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SAFETY RECALL
98S36 Certain 1986 - 1995 Taurus and Sable and 1988 - 1994 Continental Vehicles - Sub-Frame Rear Plate Nut Replacement
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December, 1998
To:
All Ford and Lincoln - Mercury Dealers
Subject:
Safety Recall 98S36 - Certain 1986 - 1995 Taurus and Sable and 1988 - 1994 Continental Vehicles - Sub-Frame Rear Plate Nut Replacement
AFFECTED VEHICLES
Certain 1986-1995 Taurus and Sable and 1988-1994 Continental vehicles that were originally sold or are currently registered in the following U.S. states and Canadian Provinces:
U.S. States:
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 Virginia Wisconsin
Canadian Provinces:
Manitoba New Brunswick Newfoundland Nova Scotia
Ontario Prince Edward Island Quebec
REASONS FOR RECALL
The body mounts on the rear corners of the sub-frame that support the engine and transmission may separate. This can occur if the lower retainer plate of the mount or the retaining plate nut becomes severely corroded from long term exposure to road salts and retention of moisture in the mounts. This corrosion can weaken the retainer plate of the mount or the retaining plate nut severely enough to allow the bolt head to pull through the washer or out of the nut. Should both rear mounts separate, the rear of the sub-frame will drop and steering may suddenly become difficult. This could result in an accident.
SERVICE ACTION
To correct this condition, dealers will replace the attaching bolts, plate nuts and the reinforcement plates on the bottom of the sub-frame rear body mounts, on all affected vehicles.
SERVICE TRACKING
To monitor the effectiveness of regional programs, it is important that:
any vehicle with the same concern or operated in the same conditions as the affected vehicles be identified and
any affected vehicle listed in OASIS, presented for service to a dealer outside the geographic area covered by the Safety Program, be serviced under the terms of the program.
If a vehicle, not listed in OASIS, with the same concern or operated in the same conditions as affected vehicles listed in OASIS is presented for service, it is important that dealers obtain as much information about the vehicle as possible. Dealers are to call 1-800-325-5621 and provide Ford Motor Company with a description of the concern, VIN, model year and mileage. In appropriate situations, where the customer is willing to cooperate with the dealer in providing the required information and has agreed to provide the affected parts for possible inspection by the Company, the dealer will receive approval and will be reimbursed for performing the repair upon submission of the claim.
If an affected vehicle is presented to a dealer outside the geographic area covered by the program and if the vehicle is listed in OASIS, the dealer should perform the repair and submit the claim for reimbursement as prescribed in the program bulletin.
REPAIR APPROVAL/CLAIMS
In order to claim repairs on vehicles not included in the Notification Program, the dealer must call 1-800-325-5621, provide the information described above and obtain approval. Then, submit the claim under the Notification Program according to the directions on page 3-63 of the ACES II manual. Include the following information if the vehicle in question has the same concern or operated in the same conditions as those described in the Notification Program:
a description of the concern on the customer's vehicle the VIN, model year and mileage of the vehicle customer agreement to provide the affected parts for possible inspection by the Company,
QUESTIONS?
Claims Information 1-800-423-8851
Other Recall Questions 1-800-325-5621
ATTACHMENT I
Safety Recall 98S36
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Certain 1986 - 1995 Taurus and Sable and 1988 - 1994 Continental Vehicles
Sub-Frame Rear Plate Nut Replacement
OASIS
You must use OASIS to determine if a vehicle is eligible for this recall. OASIS will be activated in phases beginning December 23, 1998 and will be completed by close of business on December 24, 1998.
If an owner whose vehicle is not listed in OASIS believes his/her vehicle should have been included, or this condition is observed in a vehicle not covered by this action, dealers are to call 1-800-325-5621 to obtain approval in order to obtain reimbursement. (See Dealer Letter for more details.)
PLEASE NOTE
Correct all vehicles in stock before delivery. Federal law requires dealers to complete any outstanding safety recall service before a vehicle is delivered to the buyer or lessee. Violation of this requirement by a dealer could result in a civil penalty of up to $1,100 per vehicle.
PROMPTLY CORRECT
Affected vehicles on the enclosed list.
Other eligible vehicles which are brought to your dealership.
DEALER-OWNER CONTACT
Immediately contact any affected owner whose name is not on the list. Give the owner a copy of the Owner Letter and schedule a service date.
Part Number Description Quantity
XF1Z-5A364-AA Sub-Frame Reinforcement Kit 1
ATTACHMENT III
Safety Recall 98S36
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SUB-FRAME REAR PLATE NUT REPLACEMENT
AFFECTED VEHICLES: CONTINENTAL, TAURUS AND SABLE
SERVICE PROCEDURES
The following Service Procedure will replace both sub-frame rear retaining bolts, plate nuts and add or replace reinforcement plates under the mounts.
Remove the front floor mat.
Remove the push pin under the accelerator pedal which retains the carpet, if so equipped.
Pull back the front carpet to expose the front dash absorber.
On Continental models, proceed to Step 5. On Taurus/Sable models, proceed as follows:
Remove the push pin which holds the cowl side absorber in place.
