Owner's Letter
July, 1989
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 which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in certain 1984 Ford Escort, EXP and Mercury Lynx cars with 1.6L 2V High Output HO engines.
Safety Defect
The aluminum cylinder head on these engines may develop a crack on the outside surface of the head. If a crack should occur, engine oil could leak onto the exhaust manifold.
Problem
Engine oil leaking onto a hot exhaust manifold could under certain conditions ignite and may result in an engine compartment fire.
Symptoms
Drivers may notice traces of smoke combined with an objectionable odor coming from the engine compartment. The engine may also require frequent additions of engine oil to maintain a "full" oil level on the engine oil dipstick.
Repairs
At no cost to you, your dealer will inspect your engine and if necessary, replace its cylinder head if it has an external crack, as described above.
How Long Will It Take?
The time needed to repair your car is about one day.
Call Your Dealer
Call your dealer without delay and ask for a service date.
When you bring your car in, give the dealer the enclosed form. If you misplace the form, your dealer will still do the work, free of charge.
Refund For Paid Repair
If you had an EXTERNALLY CRACKED cylinder head replaced at your expense, you may be eligible for a refund.
To request a refund, you must show the dealer proof of the prior repair (paid work order or parts purchase receipt).
The date of the previous repair must be prior to receipt of this letter.
Changed Address or Sold Your Car?
If you have changed your address or sold the car, please fill out Section 1 of the enclosed prepaid postcard and mail it to us.
Maintenance Reminders
The following maintenance reminders are being provided for your use.
* Check the engine coolant level regularly. Maintain the correct coolant level at all times. When filling cooling system or topping-off coolant level, use only a 50/50 mixture (half water/half antifreeze) of cooling solution.
* Never idle the engine for more than ten minutes.
* Always follow maintenance schedule for engine oil and oil filter changes.
If the dealer does not make the repair promptly and without charge, please fill in Section 3 of the prepaid postcard and mail it to us. You also may send a complaint to the Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 400 Seventh Street, SW, Washington, DC 20590 or call the toll free Auto Safety Hotline 800-424-9393.
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 car.
For Areas Not Affected by U.S. Law
Suggested Owner Letter (Dealership Stationery)
Dear Owner:
Ford Motor Company has determined that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in certain 1984 Ford Escort, EXP and Mercury Lynx cars with 1.6L 2V High Output HO engines.
Safety Defect
The aluminum cylinder head on these engines may develop a crack on the outside surface of the head. If a crack should occur, engine oil could leak onto the exhaust manifold.
Problem
Engine oil leaking onto a hot exhaust manifold could under certain conditions ignite and may result in an engine compartment fire.
Symptoms
Drivers may notice traces of smoke combined with an objectionable odor coming from the engine compartment. The engine may also require frequent additions of engine oil to maintain a "full" oil level on the engine oil dipstick.
Repairs
At no cost to you, we will inspect your engine and if necessary, replace its cylinder head if it has an external crack, as described above.
How Long Will It Take?
The time needed to repair your car is about one day.
Call Your Dealer
Call us without delay and ask for a service date.
When you bring your car in, give the Service Department the enclosed form. If you misplace the form, we will still do the work, free of charge.
Refund For Paid Repair
If you had an EXTERNALLY CRACKED cylinder head replaced at your expense, you may be eligible for a refund.
To request a refund, you must show us proof of the prior repair (paid work order or parts purchase receipt).
The date of the previous repair must be prior to receipt of this letter.
Changed address or Sold Your Car?
If you have changed your address or sold the car, please fill out Section 1 of the enclosed prepaid postcard and mail it to the addressee.
Maintenance Reminders
The following maintenance reminders are being provided for your use.
* Check the engine coolant level regularly. Maintain the correct coolant level at all times. When filling cooling system or topping-off coolant level, use only a 50/50 mixture (half water/half anti-freeze) of cooling solution.
* Never idle the engine for more than ten minutes.
* Always follow maintenance schedule for engine oil and oil filter changes.
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 car.