Safety Recall 03S08 - Compressed Natural Gas Vehicles - Insulator Installation (03S08)

SUBJECT

Safety Recall 03S08:

Certain 1996 through 2003 Model Year Ford Crown Victoria Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Vehicles

Insulator Installation

AFFECTED VEHICLES

Certain 1996 through 2003 model year Ford Crown Victoria commercial vehicles that are factory equipped with a compressed natural gas (CNG) fuel system, and were built at the St. Thomas Assembly Plant from May 23,1995 through June 23, 2003.

Affected vehicles are identified in OASIS. In addition, visit https://web.fsavinlists.dealerconnection.com  for a list of vehicles assigned to your dealership.

REASON FOR THIS SAFETY RECALL

In a very rare event an interior fire may progress rearward in the vehicle through the rear seat resulting in a locally directed flame at the natural gas cylinder located immediately behind the rear seat. This may potentially damage the fiberglass wrap and reduce the tank strength. If this were to happen, the natural gas tank could potentially rupture.

SERVICE ACTION

At no charge to the vehicle owner, dealers are to install an insulator between the rear seat back sound insulator and the seat back strainer. This must be done on all of the affected vehicles in your inventory as well as vehicles that have been delivered to customers.

PLEASE NOTE:  Correct all vehicles in stock before delivery. Federal law requires dealers to complete any outstanding safety recall service before a new vehicle is delivered to the buyer or lessee. Violation of this requirement by a dealer could result in a civil penalty of up to $5,000 per vehicle.

AN OPPORTUNITY TO BUILD CUSTOMER LOYALTY

With increased service capacity, use the resulting service traffic to acquire new retail service customers, or become reacquainted with current ones. Take this opportunity to make a lifetime customer by demonstrating:

• Care  by using the Quality Care Report Card every time to identify additional service needs that may require attention.
• Convenience  by offering convenient payment terms, by scheduling service appointments and by providing convenient hours and days of operation.
• Competitive Pricing  by promoting national, regional, and your individual dealer service specials.

ATTACHMENTS

1. Attachment I: Administrative Information
2. Attachment II: Labor Allowances and Parts Ordering Information
3. Attachment III: Technical Information
4. Customer Notification Letter

QUESTIONS?

1. Claims Information: ............................................................ 1-800-423-8851
2. Field Service Action (FSA) VIN Lists Support: ......................... 1-800-555-9601
3. Special Service Support Center (Dealer Only) Questions: .......... 1-800-325-5621

OASIS ACTIVATED?

Yes

FSA VIN LIST ACTIVATED?

Yes

Available through FMCDealer.com or at https://web.fsavinlists.dealerconnection.com  .

STOCK VEHICLES

Correct all affected stock vehicles before delivery.

SOLD VEHICLES

• Immediately contact any of your affected owners whose vehicles are not on your VIN lists but are identified in OASIS. Give the owner a copy of the Customer Notification Letter and schedule a service date.
• Also, correct other affected vehicles identified in OASIS which are brought to your dealership.
• If you encounter aftermarket equipment or modifications to the vehicle which might prevent the repair of the covered condition, call the Special Service Support Center.

RELATED DAMAGE

Related damage claims are not approved for this program.

ADDITIONAL LABOR TIME

This repair will require no additional labor time  to complete. Claims submitted with "MT" labor will not be accepted for reimbursement.

OWNER REFUNDS

Refund claims for reimbursement will not be accepted for this program.

RENTAL VEHICLES

The use of rental vehicles is not authorized for this program.

CLAIMS PREPARATION AND SUBMISSION

• Enter claims using Direct Warranty Entry (DWE).
• Refer to ACESII manual for claims preparation and submission information.

LABOR ALLOWANCES

PARTS REQUIREMENTS / ORDERING INFORMATION

Parts are expected to be available on February 4, 2004.

Parts will not be direct shipped for this recall. Order your parts requirements through normal order processing channels.

Orders will not be accepted until February 4, 2004.

The DOR/COR for this program is 50313. This number identifies parts ordered for this recall through the Special Service Support Center (1-800-325-5621).

DEALER PRICE

For latest prices, refer to DOES II.

INSTALLATION

1. Remove the rear seat cushion and backrest pad. Refer to Section 501-10 of the appropriate year Crown Victoria/Grand Marquis workshop manual for seat removal and installation procedures.
2. Lift the sound deadening pad up and stow it on the package tray to provide access to the backseat strainer.
3. CAUTION:  The insulator has markings identifying the proper mounting position (front to back). Also, the retainer holes in the insulator are located specifically to match existing holes in the backseat strainer and will only line up properly when the insulator is correctly placed on the strainer.

   Position and center the insulator on the backseat strainer. Align the retainer holes and install the eight (8) clips. See Figure 1.

4. Reposition the sound deadening pad and install the backrest pad and rear seat cushion. Tighten the backrest pad/safety belt anchor attaching nuts to 48 Nm (35 lb-ft).

   Figure 1

BACKGROUND SUMMARY