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1996-1999 Ford Contour, Mercury Cougar and others recall: electrical system

Ford Motor Company reported this safety recall on July 9, 2001. It covers about 342,962 vehicles.

vehicles affected
342,962
reported
Jul 9, 2001
owners notified
Aug 29, 2001
related complaints
472

Electrical system

What is wrong
On certain my 1996-1998 passenger vehicles built at the kansas city, cuautitlan assembly plants or on my 1999 passenger vehcles built at the automotive alliance international assembly plants, the rough surface of the heater blower resistor's stainless steel blades can damage the copper surface of the wiring harness connector. The damage could, over time, cause increased resistance in the connector and, due to subsequent terminal relaxation, result in an open circuit condition.
Risk
The open circuit could lead to electrical arcing that could melt the connector housing material creasing the potential for a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will install a new heater blower resistor and a new wire jumper harness. Owner notification began august 29, 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 01V230000

Affected vehicles

Owner complaints about the same problem

Owners of these vehicles have filed 472 complaints about electrical problems.

1996 Ford Contour1997 Ford Contour1998 Ford Contour1999 Mercury Cougar1996 Mercury Mystique1997 Mercury Mystique1998 Mercury Mystique

Questions about recall 01V230000

Is there a recall on the 1996-1999 Ford Contour, Mercury Cougar and others electrical system?

Yes. Recall 01V230000, reported on July 9, 2001, covers about 342,962 vehicles.

What is the fix for recall 01V230000?

Dealers will install a new heater blower resistor and a new wire jumper harness. Owner notification began august 29, 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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