Dealer Letter Information
April, 1985To: All Ford and Lincoln-Mercury Dealers
Subject: Owner Notification Program B61 - General Service Administration Fleet 1985 Tempo and Topaz Vehicles Equipped With Air Bag Supplemental Restraint Systems
This is to advise you of Owner Notification Program B61 and to provide the attached technical and administrative instructions (Attachment I) and a copy of the letter being sent to the General Services Administration (Attachment II). We have found that on some of the subject vehicles corrosion may occur at certain electrical wiring splices in the portion of the wiring harness which services the center front impact sensor. Because of voltage differences between adjacent spliced wires, the presence of moisture may cause electrolytic action to occur between the wires, resulting in corrosion and current flow and causing the diagnostic warning light to flash.
The vehicles involved in this problem were manufactured at the Kansas City Assembly plant from January 7, 1985 through March 8, 1985.
The General Services Administration will be requested to return the vehicles to Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealerships to have the air bag wiring harnesses inspected and corrected. Air bag equipped vehicles in your inventories should not be delivered until modifications are completed in accordance with this program.
The vehicles involved in this program are assigned to various federal agencies and departments and are widely dispersed. The letter to the General Services Administration recommends that the dealer be contacted for an appointment before the vehicle is returned for service so that, if necessary, the dealer will have an opportunity to order the necessary parts.
Please assure that your sales, service and parts personnel are thoroughly familiar with the details of this program.
Your cooperation in the administration of Owner Notification Program B61 is appreciated. We believe that this program will help to assure owners' continued satisfaction with their Ford vehicles.