1996 Ford F-250 problems

What is wrong

On certain trucks equipped with speed control, gasoline or natural gas engines, the speed control deactivation switch may overheat.

Risk

Overheating could result in smoke or burn and an underhood fire.

Remedy

Dealers will install a fused wiring harness into the speed control system free of charge. The recall began on august 7, 2006. Owners may contact ford at 1‑866‑436‑7332. (note: also see recalls 05v017 and 05v388)

Recall number 06V286000 · Recall details

What is wrong

On certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles equipped with speed control, the speed control deactivation switch may overheat, smoke, or burn.

Risk

A fire at the switch could occur.

Remedy

By letter dated september 12, 2005, owners were instructed to return their vehicles to their dealers to have the speed control deactivation switch disconnected. Owners who have had their speed control deactivated are being notified that parts will be available and advised to make an appointment to reconnect the speed control beginning in february 2006. Owners who did not have their speed control deactivated are being notified to have their system remedied beginning in february 2006. Owners are urged to avail themselves of the free disconnect service as soon as possible because of the significant risk of fire. Owners may contact ford at 1‑800‑392‑3673. (note: also see recalls 05v017 and 06v286)

Recall number 05V388000 · Recall details

What is wrong

The certification labels on the involved vehicles has incorrect rear tire inflation pressure designations. This does not comply with fmvss no. 120, "tire selection and rims for motor vehicles other than passenger cars."

Risk

Incorrect inflation pressures could cause premature wear of the rear tires. .

Remedy

Owners will be provided with correct certification labels and instructions for installing these labels. Dealers can install this label if the owner so desires.

Recall number 96V161000 · Recall details

What is wrong

The crossmember frame gussets were installed with undersized threaded fasteners following a breakdown of the production rivet gun that is generally used. This gusset is the attachment point for the rear strap of the mid-ship fuel tank.

Risk

The subject fasteners can separate causing in the rear strap of the affected fuel tank to become disconnected. A loose or disconnected rear strap allows the fuel tank to possibly contact the road surface increasing the risk of a vehicle fire.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the crossmember gusset fasteners with the specified alternative fasteners (bolts).

Recall number 96V146000 · Recall details

Ea05-005 is closed with ford?s actions in recalls 05v‑017, 05v‑388, and 06v‑286, recalling approximately 6.7 million vehicles equipped with texas instruments speed control deactivation switches (scds).the brake systems in these recalled vehicles generate a vacuum that can potentially cause the scds to fail and, in certain switch installation orientations, catch fire.ford is also including the entire population of 1998 explorers.ford has informed odi that testing to determine the cause of failures in the 1998 explorers will continue after this investigation is closed.odi believes that the vehicles exhibiting the factors causing scds failure described in this report correlate well with the observed failure rates on these vehicles by model and model year.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by the federal safety agency that a safety-related defect does not exist in the non-recalled vehicles manufactured with scds that are not included in ford?s recalls.odi will continue to monitor the non-recalled population for incidence of engine compartment fires.the agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.see attached closing report for details.

EA05005

Consumer complaints report that bolts which retain the axle pivot bracket to the frame cross member can loosen or fail, causing the inboard end or the axle to become detached from the vehicle.owners allege that this could result in loss of steering control, however the complaint data shows only one incident where the vehicle left the roadway following axle separation, with no damage to the vehicle.in addition to the 225 consumer complaints, there were 4,315 warranty claims related to the front suspension and members, and 22 vehicles were replaced for goodwill.documents submitted by ford, under request for confidential treatment indicate that the bolts were inadequate for the durability requirements of the vehicle.also, bolts were found to have been inadequately torqued at one or more assembly plants.other factors, such as wax treatment of the frame, contributed to the problem.increased bolt diameter and increased torque apparently corrected the problem.a service bulletin, 96-20-13, was issued to advise dealers of this corrective action.in these documents, ford also reported that a vehicle, equipped for simultaneous catastrophic failure of all pivot bracket fasteners, was evaluated resulting in a slight vehicle pull to one side with no loss of vehicle control.odi has not replicated ford's vehicle testing, however analysis of the design of the front suspension indicates that even if the inboard end of theaxle became disconnected from the frame, the outboard end would remain firmly attached to the leaf spring with two u-bolts.this would retain the wheel in its approximate position, although the wheel alignment would be greatly in error.therefore it is unlikely that control of the vehicle would be lost.owners reprot many significant noises in the suspension, such as creaking, groaning, clunking, and squeaking, prior to noticing any separation of the axle.this provides warning of the loosening of the bolts to the driver, and should not be ignored.ford has stated that repairs will be covered under the vehicle's bumper warranty.complaints about warranty coverage by a ford dealer should be addressed to ford, or to appropriate state and local agencies.a safety-related defect trend has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by the federal safety agency that no safety-related defect exists.the agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.

PE96052