Recall - Backlight Glass Modification: Overview
87ford13Number: 87S25
March, 1987
To: Selected North American Ford and Lincoln-Mercury Dealers and Affiliated Ford Motor Companies
Subject: Safety Recall 87S25 - Certain 1986/1987 Taurus and Sable Station Wagons for Modification or Replacement of Backlite Glass
Reference: Service Recall Bulletin dated February 19, 1987
VEHICLES INVOLVED:
1986/1987 Taurus/Sable station wagons with liftgate wiper/washer option built at both the Atlanta and Chicago Assembly Plants from Job #1, 1986 through January 28, 1987.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DEFECT:
Ford Motor Company has determined that a defect related to motor vehicle safety exists in certain 1986/1987 Taurus/Sable station wagon vehicles. The affected vehicles were produced with the liftgate wiper/washer option at the Atlanta and Chicago Assembly Plants from Job #1, 1986 through January 28, 1987. Road salt may penetrate the lower backlite glass seal and erode the electrical conducting material. Heat produced in the eroded conductors during wiper operation may create thermal stresses in the backlite glass. As a result, the backlite may fracture while the wiper is or has recently been operated. If the window fractures while the vehicle is in motion, the driver may be distracted by the glass breakage possibly affecting his or her control of the car. In addition, some degree of risk of injury to rear-facing third-row seat occupants is possible. While awaiting modification of the vehicle, owners may lessen the risk of fracture of the backlite by not operating the rear window wipers.
To correct this condition, dealers are instructed to add sealing to protect the wiper motor conductors from erosion or, if necessary, to replace the backlite glass.
PLEASE READ ALL OF THIS BULLETIN AND PROVIDE COPIES TO YOUR PARTS MANAGER AND SERVICE MANAGER. ANY QUESTIONS REGARDING ITS CONTENTS SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO YOUR SUPERVISING FORD LOCATION OR THIS OFFICE.