Question About Subframe Recall

[Grifter]

I got a lot of information about the Recall in my other Subframe Thread, but I thought I might get alittle more feedback if I started another Thread.

I have one question; Could the Recall have been done WITHOUT drilling a hole in the Driver side and passenger side floor?

I swear I'm stuck in a bad movie trying to get this Recall done. Someone from Pleasentville Ford in New York said that it could be done without drilling holes in the floor. All of the pictures and information that I've gotten leads me to believe that this is incorrect information.

Thanks.

 

[projectSHO89]

There were TWO subframe recalls.

The first did not involve cutting the hole in the floorboard.

The second superceded the first and does involve cutting the holes and replacing the SF nuts.

In several of my previous posts on this topic, I gave the applicable recall campaign numbers.

Make sure you are using the correct recall numbers when discussing this with the dealer. If they said your car had the most recent recall performed but there are no holes in the floorboard, then the dealership that said they did the work in fact did not perform the recall per instructions. A mechanic probably took a "shortcut".

Steve

Steve

 

[Grifter]

Ok.

The recall number I got was 98S36.

So basically if the whole Recall was done, which I'm being told it was there would be holes drilled. I went to another dealership and they agreed, after I showed them my holeless floor, that it wasnt done, but since it wasnt preformed there they cant do anything, blah blah...it's a big mess now. The thing is that noone disagreed with me that a hole had to be drilled. They even took out the instructions that the mechanics follow and it said to do that. I ordered 2 Recall kits but I'm still trying to get this done.

Thanks again.

<small>[ January 02, 2004, 05:59 PM: Message edited by: Grifter ]</small>

 

[Dr. Tweak]

Just do it yourself, those Ford dealerships are a bunch of bleepety bleep bleepers.....

At least you'll know it was done right! beer

 

[Rockledge]

<strong>NHTSA Campaign ID number : 98V323000

Make / Model: Years:
FORD / TAURUS 1986-1995

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 98V323000 Recall Date : DEC 15, 1998
Component: STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 26970

Summary:
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD, OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED, IN CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KANSAS, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEBRASKA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, VIRGINIA, WEST VIRGNIA, AND WISCONSIN.

THE REAR LOWER SUBFRAME MOUNT PLATE NUT CAN EXPERIENCE STRESS CORROSION CRACKING IF SUBJECTED TO LONG TERM EXPOSURE TO ROAD SALTS. THIS CAN RESULT IN FRACTURE AND LOSS OF THE STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY OF THE SUBFRAME MOUNT ATTACHMENT. DETACHMENT OF THE BODY MOUNTS AT THE REAR CORNERS OF THE SUBFRAME, WHICH SUPPORTS THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION, ALLOWS THE REAR CORNERS OF THE SUBFRAME TO DROP.

Consequence:
IF BOTH REAR CORNERS DROP, STEERING WOULD BECOME SUDDENLY VERY DIFFICULT, AFFECTING VEHICLE CONTROL AND INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy:
DEALERS WILL INSTALL SUBFRAME REAR MOUNT BOLTS, REINFORCEMENT PLATES, AND PLATE NUTS.

Notes:
NOTE: THIS RECALL CAMPAIGN SUPERCEDES RECALL CAMPAIGN 93V-106. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN JANUARY 18, 1999. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236). </strong>

P.S. If your dealer tries to claim your SHO isn't covered by the recall, then you can download and/or print supporting documents (to stick in the SM's face) here:

http://152.122.48.12/prepos/files/Artemis/Public/Recalls/1998/V/RC-98V323-NN.PDF

 

[Bizzy]

I forgot about the dual recalls on the subframe. I can't believe that the original one still shows up in anyones system. The latter recall was because the crappy stamped steel nuts would rust and fail. If the first recall was preformed, the second should still be preformed. Call Ford at 800-392-3673 and give them your VIN, they will look it up. They will call a dealership and set up an appointment for you and make them cut the holes in the floor and do the latter recall. If that happens you may be able to get a reimbursement of the $14 I charge you for a recall kit from ford. I'll include an invoice in your package so that you can fight them if you need to.

