No power climbing hills - 2000 Mercury Cougar

seek local help but sounds like it might need transmission looked at

I got this, and it was a failed trans shift solenoid no 1. This rendered the trans unable to find low gears. However there should be a trouble code notified by a light on the dash.

Sounds pretty normal for a 4 cylinder car, if that is what you have. It could also be considered to be normal for a 6 cylinder car. The cars with the smaller motors are designed to downshift in high load situations such as steep hill climbing. This is to compensate for lack of torque. It keeps the motor in it's power band so you have the power to climb the hill.

You went directly to the plugged exhaust statement,and if he is wrong you are out of a large expense, how about the air cleaner if it is plugged it will do the same thing,a plugged fuel filter will do the same,a plugged exhaust will loose power even on a level road way,

check catalitic converter,could be partially plugged

check for a clogged exhaust look at catalytic converter it could be stop up.

good chance you have a clogged cat converter ...with engine running have someone rev engine and see how much flow you have out tail pipe. also if you hear the sound of something rattling inside exhaust that is another tell tale sign

after the blue indicator went out, the power came back. Must be a cold run inhibitor

sounds like your trans is going bad