Trailer Hitch - Insufficient Receiver Clearance

Article No.
01-11-10

06/11/01

BODY - FRAME - INSUFFICIENT CLEARANCE IN THE
TRAILER HITCH RECEIVER

FORD:
2002 EXPLORER

MERCURY:
2002 MOUNTAINEER

ISSUE
Some 2002 Explorer/Mountaineer vehicles equipped with a Class II hitch may exhibit insufficient clearance in the receiver to attach tubular hitch accessories to the vehicle. This may be due to excessive powder coat and e-coat build-up inside the receiver.

ACTION
To correct this condition, perform the following Service Procedure to remove the excessive paint build-up inside the receiver.

SERVICE PROCEDURE

CAUTION
MAKE SURE TO WEAR PROPER EYE PROTECTION DURING THIS PROCEDURE.

1. Take a 19 mm (3/4") diameter wire brush and attach it to a regular power drill. Insert the wire brush into the receiver tube and remove the black coating on all the sides.

2. Take a 32 mm (1-1/4") flat file and make several passes on the four sides (inside) of the receiver tube until bare metal is visible to the eye.

3. Clean out the coatings and metal dust using an air hose and a piece of cloth.

4. Spray Rustoleum - Gloss Black Spray (obtain locally) inside the receiver tube covering the exposed bare metal inside surface with a thin coat.

5. Inspect the inside of the hitch to make sure that all of the surfaces are covered by the spray paint.

6. Allow paint to dry.

7. Verify repair.





Parts Block

OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES: NONE

WARRANTY STATUS: Eligible Under The Provisions Of Bumper To Bumper Warranty Coverage

OPERATION DESCRIPTION TIME

011110A Remove Excessive Paint 0.3 Hr.
Build-Up Inside Receiver
(Includes Time To Mask
Bumper Before Painting
Receiver)

DEALER CODING
CONDITION
BASIC PART NO. CODE
17D826 07

OASIS CODES: 106000, 108000, 205000, 305000