Technical Information
ATTACHMENT III
SAFETY RECALL 88S51 (1988 CONTINENTAL)
TECHNICAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR 12A581 WIRING HARNESS ONLY
Repair procedure for convolute tubing routed over rear exhaust manifold on Continental 3.8L engine.
A) Inspect the "large" 12A581 harness for fiberglass tape wrap in the area shown in the drawing. If the harness is taped, this part of the recall has previously been completed. If the harness is not taped, proceed with the following instructions:
1. Remove the throttle body air inlet tube and hose. Remove two vacuum hoses (routed over rear rocker arm cover) to provide access to the 12A581 circuit protective convolute.
2. Using hands and a mirror, check the black convolute protective tubing between the two retainer brackets for any indication of heat damage (warped or melted). See attached drawing for location.
If damaged, remove the convolute tubing, check and repair wiring, (see TSB 86-3-11 for proper splice procedure) and install a new piece of tubing. When installing new tubing, tape the two "push-on" connectors to the new tubing, lining up with the two retainer brackets on the engine. If unbolted to gain access, re-install the harness retainer so the harness can be bolted to the aluminum retainer bracket at the pulley end of the engine.
3. Roll approximately 25 feet of the fiberglass tape onto a small diameter rod or pencil.
Tape over the convolute in the area shown on the drawing.
The taping operation must be done with one continuous piece of tape and must have a 50% overlap. The plastic convolute will then be covered with two thicknesses of tape.
4. When finished taping, push the plastic harness retainers into the brackets, if they were removed.
5. Inspect for any additional heat damage and repair as needed.
6. Install the air inlet tube and vacuum hoses.
SAFETY RECALL 88S51 (1988 CONTINENTAL)
TECHNICAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR IGNITION SWITCH WIRING ONLY
Repair procedure for modifying ignition switch wiring and installing new ignition switch.
1. Disconnect negative battery terminal.
2. Install new ignition switch. Disconnect PRNDL cable before dropping column and reconnect/adjust when finished with Ignition Switch replacement. See Continental Shop Manual for procedures (13-04 Column/PRNDL and 31-20 Ignition Switch).
3. WIRING MODIFICATION PROCEDURE
Locate ignition switch connector. Remove all (8) wires from vehicle connector.
Cut and strip only the following three wires. Use TSB 86-3-11 for striping and crimping directions (copy included).
Cut the two YELLOW wires 6 inches from ignition switch connector. Cut the one GRAY/YELLOW wire 7-1/2 inches from ignition switch connector.
Strip 0.3 inch of insulation from cut ends of the three wires. Crimp wires B1, B2 and A2 from service parts kit connector and wire assembly onto the 14401 main wire harness.
4. Using the following diagram, replug the remaining 5 ignition switch wires into the new ignition switch connector. Install new connector wedges. Retape the harness with its original protective covering and plug connector into the new ignition switch.
5. Connect battery ground cable and check switch for proper function.
BULLETIN NO. 86-3
Article No. 86-3-10
WINDSHIELD WIPER - ERRATIC OPERATION OR INOPERATIVE
LINCOLN-MERCURY 1985 LINCOLN TOWN CAR
1985 Lincoln Town Cars that exhibit erratic or inoperative windshield wipers should be checked for possible damage to the wiper wiring harness or poor seating of the wiper motor connector caused by interference of the oil dipstick with the wiper wiring harness or the wiper motor connector. Repair the wiring and/or reseat the wiper motor connector as necessary to correct this condition.
OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES: None
WARRANTY STATUS: "INFORMATION ONLY"
Article No. 86-3-11
WIRING - ENGINE COMPARTMENT
- NEW WATERPROOF BUTT SPLICE CONNECTOR
FORD ALL
LINCOLN-MERCURY ALL
LIGHT TRUCK ALL
MEDIUM/HEAVY TRUCK ALL
A number electrical concerns maybe due to moisture affecting unsealed connectors in the engine compartment. A new waterproof bun splice connector has been released that should be used on all repairs to wiring located in the engine compartment.
The "duraseal" heat shrinkable nylon splice provides a long-lasting splice that can withstand water, soft, condensation, corrosion and heat, all of which cause problems for conventional unsealed splices.
The inner wall of the splice connector is lined with a special adhesive that melts as the splice is heated and flows under pressure from the tubing, filling voids and sealing the splice.
FIGURE 1:
The "duraseal" splice can be easily installed using a standard preinsulated crimp tool and a heat gun. They are also color coded for easy identification of gauge sizes, yet are transparent for visual inspection of the finished splice. See Figure 1 for installation instructions.
