going to the Ford dealer sounds like a good plan.
Looks like the cougar has the same issue - I might search a cougar forum.
knock sensor, Cougar, 2.5L, To 5/25/99 1999 $106.09 $0.00 $79.57
Electrical - Powertrain control - knock sensor
knock sensor, Cougar, 2.5L, From 5/25/99 99-00 $23.78 $0.00 $17.84
Electrical - Powertrain control - knock sensor
