Dealer Letter

June, 1997

To:
All Ford and Lincoln-Mercury Dealers

Subject:
Special Service Instruction 97T01 - Malfunction Indicator Light - Clarifying Current TSB 97-09-01 (Previous Superseded Articles Are 96-20-04 and 96-17-08)

OASIS
Yes

Involved Unit List
No

Parts Return
No; No parts involved

Coverage
Through applicable emissions warranty time and mileage only

Affected Vehicles
Certain 1996 Town Car, Crown Victoria/Grand Marquis, Thunderbird/Cougar (4.6L-2V only), and Mustang (4.6L-2V only).

Reason for this Special Service Service Instruction
Some of the subject vehicles were built with an engine misfire sensing strategy that may cause the Malfunction Indicator Light to illuminate prematurely.

Special Service Instruction
The vehicle's Powertrain Control Module must be reprogrammed using the Service Bay Diagnostic System (SBDS), or the Service Bay Technical System (SBTS) and the New Generation Star Tester (NGS).

NOTE:
Reprogramming the PCM using program code 97T01 is only authorized for diagnostic codes P0300-308. Any other MIL DTCs must be diagnosed before reprogramming the PCM and are not chargeable to this program. Refer to the decision chart in Attachment II. In most cases, this reprogramming will prevent the premature illumination of the MIL for engine misfires. Claims will be audited to verify that this direction is being followed

Owner Notification
There will be no owner notification; this is a Special Service Instruction as part of applicable emissions warranty service.

Questions?
Claims Information 1-800-423-8851
Other related questions 1-800-325-5621

Attachments

Attachment I
^ Administrative Information
^ Labor Allowances

Attachment II
^ Technical Information
^ Special Service Instruction Flow Chart
^ TSB Article No. 97-9-7