Here is the first recall information that I dug up.

File Date 12/2/1993
Mfr. Involved FORD MOTOR COMPANY
NHTSA Campaign # 93V106002
Mfr. Campaign # Superceeded by 98S36
Component Affected STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

# Vehicles Affected 1110000

Defect VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: TAURUS AND SABLES BUILT FROM 8-1-88 THROUGH 12-23-92 AND LINCOLN CONTINENTALS BUILT FROM 10-3-88 THROUGH 12-23-92. THE AFFECTED CARS WERE SOLD OR REGISTERED IN THE FOLLOWING STATES: CT, IL, IN, ME, MA, MI, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, VT, AND W. BODY MOUNTS AT THE REAR CORNERS OF THE SUBFRAME, WHICH SUPPORTS THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION, MAY BECOME DETACHED DUE TO CORROSION OF THE SUBFRAME MOUNT RETAINING PLATE. THIS WOULD ALLOW THE REAR CORNERS OF THE SUBFRAME TO DROP.

Consequence IF ONE OF THE REAR CORNERS DROPS, ONLY MINOR INDICATIONS OF A MALFUNCTION SUCH AS A CLUNKING NOISE OR SLIGHT CHANGE IN STEERING WHEEL ALIGNMENT ARE NOTICEABLE. HOWEVER, IF BOTH REAR CORNERS OF THE SUBFRAME DROP, STEERING BECOMES VERY DIFFICULT, WHICH COULD ADVERSELY AFFECT VEHICLE CONTROL AND POSSIBLY RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.

Corrective Action INSTALL A CORROSION-RESISTANT REINFORCING PLATE AND A NEW BOLT ON BOTH REAR SUBFRAME MOUNTS.

 

[Grifter]

netviper: I wish it was that easy. I called up that number about 5 times. They talked to the dealership, but they said they cant do anything because it wasnt done there. "We're privately owned, blah blah,Call the Ford hotline, blah blah, I'm an idiot, blah blah..." This is the same dealership I went to and showed them it wasnt done. And they agreed!! But they wont do anything but give me a number to call. There has to be another number, for the love of god someone must have another number. I can do it myself(BTW: how hard is it?) but I reallly want to take it back to this Dealership and make them do it...for free!

It's just so impossible that there's no way someone from Ford can make these guys do it.

FYI: Going back to the original place it was "done" would be a complete hassle, and totally out of my way. All these guys care about is that it's in the computer; "Well, it's in the computer sir, oh did I mention I'm an Idiot!!"

 

[Bizzy]

well I'd get a holesaw from homedepot (i forget the correct size but I believe the instructions will say) and then you get to drill the holes yourself.

Chances are you'll do a better job than a dealer anyway, I've seen some real hackjobs done on some cars, massive overcuts and water leakage.

Only downside it then you have to pony up for the hole cutting drill bit, and make sure you measure where it is supposed to be done.

To bad you don't live up near me, the place I buy all my parts from (Orange Ford, in Albany, NY)(shameless dealer plug) seems to be one of the most customer satisfaction oriented Ford dealers I have ever seen. I'm sure they'd do the recall for ya no questions. besides the dealers get to bill Ford for the time and parts for the recall IIRC. So it's money in thier pocket to do it anyway.

 

[Rockledge]

The supporting documents that I posted a link to in my ealrier post indicate that if the Recall Service is done some place other Ford, then you are entitled to a refund. Next time you talk to Ford, tell them that you are going to schedule an appointment soon with your local GM Goodwrench or other qualified shop to have the service performed, and that you will be forwarding the invoice to the appropriate Ford personnel for reimbursement immediatley thereafter, and could they kindly provide you with that contact information please? Then I would follow up that conversation with a letter to Ford and the NHTSA outlining your good faith but futile attempts to get Ford to do the Recall.

From there, save copies of everything and push the issue. You have nothing to lose.

 

[Grifter]

I'll try to do what you guys are saying but I'm telling you it's just so hard. Noone wants to help me, and noone has any answers. I've read 2 other Posts about this happening, it's ridiculous.

