Overview of Program 90B89

February, 1990
To:
All Ford and Lincoln-Mercury Dealers

Subject:
Owner Notification Program B89 - Automatic (AOD) Transmissions in certain 1989 and 1990-Model Crown Victoria, Grand Marquis, and Town Car Passenger Cars

PLEASE GIVE COPIES-OF THIS BULLETIN TO YOUR PARTS-AND SERVICE MANGERS

IN CARES/OASIS - YES
LISTINGS - NO
REFUND PROVISIONS - YES
SERVICE REQUIREMENT - THIS SERVICE MUST BE PERFORMED BY A CERTIFIED TRANSMISSION TECHNICIAN
DEALERS RETAIN REMOVED PARTS - RETAIN PARTS PER WARRANTY AND POLICY MANUAL (RECALIBRATION KITS ONLY)
SPECIAL TRANSMISSION ASSEMBLY ORDERING AND RETURN INSTRUCTIONS - WHEN THE ASSEMBLY IS REPLACED
PROGRAM PROVISIONS - OWNERS INSTRUCTED TO RETURN FOR SERVICE - PROGRAM PROVIDES NO-CHARGE TRANSMISSION SERVICE (INSPECTION AND RECALIBRATION OR REPLACEMENT, IF DAMAGED)
PROGRAM LIMITATIONS - NO-CHARGE SERVICE PROVIDED THROUGH MARCH 1991
TRANSPORTATION ASSISTANCE - YES - REFER TO TRANSPORTATION ASSISTANCE GUIDELINES, ATTACHMENT I.

REASON FOR PROGRAM
The automatic overdrive (AOD) transmissions in the affected passenger cars may experience unsatisfactory 3rd to overdrive gear engagement and if left uncorrected, the potential for loss of the overdrive gear.

VEHICLES AFFECTED
1989 and 1990-Model Crown Victoria and Grand Marquis Cars built at the St. Thomas Assembly Plant from March 31, through September 15, 1989 and 1989 and 1990-Model Town Cars built at the Wixom Assembly Plant from March 31, through September 8, 1989 are affected by this program.

PROGRAM PROVISIONS AND LIMITATIONS
Owners of affected cars will be notified to return their cars for the service offered by this program. Most cars returned will have a special service recalibration kit installed. A very small number of cars will require transmission replacement. This will be based on dealer inspection of the transmission. A small number of cars may need no service and will be returned directly to their owners.

Owners are advised to telephone their dealer as soon as possible, because the transmission is more likely to be damaged in hot weather and during prolonged higher speed driving. Service offered under this program is available through March 1991.

SERVICE AFTER PROGRAM LIMITATION
Service programs are designed to provide maximum customer satisfaction. Customers seeking service after program expiration should be given consideration. For example, customers not receiving notification or any other reasonable explanation should be considered. Please seek District Office approval in these situations.

TRANSPORTATION ASSISTANCE
Provide transportation assistance for owners returning their cars for service. (Refer to the Transportation Assistance Guidelines, Attachment I, Parts Information.) BE SURE YOU READ AND UNDERSTAND THE GUIDELINE PROVISIONS.

IN CARES/OASIS
CARES/OASIS WILL be activated since owners are asked to return for service.

REFUNDS
Owners who have paid for the transmission repairs described in this program will be refunded costs of parts and labor, including deductible charges and towing. Repairs must have been made prior to the receipt of notice of this program. After the receipt of notice of the program refund requests will be permitted only for emergency situations.

ATTACHMENTS
Attachment I
- Technical, Parts Ordering, Labor Times, Refund, and Claim Processing Instructions
Attachment II and III
- Owner Letter

Your parts and service personnel must be provided with this package and be familiar with the program to respond to owner inquiries.