Dear Owner:
This notice is sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act.
Ford Motor Company has determined that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in certain 1988 Continentals.
Your car is involved in one or more of the recalls described below. We ask that you read these descriptions and follow the recommendations listed below.
NOTE: The printed form accompanying this letter will indicate to your dealer which service actions your car requires.
Descriptions:
TRANSMISSION GEAR SELECTOR
One end of the automatic transmission gear shift selector cable may become separated from a mating part. If this should happen the gear selector position indicator in the instrument panel (PRNDL) may incorrectly show the actual gear position of the transmission.
If a driver relies on an incorrect indication for the transmission gear position, unexpected movement of your car and personal injury could result.
SYMPTOMS
One possible symptom of a selector cable separation is that the transmission may remain in a forward, neutral or reverse gear when the selector lever is moved to the "P" (PARK) position. Another is the car may not start with the gear selector in "P" PARK or "N" (NEUTRAL). These symptoms may be intermittent, not continuous. If you notice any of these or similar symptoms, inform your dealer so that he may arrange for immediate repairs.
PRECAUTIONS
Always firmly apply the parking brake and turn off the ignition before leaving the car. (This of course, is the proper practice to follow at all times with all vehicles, and one that Ford recommends in Owner Guide booklets.)
ENGINE COMPARTMENT WIRING - HEAT PROTECTION
Prolonged severe operating conditions may cause engine temperatures to exceed the melting point of a plastic covering positioned around an electrical wiring harness in the engine compartment. Under these extreme conditions the plastic covering could melt and drip onto the engine's exhaust manifold. This could result in a vehicle fire.
SYMPTOMS
The occupants of the car may notice a strong odor or see smoke coming from under the hood.
PRECAUTIONS
Don't climb steep grades for extended periods of time with a heavily loaded car or while towing a trailer, until your car has been serviced under this recall.
IGNITION SWITCH WIRING
An electrical wire to an ignition switch circuit that powers the brake pump motor as well as the heater, air conditioner, radio, and turn signals may overheat and lose contact with a mating part. If this happens while the car is being operated, the brake pump motor will stop running and the car will brake normally only one to five times after the red BRAKE warning light comes on and before rear brake function and power assist to the front brakes is lost. Stopping distances and brake pedal efforts required to stop the car will increase substantially. Because of the decrease in braking ability, a vehicle crash could result.
SYMPTOMS
Drivers will be warned of the condition before braking is affected by a red warning light on the instrument panel. When this light is on the word
"BRAKE" is visible. Additionally, the heater/air conditioning system, turn signals, the electronic instrument panel and other accessories may not operate. Drivers should park the car promptly and cautiously if the BRAKE warning light comes on and if the other mentioned systems stop functioning. Owners should immediately contact their dealer.
NOTE: The brake warning light is designed to be on whenever the parking brake is applied and for a brief period, as a bulb check, when the engine is being started.
PRECAUTIONS
If the red BRAKE light comes on while driving and the other components stop operating, the driver should cautiously park the car. Turning the ignition off and then restarting the engine may temporarily correct the condition. If this should occur, the driver should cautiously drive to the nearest Lincoln-Mercury dealer. If, after restarting, the red BRAKE light again comes on, the driver should park the car and arrange to tow the car to the dealer. Ford will pay for reasonable towing costs.
Upon starting the car in the morning or after it has been parked for several hours, a driver should not move the transmission gear selector lever out of "P" (PARK) if the red brake warning light is on and does not go off.
Repairs: At no cost to you, your dealer as appropriate will replace the automatic transmission shift control cable and ignition switch of your car and modify certain underhood electrical wiring.
Call your dealer: Call your dealer without delay and ask for a service date. Your dealer has the service information needed to repair your car. If parts are not in stock at the dealership, they can be ordered before your dealer schedules your service date. Parts would be expected to arrive within a week.
When you bring your car in, give the dealer the attached form(s).
If you misplace the form(s), your dealer will still do the work, free of charge.
How long will it take?
The time needed to repair your car is about onehalf day.
Changed address or sold the car?:
If you have, please fill out Section 1 of the enclosed prepaid postcard and mail it to us.
If the dealer doesn't make these repairs promptly and without charge, you may either mail Section 3 of the prepaid postcard to us or contact the Ford Parts and Service Division Office whose address is shown in your Owner Guide booklet. You may send a complaint to the Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 400 Seventh Street, SW, Washington, DC 20590 or call the toll free Auto Safety Hotline 800-424-9393 (Washington DC area residents may call 426-0123).
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 Fordbuilt car.