Owner Letter

October, 1996

Serial Number: 12345678901234567 96S51

Mr. John Sample
123 Main Street
Anywhere, USA 12345

This notice is sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act.

Ford Motor Company has decided that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in certain 1996 Continental, Taurus and Sable vehicles equipped with AX4N automatic transaxles.

Safety Defect
The automatic transaxle park mechanism may not prevent the wheels of the vehicle from rolling as if in neutral when the transaxle shift lever is firmly placed in the "PARK" position.

WARNING
IF YOU PARK YOUR VEHICLE WITHOUT FULLY SETTING THE PARKING BRAKE, IT COULD ROLL AS IF IN NEUTRAL CREATING THE POSSIBILITY OF A COLLISION OR PERSONAL INJURY.

Although the possibility of an unattended vehicle being free to move can be prevented by fully setting the parking brake - a precaution that should be followed whenever you park - we urge you to have this recall completed promptly.

Repairs
At no charge to you, your dealer will inspect your vehicle and, if necessary, install a new park pawl shaft in the transaxle. The repair will involve some disassembly of the transaxle.

How Long Will It Take?
The time needed for this service is about two hours. However, due to service scheduling times, your dealer may need your vehicle for a longer period.

Call Your Dealer
Call your dealer without delay. Ask for a service date and whether parts are in stock for Safety Recall 96S51.

If your dealer does not have the parts in stock, they can be ordered before scheduling your service date. Parts would be expected to arrive within a week.

When you bring your vehicle in, show the dealer this letter.

If you misplace this letter, your dealer will still do the work, free of charge.

Reminder
Always set the parking brake fully and remove the ignition key whenever you leave your vehicle.

Changed Address Or Sold The Vehicle?
Please fill out the enclosed prepaid postcard and mail it to us if you have changed your address or sold the vehicle.

If the dealer doesn't make the repair promptly and without charge, you may contact the Ford Customer Assistance Center, 300 Renaissance Center, P.O. Box 43360, Detroit, Michigan 48243. You also may send a complaint to the Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 400 Seventh Street, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20590 or call the toll free Auto Safety Hotline 1-800-424-9393 (Washington, D.C. area residents may call 366-0123).

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 vehicle.