Dealer Letter

June, 1996

To:
All Ford and L-M Dealers

Subject:
Safety Recall 96S39 - Certain 1996 Taurus, Sable and Windstar Vehicles Equipped With AX4S Automatic Transaxles For Inspection and, If Necessary, Modification of the Vehicle's Park Mechanism

Affected Vehicles
1996 Taurus and Sable vehicles built from 7/17/95 through 10/6/95 and 1996 Windstar vehicles built from 7/17/95 through 10/12/95 with AX4S automatic transaxles.

Reasons For Recall
The automatic transaxle park mechanism may not prevent the vehicle from rolling even if the transaxle shift lever is firmly placed in the "PARK" position. If the driver is not aware that the park mechanism of the transaxle has not properly engaged and leaves the vehicle unattended without setting the parking brake, the vehicle would be free to roll as if in neutral - creating the possibility of a vehicle crash or personal injury.

To correct this condition, dealers will inspect the park mechanism and, if necessary, install a new park pawl shaft in the transaxle.

NOTE:
Until this recall is completed, inform owners to always apply the parking brake. This action will serve as a back-up to the transaxle park function to prevent the vehicle from rolling.

Special Tool: Action Required
A transaxle roll pin extractor tool will be required to perform the repair procedure described in the technical section of this letter. Order this special tool by calling 1-800-325-5621. One tool per dealership will be provided at no charge. When calling this number, be prepared to give the following information:

^ Recall Number 96S39
^ Dealer P & A Code
^ Mailing Address
^ Person to Whom Tool Should Be Sent

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