1999-2000 Mercury Cougar recall: cables

Ford Motor Company reported this safety recall on February 6, 2001. It covers about 120,000 vehicles.

vehicles affected: 120,000
reported: Feb 6, 2001
owners notified: Mar 22, 2001
related complaints: 162

Electrical system: 12v/24v/48v battery: cables

What is wrong: Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with 2.5l v6 engines. The battery cable was misrouted and its attachment to the alternator cable was under-torqued. If misrouted, the cable could contact the power steering line and the insulation could wear, resulting in an electrical short.
Risk: The short could potentially result in a fire, stalling, or a no-start condition.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the battery cable to the alternator for damage and, if it is damaged, will replace the cable. Additionally, the routing of the cable will be corrected, as necessary, and a routing clip will be added. Also the torque on the alternator attachment of the cable will be checked and, as required, will be tightened to specification. Owner notification began march 22, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact ford at 1‑800‑392‑3673.

Recall number 01V031000

Affected vehicles

Mercury Cougar 1999-2000 1999 2000

Owner complaints about the same problem

Owners of these vehicles have filed 162 complaints about electrical problems.

1999 Mercury Cougar 2000 Mercury Cougar

Questions about recall 01V031000

Is there a recall on the 1999-2000 Mercury Cougar cables?

Yes. Recall 01V031000, reported on February 6, 2001, covers about 120,000 vehicles.

What is the fix for recall 01V031000?

Dealers will inspect the battery cable to the alternator for damage and, if it is damaged, will replace the cable. Additionally, the routing of the cable will be corrected, as necessary, and a routing clip will be added. Also the torque on the alternator attachment of the cable will be checked and, as required, will be tightened to specification. Owner notification began march 22, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact ford at 1‑800‑392‑3673.

Is the recall repair free?

Safety recall repairs are done free of charge at authorized dealers. A dealer can confirm with the VIN whether a specific vehicle is included and whether the repair has already been done.

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