ-18A952-B	Noise Filter