Pull back dash absorber to expose the floor plan.
Locate the cowl side absorber push pin stud in the floor pan. Refer to Figure 1.
From the push pin stud, measure directly over 2 inches. Place a temporary mark at this location. Refer to Figure 1.
From the temporary mark, measure directly down 1 inch. See Figure 1. Center punch this new location.
Using a 2 1/2-inch hole saw, cut a hole in the floor pan at the center punched location. Do this same operation on the passenger side floor pan.
Proceed to Step 6.
On Taurus/Sable models, go back to Step 4. On Continental models, proceed as follows:
NOTE:
Cut out front dash absorber in one piece. The cut out section will be reinstalled during assembly.
Cut out front dash absorber in location and size shown in Figure 2. This will expose a circular stamped recess in the upper floor.
Measure 1 1/4 inches directly down from the lowest point of the circular stamped recess in the upper floor. See Figure 2. Center punch this new location.
NOTE: Continentals have a double layer of sheet metal in the floor pan at this location. Using a 2 1/2-inch hole saw, cut a hole in the floor pan at the center punched location. Do this same operation on the passenger side floor pan. Refer to Figure 2.
Proceed to Step 6.
Look through the 2 1/2-inch hole. The sub-frame rear retaining bolt and plate nut should be easy to see. See Figure 3.
Spray rust penetrating lubricant on the sub-frame rear retaining bolt and plate nut. Do this on both sides.
CAUTION
Front arms of hoist must be positioned as shown in illustration or possible vehicle damage could occur.
Raise and support the vehicle. Position the front arms of hoist on the sub-frame as shown in Figure 4.
Remove both of the sub-frame rear retaining bolts. Refer to Figure 4.
CAUTION
Do not completely lower the vehicle as the sub-frame is being supported by the front arms of the hoist.
Partially lower the vehicle. Keep the weight of the vehicle on the hoist.
Using the 2 1/2-inch cut holes to gain access, straighten the plate nut retaining tabs and remove both plate nuts. See Figure 5.
Install new plate nuts. Bend the retaining tabs to secure the plate nuts in place.
Raise the vehicle.
Using hand tools, install the reinforcement plate and the new sub-frame rear retaining bolts as shown in Figure 6. Tighten the retaining bolts to 88-118 Nm (65-87 lb-ft).
Lower the vehicle.
Apply Super Seal or equivalent to the exposed metal of the access holes in the floor pan.
Install the supplied grommet to cover the access holes.
Reposition the front dash absorber
Install the front dash absorber push pins.
Reposition the front carpet.
Reinstall the push pin under the accelerator pedal which retains the carpet, if so equipped.
Install both of the floor mats.
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January, 1999
Serial Number: 12345678901234567 98S36
Mr. John Sample
123 Main Street
Anywhere, USA 12345
This notice is sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act.
Ford Motor Company has decided that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in certain 1986-1995 Taurus and Sable and 1988-1994 Continental vehicles.
SAFETY DEFECT
The body mounts on the rear corners of the sub-frame that support the engine and transmission may separate. This can occur if the lower retainer plate of the mount or the retaining plate nut becomes severely corroded from long term exposure to road salts and retention of moisture in the mounts. This corrosion can weaken the retainer plate of the mount or the retaining plate nut severely enough to allow the bolt head to pull through the washer or out of the nut. Should both rear mounts separate, the rear of the sub-frame will drop and steering may suddenly become difficult. This could result in an accident.
REPAIRS
At no charge to you, your dealer will replace the attaching bolts, plate nuts and the reinforcement plates on the bottom of the sub-frame rear body mounts, on your vehicle.
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE?
The time needed for this service is less than one-half day. However, due to service scheduling times, your dealer may need your vehicle for a longer period. Please call your dealer for a service date.
CALL YOUR DEALER
Call your dealer without delay. Ask for a service date and whether parts are in stock for Safety Recall 98S36.
If the dealer does not have the parts in stock, they can be ordered before scheduling your service date. Parts would be expected to arrive within a week.
When you bring your vehicle in, show the dealer this letter. If you misplace this letter, your dealer will still do the work, free of charge.
REFUNDS
If you have paid to have this service done before the date of this letter, Ford is offering a full refund. For the refund, please show your paid original receipt to your Ford and Lincoln-Mercury dealer. To avoid delays, do not send receipts to Ford Motor Company.
CHANGED ADDRESS OR SOLD THE VEHICLE?
Please fill out the enclosed prepaid postcard and mail it to us if you have changed your address or sold the vehicle.
If the dealer doesn't make the repair promptly and without charge, you may contact the Ford Customer Assistance Center, 16800 Executive Plaza Drive, P. O. Box 6248, Dearborn, MI 48121. You also may send a complaint to the Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 400 Seventh Street, S. W., Washington, D. C. 20590 or call the toll free Auto Safety Hotline 1-800-424-9393 (Washington, D. C. area residents may call 366-0123).
We regret the inconvenience this service may cause you, but we want you to have the work done for your safety and satisfaction.
<small>[ April 30, 2003, 12:38 PM: Message edited by: SHOZ123 ]</small>