FSA 95S28 Ignition Switch '88-91
Motorcraft SW2472Check
the Ford website &/or
the NHTSA to see if your VIN is affected.
Ford Motor Company has decided that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in all 1988-90 Model Escort; 1988 Model EXP; 1988-93 Model Mustang built through September 30, 1992; 1988-93 Model Tempo and Topaz built through September 30, 1992; 1988-93 Model Thunderbird and Cougar built through September 30, 1992; 1988-89 Model Crown Victoria and Grand Marquis; 1988-89 Model Lincoln Town Car; 1988-91 Model Aerostar; and 1988-91 Model Bronco and F-Series trucks.
Safety Defect
On a small number of the affected vehicles, a short circuit could develop in the ignition switch that could lead to overheating, smoke, and possibly fire in the steering column area of your vehicle. The condition may occur while the vehicle is in use or unattended.
Repairs
At no charge to you, your Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer will replace the ignition switch with a revised design switch. Dealers currently have instructions and parts ordering information.
The dealer will also check the wiring in the upper steering column area and will inspect for the installation of any aftermarket electrical accessories. If an improper installation is noted that is not part of this recall, you will be advised to have it corrected.
How Long Will It Take?
The time needed for this service is less than one hour. However, due to service scheduling times, your dealer may need your vehicle for a longer period.
Call your dealer without delay. Ask for a service date and whether parts are in stock for Safety Recall 95S28. If your 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 paid to have this service done before the date of this letter, Ford is offering a full refund. For the refund, please give your paid original receipt to your Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer. To avoid delays, please do not send receipts to Ford Motor Company.
If the dealer doesn't make the repair promptly and without charge, you may contact the Ford Customer Assistance Center, 300 Renaissance Center, P.O. Box 43360, Detroit, Michigan 48243 or you may contact the Customer Ignition Switch Information Hotline toll free at 1-800-323-8400. This number will be active for a limited time. 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).
Parts Usage & Dealer Cost
F29Z-11572-D (Motorcraft SW-2472) Ignition Switch $2.92 [This switch is used on approximately 70% of affected vehicles]
88-90 Escort, 88 EXP, 88-93(a) Mustang, 88-93(b) T-Bird/Cougar, 88-89 Crown Vic./Grand Marq., 88-89 Town Car, 88-91 Aerostar, 88-93(c) Tempo/Topaz
F2TZ-11572-E (Motorcraft SW-2472) Ignition Switch $3.61 [This switch is used on approximately 30% of affected vehicles]
88-91 Bronco/F-Series(d)
(a) - Built through September 30, 1992
(b) - Built through September 30, 1992
(c) - Built through September 30, 1992
(d) - Excluding F53 and F59 models
Parts Purge
All of the ignition switches listed below are to be withdrawn from your inventory and immediately returned, freight prepaid using the least expensive transportation, to your facing PDC within 30 days:
E4UZ-11572-A (SW 1916)
E4TZ-11572-A (SW 1562A)
E6FZ-11572-A (SW 1744B)
E7TZ-11572-A (SW 2101)
F0LY-11572-A (SW 2219)
F2TZ-11572-A (SW 2300)
Safety Recall 95S28: Ignition Switch Replacement
1. Connect Rotunda Memory Saver 014-R1064 or equivalent.
2. Disconnect battery negative cable.
NOTE: Access to the ignition switch varies depending on the vehicle line. In all cases the switch is mounted on the steering column and certain items will need to be removed to gain access. Examine the components around the ignition switch to determine what may need to be removed or positioned out of the way. Refer to the appropriate service repair manual for removal and installation procedures. Once access is gained, proceed as follows.
NOTE: The new ignition switch is shipped in the LOCK position. Keep the ignition lock cylinder (ignition key) in the lock position during this procedure.
3. Disconnect electrical connector from the ignition switch.
4. Remove ignition switch retaining screws.
5. Disengage switch from the actuator pin and remove switch from vehicle.
6. Remove the positioning clip from the new ignition switch if so equipped, and install the switch onto the actuator pin. Align the switch mounting holes with the column lock housing threaded holes.
7. If supplied, install new retaining screws. If re-installing original screws, apply Ford Threadlock and Sealer E0AZ-19554-AA (CXC-70) or equivalent to the threads. Tighten to 6-8 N-m (53-70 in-lb).
8. Connect electrical connector to the ignition switch. Ensure that the connections are tight and fully seated.
9. Connect battery negative cable and remove Rotunda Memory Saver.
10. Check ignition switch for proper function, including START and ACC positions.
11. Check the wiring in the area of the upper steering column. If abrasion or exposure of bare wires is found, repair as necessary. If aftermarket accessory wiring is improperly connected, advise the vehicle owner. Advise also that repairs of such faults are at customer expense.
12. Install any components previously removed for access ensuring that no wires are pinched and the components are properly seated. Refer to appropriate service repair manual as required.
Dealers Questions and Answers
Q1. Is this a voluntary safety recall?
A. Yes. We have been working in cooperation with Transport Canada and NHTSA to investigate reported concerns with the subject switch.
Q2. How many vehicles are involved?
A. 8.5 million vehicles in the Unites States and Canada. The total when you add the previous Canadian recalled vehicles is 8.7 million vehicles.
Q3. What vehicles are involved?
