Dealer Letter

September, 1996

To:
All Ford and Lincoln-Mercury Dealers

Reference:
Recall Facsimile 96S50 - dated August 23, 1996 and Facsimile for 96S50 Supplement # 1 dated September 5, 1996

Subject:
Safety Recall 96S50 and Supplement # 1 - Certain 1996 Windstar, 1996-1997 Taurus, Sable and 1997 Continental vehicles equipped with AX4S and AX4N transaxles for inspection and, if necessary, modification of the vehicle's park mechanism.

Affected Vehicles

^ Certain 1996 Taurus and Sables produced at Chicago Assembly Plant from 8/2/96 through 8/19/96

^ Certain 1996 Windstar vehicles produced at Oakville Assembly Plant from 8/2/96 through 8/28/96

^ Certain 1997 Taurus and Sables produced at Atlanta Assembly Plant from 8/5/96 through 8/22/96

^ Certain 1997 Continental produced at Wixom Assembly Plant from 8/1/96 through 8/22/96

Reasons For Recall
The parking pawl abutment bracket has a sharp edge which may cause the parking cam to hang up and not engage the parking pawl in the parking gear. This may cause the vehicle to move even though the gear shift indicator shows that the vehicle is in park. As a result, there is a possibility the vehicle could roll as if in neutral. If the parking brake is not set when exiting the vehicle, personal injury and property damage may result.

To correct this condition, dealers are to inspect and, if necessary, replace the park pawl abutment bracket on each of the affected vehicles.

As noted in the Owner's Manual, it is recommended that the following actions always be taken when exiting the vehicle:

^ Shift the vehicle to park.
^ Turn off the engine and remove the key.
^ Set the parking brake fully.

Do not demonstrate, or deliver any of these vehicles until they have been inspected/corrected.

Questions?
Claims Information 1-800-423-8851
Other Recall Questions 1-800-325-5621

Attachments

Attachment I
^ Administrative Information

Attachment II
^ Labor Allowances
^ Parts Ordering Information

Attachment III
^ Technical Information