Can I actually take it to a Chevy Dealership to get it done?!

I pretty much tried everything you guys have said, and now that I sit back and think about it's a joke. Noone has given me any information that's useful, they're making me go in circles. It's like no Dealerships want anything to do with me because it wasnt "done" there, I feel like a homeless kid that noone will take in.

netviper: What's the number to that Dealership. I want to know there take on it. All these Dealerships that I've talked to said they cant do anything about it. And the whole thing about them getting paid by Ford is where I hit a wall. "Ford already paid someone to do it, they're not going to pay again."

<small>[ January 02, 2004, 10:56 PM: Message edited by: Grifter ]</small>

 

[Rockledge]

In addition to what I posted before, you should also get some kind of statement in writing from the same qualified repair shop that indicates that the Recall Service had NOT been done prior to their doing it. Better yet, ask for a letter from that Ford Dealership who admitted to you that it wasn't done.

It sounds to me like you are going to have to pay someone to do it and then go after Ford for the refund. If it were me, I would not let Ford off the hook. Make sure in all your correspondence that you stress this is a SAFETY issue. Tell Ford you want a letter in writing from them formally denying your request to have the Safety Recall performed.

Around my area, GM Goodwrench would do the Recall Service on my SHO in a heartbeat as long as I had the parts and the $$ for their labor.

 

[Grifter]

Well, I have some good news.

I work part time at a Garage and I asked my Boss if he would let me make an appointment so I can do the Recall there. He agreed, so hopefully that'll get done soon. I didnt really want to ask him because I havent been working there that long, so I didnt want to make it seem I was only working there so I could use his Lift and Tools.

Wish me luck.

 

[Rockledge]

Good luck!

(And nice hit with the lift and tools.. )

 

[Grifter]

Rockledge:
Good luck!

(And nice hit with the lift and tools.. )

Haha, thanks.

 

[fordfreak]

i did the recall my self and it took about an hour no biggie just dont be shy about cutting through some sound proofing. and the hole saw size is 2 inches if you buy the recall kit from shoshop it comes with some paperwork that tells you how and where to drill

 

[Grifter]

Ok, thanks. I didnt get it from SHO Shop, but hopefully it wont be difficult.

 

[PuckHead]

I feel your pain about noone wanting to help you out with it.

I took my car in for the SF recall, the dealer ran an Oasis report, and it came back that it wasn't covered. I showed them the printout from the NHTSA that included MY car, and they still said no, it wasn't covered.

It is my understanding that even though my car wasn't bought in the "affected" region, it is still covered because the wording of the recall states that:

"PASSENGER VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD, OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED, IN CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KANSAS, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEBRASKA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, VIRGINIA, WEST VIRGNIA, AND WISCONSIN."

Well, I showed them my license plates, and my registration, and lo and behold, I LIVE IN MINNESOTA, AND THE CAR IS REGISTERED IN MINNESOTA.

Gee, doesn't that mean my SHO is one of the affected vehicles?

Oh well. Not to hijack the thread. Keep up the pressure until you get everything straight. Same thing I'm trying to do.

Good Luck!

Later!
burnout

 

[Grifter]

Thanks for your input.

The lady from the Ford Hotline actually called me back today, but I wasnt home. So at least she's pursuing it. She said she'll call back tomorrow, I'll have to wait and see what happens.

 

[Grifter]

Well here's an update for anyone who cares:

I was able to get my car in today and drilled the hole on the passenger side floor. It looks as if my pals at Pleasentville Ford only replaced the Bolts and not the Nuts. I wasnt able to get any further on it, I started a little late. Hopefully *finger's crossed* I'll be able to work on it Thursday.

Those Aluminum SFB's are taunting me so badly.

 

[JoesSHO]

If I have old subframe bushings to replace, would it make sense or even help me to have the recall done before I replace them in the spring? How do I time this?

Thanx

<small>[ January 16, 2004, 09:47 PM: Message edited by: JoesSHO ]</small>