Campaign - Open Circuit At Alternator Wiring Harness: Overview
88ford10March, 1988
PLEASE GIVE COPIES OF THIS BULLETIN TO YOUR PARTS AND SERVICE MANAGERS
To: All Ford and Lincoln-Mercury Dealers
Subject: Owner Notification Program M58 - Alternator Wiring on Certain 1987-Model Econoline, Crown Victoria, Continental and 1988-Model Town Car and Mark VII Vehicles
IN CARES/OASIS - YES
Vehicles Affected
This program involves vehicles that are equipped with large-frame (70 and 100 amp) alternators. All vehicles were manufactured at the affected assembly plants from April 1, 1987, through August 27, 1987.
1) 1987-Model Econolines equipped with 4.9L, 5.0L, 5.BL and 7.5L engines with Auxiliary Heater, and/or A/C, Heavy Duty Service Package or 100 Amp Alternator Option.
2) 1987-Model Econolines equipped with 6.9L diesel engines and A/C.
3) 1987-Model Crown Victoria equipped with Heavy Duty Alternator Option or Police Option.
4) 1988-Model Town Car.
5) 1987-Model Continental and 1988-Model Mark VII.
Reasons for This Program
There is a potential for an open circuit at the alternator wiring harness terminal-to-alternator connector. The sleeve terminal of the wiring harness may be spread open to the point of not making good electrical contact with the blade terminal in the alternator.
What Might Happen
An open circuit at the alternator may result in owners experiencing a charging system failure, erratic ammeter/warning light operation and a "dead-battery".
Program Provisions
Owners will be notified to return their vehicles for inspection and, if necessary, modifications to the terminals to assure contact of the wiring harness-tothe-alternator terminal.
Program Limitations
Owners will be encouraged to return their vehicles as soon as possible for the service provided by this program. This service will be performed during the base vehicle warranty period or through August, 1988, whichever provides the greater coverage. (Disregard time mileage limitations through August, 1988.)
Refunds
Owners who have paid for service as a result of this condition prior to the announcement of this program will be refunded the costs of parts, labor, towing and battery charging, including any deductible charges. Refund requests must be submitted to a dealer by August 31, 1988.
Administrative and Technical Instructions
Attachment I contains technical and administrative instructions for the inspection and, if necessary, modification to the alternator terminals.
CARES/OASIS
To assist in vehicle identification, this program will be entered in CARES and OASIS.
Action By Ford
Owners will be notified with the letter shown on Attachment I.
Your parts and service personnel must be provided with this package and be familiar with the program to respond to owner inquiries.