Since it has started to get colder up here, my daughter's car has had an   
   occational problem starting.  From what she describes, the lights dim and it   
   won't crank over.  Trying it several more times and then all of a sudden, it   
   just starts.   
      
   We did just replace the battery a few weeks ago, and the cables look good.    
      
   I'm thinking it is ignition related.  Her Cougar has a security system, where   
   it will disable the car if the proper conditions aren't met.  I found this out   
   after doing some work on it where I removed the battery last year.     
      
   From the keyfob, you must lock/unlock the car before starting it - after the   
   battery has been disconnected and reconnected.  That resets the security   
   system.   
      
   Sometimes when she hits bumps in the road, the car alarm chirps.  We found out   
   it is due to the ignition on the steering wheel, because if you mess with the   
   keys while the car is running, you can sometimes get it to chirp.   
      
   I'm thinking there is some type of thing that is screwed up with the ignition.   
   Not sure that it is worth the effort to fix since the problem is not all the   
   time and fiddling with it generally gets it working again.     
      
   Probably not a cheap or easy repair, either.   
      
   - Mark   
        
   --- WWIVToss v.1.50    
    * Origin:  http://www.weather-station.org * Bel Air, MD -USA (1:261/1304.0)