Letters
September, 1986SAFETY RECALL 86S12 - CERTAIN 1985 AND 1986 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL AND LINCOLN MARK VII VEHICLES FOR REPLACEMENT OF THE BRAKE PUMP MOTOR RELAY
Dear Owner:
This notice is sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the U.S. National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act. Ford Motor Company has determined that a defect related to motor vehicle safety exists in certain 1985 and 1986 Lincoln Continental and Lincoln Mark VII vehicles. Our records show that you own one of these vehicles.
REASONS FOR THIS RECALL:
On some of these vehicles, the brake pump motor relay may stick closed causing the pump motor to run continuously, overheat and eventually fail. If the pump stops running, the vehicle will brake normally a few times before rear brake function and power assist to the front brakes is lost. Stopping distances and brake pedal efforts required to stop the car will increase substantially. A vehicle crash could result.
Drivers will be warned of the condition before braking is affected by a red warning light on the instrument panel that says "BRAKE". Drivers should park their vehicles promptly and cautiously if the warning light turns on. Owners should arrange to have their car towed to their dealer. Ford will reimburse owners for reasonable towing costs.
SERVICE TO BE PERFORMED:
Your dealer will install a relay of a modified design on your vehicle -- free of charge.
Dealers have repair instructions and parts ordering information to perform the recall service on your car. The time needed for this work is about one-half hour.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO:
Please call your dealer immediately and give him the car identification number shown on the attached Form. If you own more than one of these cars, use the identification number list provided. Give the Form to the dealer when you bring your car in for this service. If you misplace the Form, your dealer will still do the work, free of charge.
If you are no longer the owner, please fill out Section 1 of the prepaid postcard and mail it to us.
IF THE DEALER DOES NOT MAKE THE REPAIR PROMPTLY AND WITHOUT CHARGE:
If you have trouble getting this service done, complete Section 3 of the prepaid postcard and mail it to us. If you still cannot get the repair done and without charge, you may report that fact to: Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 400 Seventh Street S. W., Washington, D.C. 20590. You may call the toll free Auto Safety Hotline at 800-424-9393.
TO CHECK FOR UNCOMPLETED RECALLS (Owners residing in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands):
When you call your dealer for service, ask for a computer check of the "CARES" system to see if your car needs other recall work. If it does, the dealer can tell you about the required service.
We regret the inconvenience this service may cause you; but, we want you to have the work done for your safety and satisfaction with your Ford-built vehicle.
September, 1986
SAFETY RECALL 86S12 - CERTAIN 1985 AND 1986 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL AND LINCOLN MARK VII VEHICLES FOR REPLACEMENT OF THE BRAKE PUMP MOTOR RELAY
SAFETY RECALL 86S13 - CERTAIN 1986 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL AND LINCOLN MARK VII VEHICLES FOR REPLACEMENT OF THE IGNITION LOCK CYLINDERS
Dear Owner:
This notice is sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the U.S. National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act. Ford Motor Company has determined that two defects related to motor vehicle safety exists in certain 1986 Lincoln Continental and Lincoln Mark VII vehicles.
REASONS FOR THIS RECALL:
The brake pump motor of your car could stop running unexpectedly. If it does, the car would brake normally for a few times, but then stopping distances and pedal efforts would be substantially increased. A vehicle crash could result.
You would be forewarned by a red-colored warning light on the instrument panel before braking capability is reduced. When this light is on the word "BRAKE" is visible. If the warning light comes on while you are driving, promptly park the car in a safe place. After turning the ignition switch to "LOCK", restart the car. Wiggle the key slightly to make sure the ignition key does not stick between "START" and "RUN". If the red brake warning light stays on even after a minute or two of engine idling you should leave the car parked and arrange to have it towed to your dealer. Ford will pay for reasonable towing expenses. If the red brake warning light goes out, you may resume driving your car, but continue to be alert for the brake warning light and bring your car to your dealer as soon as possible. You should not drive the car if the warning light* comes on again before you get the service work done.
The specific cause of the brake system problem described would be either a malfunctioning relay in the brake pump motor circuit or a "sticky" ignition switch that does not return fully to "ON" after the vehicle is started.
SERVICE TO BE PERFORMED:
At no cost to you, your dealer will replace the relay and ignition lock cylinder on your car. The time needed to do this work is less than one hour.
* Note that the brake warning light is designed to come on briefly when the vehicle is being started or while the parking brake is applied.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO:
Please call your dealer, without delay, and ask for a service date. Give the enclosed Form to the dealer when you bring your car in for this service. If you misplace the Form, your dealer will still do the work, free-of-charge.
If you are no longer the owner, please fill out Section 1 of the prepaid postcard and mail it to us.
IF YOU HAVE TROUBLE GETTING THE SERVICE DONE:
If you have trouble getting this service done, complete Section 3 of the prepaid postcard and mail it to us. You may also send a complaint to:
Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 400 Seventh Street SW, Washington, DC 20590 or call the toll-free Auto Safety Hotline at 800-424-9393.
TO CHECK FOR OTHER RECALLS (For owners residing in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands):
When you call your dealer for service, ask for a computer check for the "CARES" system to see if your car needs other recall work. If it does, the dealer can tell you about the required service.
We regret the inconvenience this service may cause you; but, we want you to have the work done for your safety and satisfaction with your Ford-built vehicle.