A. 1988-1990 Escort
1988 EXP
1988-1992 and early build 1993 Mustang
1988-1992 and early build 1993 Tempo/Topaz
1988-1992 and early build 1993 Thunderbird/Cougar
1988-1989 Crown Victoria/Grand Marquis
1988-1989 Lincoln Town Car
1988-1991 Aerostar
1988-1991 Bronco/F-Series Light Trucks
Q4. Why are vehicles NOT included in this recall?
A1. Many Ford and Lincoln-Mercury cars and trucks built between 1984 and 1993 are excluded from this action for the following three reasons:
1) Some were built prior to a supplier manufacturing process change;
2) Some vehicles have low electrical load through the switch; or
3) Other vehicles are equipped with ignition switches that are of a completely different design.
Q5. What do you mean by "electrical load?"
A. Electrical load is the amount of current that passes through the switch when the vehicle is started. Electrical load is impacted by standard and optional equipment, electrical circuitry, as well as cold weather operation.
Q6. What about vehicles built before 1988?
A. We believe that a manufacturing process change made by our switch supplier caused a change in internal switch dimensions. We have determined that as a result, a small number of switches are more susceptible to the potential for internal short circuits. Certain models with low electrical loads are not affected by the change. Vehicles produced prior to the 1988 model year are not included in the recall, because they are not equipped with ignition switches that are subject to this dimensional change. Ford has based this conclusion on an in-depth engineering analysis, and data supplied to us by our supplier.
CUSTOMER ISSUES
Q7. What about people who have had a vehicle fire, their vehicle would be included in the recall population, but they no longer own the vehicle? Will they be compensated?
A. Fires happen in vehicles for a number of reasons. For example, a fire could be the result of an improper vehicle modification (aftermarket accessories), arson, prior accident damage, or a faulty repair. Generally, vehicle losses are covered by insurance.
Q8. What about people who had a vehicle fire, still own the car, but it isn't being recalled?
A. Fires happen in vehicles for a number of reasons. For example, a fire could be the result of an improper vehicle modification (aftermarket accessories), arson, prior accident damage, or a faulty repair. Generally, vehicle losses are covered by insurance.
Q9. What about people who have/had property damage -- how will they be compensated?
A. Fires happen in vehicles for a number of reasons. For example, a fire could be the result of an improper vehicle modification (aftermarket accessories), arson, prior accident damage, or a faulty repair. Generally, vehicle losses are covered by insurance.
WHAT SHOULD CUSTOMER DO?
Q10. When did you notify dealers? When will customers be notified? What can they do in the meantime?
A. Dealers have been notified via Combat on 4/25/96 and will receive a Recall Bulletin on 4/26/96 via FedEx. Customers will be notified through the mail. Should an owner wish to have the switch replaced in advance of being notified by mail, dealers have been provided instructions and can replace the switch at no cost.
See also:
.
.
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TSB 98-24-06 New Electrical Terminal Grease Released for Service
Publication Date: NOVEMBER 25, 1998
FORD:
1981-1999 ESCORT
1983-1999 CROWN VICTORIA
1984-1988 EXP
1984-1994 TEMPO
1985-1999 TAURUS
1986-1997 PROBE
1988-1991 FESTIVA
1993-1999 MUSTANG
1994-1997 ASPIRE
1995-1999 CONTOUR
1996-1997 THUNDERBIRD
LINCOLN-MERCURY:
1983-1999 CONTINENTAL, GRAND MARQUIS
1984-1986 CAPRI
1984-1987 LN7
1984-1994 TOPAZ
1985-1999 SABLE
1988-1992 MARK VII
1991-1994 CAPRI
1993-1998 MARK VIII
1993-1999 TRACER
1995-1999 MYSTIQUE
1996-1997 COUGAR, TOWN CAR
1999 COUGAR
MERKUR:
1985-1988 XR4TI
1988 SCORPIO
LIGHT TRUCK:
1981-1996 BRONCO
1981-1997 F SUPER DUTY, F-250 HD, F-350
1981-1999 ECONOLINE, F-150, F-250 LD
1983-1999 RANGER
1984-1990 BRONCO II
1984-1997 AEROSTAR
1991-1999 EXPLORER
1993-1999 VILLAGER
1995-1999 WINDSTAR
1997-1999 EXPEDITION, MOUNTAINEER
1998-1999 NAVIGATOR
1999 SUPER DUTY F SERIES
MEDIUM/HEAVY TRUCK:
1984-1999 F & B SERIES
1988-1997 CARGO SERIES
1996-1998 AEROMAX, LOUISVILLE
ISSUE: Ford Motor Company has released a new
Electrical Grease (F8AZ-19G208-AA) to reduce the possibility of moisture corrosion at the terminals.
ACTION: Add the new grease during electrical connection repair.
CAUTION: ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR GREASE SHOULD NOT BE USED IN HIGH VOLTAGE CONNECTIONS FOR SPARK PLUG AND COIL WIRE APPLICATIONS.
PROPER USES OF THE NEW ELECTRICAL GREASE INCLUDE:
Electrical Connectors
Battery Connections
Light Sockets
Starter Terminals
DO NOT USE ON:
Spark Plug Wires
Coil Wires
Spark Plug-to-Coil Connections
Low Current Flow Switches (12V Systems less than 0.1 amp)
For other TSBs, check
here.
