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Owner Notification Program 00M09 - 3.8L Engine Head Gaskets (00M09)

Publication date: 2000-10-01
Reference number: 00M09

OWNER NOTIFICATION PROGRAM 00M09 - 3.8L ENGINE HEAD GASKETS

OWNER NOTIFICATION PROGRAM 00M09 - 3.8L ENGINE HEAD GASKETS

SERVICE CAMPAIGN BULLETIN

Reference Number(s): 00M09, Date of Issue:  October, 2000
FORD: 1994-1995 Taurus; 1995 Windstar
LINCOLN: 1994 Continental
MERCURY: 1994-1995 Sable

OWNER NOTIFICATION PROGRAM 00M09

SUBJECT

Owner Notification Program 00M09, Supplement # 3 - 3.8L Engine Head Gaskets - Additional Coverage on Affected Vehicles to 7 Years or 100,000 Miles, Whichever Occurs First, From The Original Warranty Start Date. Coverage is Automatically Transferred to Subsequent Owners.

REFERENCE

The announcement of Owner Notification Program 00M09, Supplement #3 supersedes all previous Owner Notification Program 00M09 announcements and revisions.

  1. OASIS
    YES
  2. OWNER LIST
    YES
  3. PARTS RETURN
    NO
  4. PROGRAM TERMS
    As stated above

REASON FOR SUPPLEMENTAL BULLETIN # 3

At the time of the announcement of Owner Notification Program 00M09, a certain population of affected vehicles exceeded the 7 year limitation from the original warranty start date.

A grace period of additional coverage was provided to all owners of affected vehicles through October 1, 2000 or 100,000 miles, whichever occurred first, regardless of time in service . The grace period provision has expired, effective October 1, 2000.

Additional coverage on affected vehicles remains in effect to 7 years or 100,000 miles, whichever occurs first, from the vehicle's original warranty start date.

All references to the special marketing program, which also expired effective October 1, 2000, have been removed from this bulletin, as well as from the Customer Notification Letters.

AFFECTED VEHICLES

All 1994 model year Continental vehicles equipped with the 3.8L engine and built at the Wixom assembly plant from December 8, 1992 through November 18, 1994.

All 1994 and 1995 model year Taurus and Sable vehicles equipped with the 3.8L engine and built at the Atlanta Assembly plant from April 28, 1993 through June 7, 1995.

All 1994 and 1995 model year Taurus and Sable vehicles equipped with the 3.8L engine and built at the Chicago Assembly plant from August 27, 1993 through June 26, 1995.

All 1995 model year Windstar vehicles equipped with the 3.8L engine and built at the Oakville Assembly plant from December 15, 1993 through August 11, 1995.

REASON FOR THIS PROGRAM

Premature failure of the head gasket(s) may occur. This condition may result in engine coolant leakage which, if not detected, can cause engine overheating. In extreme cases, this condition may result in engine failure. To prevent engine failure, customers should bring their vehicle in for service under this program if the following symptoms exist:

  • Persistent and worsening overheating engine conditions
  • Heavy white smoke from the tailpipe
  • Flashing "Low Coolant" sensor light, even after coolant is re-filled
  • Constant loss of coolant

Owners of affected vehicles are notified that additional coverage for this specific condition is being provided. Coverage is provided for 7 years or 100,000 miles, whichever occurs first, from the vehicle's original warranty start date. Coverage is automatically transferred to subsequent owners.

Ford Motor Company will provide the additional warranty coverage for the use of Ford parts and Ford authorized remanufactured parts, or repairs performed by a Ford dealer, related to this condition.

SERVICE ACTION

For vehicles exhibiting the symptoms described above, dealers are directed to replace failed head gaskets with a re-designed gasket, change the engine oil and oil filter and perform a cooling system flush.

Recent field audits performed by Powertrain Engineering indicate evidence that technicians are not following service procedures contained within program bulletins. Due to the customer implications associated with Owner Notification Program 00M09, technicians are strongly encouraged to follow the service guidelines, as provided in Attachment III. Technicians should pay particular attention to the cooling system flush procedure and to the section related to cylinder head and cylinder block gasket surface preparation and cleaning.

NOTE: All repairs identified as related damage MUST be completed and submitted for payment within the Owner Notification Program time limit. Claims for repairs performed beyond the time limit will not be accepted for payment by ACES II.

If a repair was completed within the program limits and the dealer believes a related damage condition was present, but not detected at that time, the dealer must contact the Warranty Action Team (WAT) at 1-800-423-8851 for consideration of a manual pay exception. Exceptions will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

REFUNDS

Owners who paid for repairs made before the date of the Owner Letter may be eligible for a refund for two years from the date of this program.

Owners may be eligible for a refund after the date of the Owner Letter, only if an emergency repair was made away from the servicing dealer.

ATTACHMENTS

  1. Attachment I: Administrative Information
  2. Attachment II: Labor Allowances Parts Ordering Information
  3. Attachment III: Technical Instructions (Revised)
  4. Attachment IV: Repair Procedure Flowchart
  5. Enclosure: Example of Customer Notification Letters

QUESTIONS

Claims Information 1-800-423-8851

Other Recall Questions 1-800-325-5621

ATTACHMENT I

Owner Notification Program 00M09, Supplement # 3 - 3.8L Engine Head Gaskets

Additional Coverage on Affected Vehicles to 7 Years or 100,000 Miles, Whichever Occurs First, From The Original Warranty Start Date. Coverage is Automatically Transferred to Subsequent Owners.

OASIS

You must use OASIS to determine if a vehicle is eligible for this program.

PROMPTLY CORRECT

Promptly correct all eligible vehicles that are brought to your dealership which exhibit the following conditions:

  • Persistent and worsening overheating engine conditions
  • Heavy white smoke from the tailpipe
  • Flashing "Low Coolant" sensor light, even after coolant is re-filled
  • Constant loss of coolant

OWNER REFUNDS

See ACESII Manual, Section 3 for submission procedures.

For eligible owner-paid repairs made before date of the Owner Letter, enter claims using DWE:

  1. Program Code
    00M09
  2. Misc. Expense
    REFUND
  3. Misc. Expense
    ADMIN.
  4. Misc. Expense
    0.2 Hr.

Refer to ACESII Manual for refund information.

RENTAL CARS

Ford Motor Company will pay for a rental vehicle if a covered vehicle requires related damage engine repairs due to a head gasket leak (up to a maximum of 5 days).

Rental vehicles are not approved for vehicles that are at the dealer for a head gasket replacement only.

If the rental period will exceed 5 days, contact the Recall Hotline at 1-800-325-5621.

  • Fuel will be at the owner's expense.
  • Follow ESP dollar amounts for rental vehicles.

To file for rental reimbursement enter the word "RENTAL" plus the number of days the vehicle was used, in the Miscellaneous Expense area.

ATTACHMENT II

Owner Notification Program 00M09, Supplement # 3 - 3.8L Engine Head Gaskets

Additional Coverage on Affected Vehicles to 7 Years or 100,000 Miles, Whichever Occurs First, From The Original Warranty Start Date. Coverage is Automatically Transferred to Subsequent Owners.

LABOR ALLOWANCES

Operation Description:  Measure Cylinder Bore Diameter, Replace Cylinder Head Gasket, Flush Cooling System and Change Oil and Oil Filter.

LABOR ALLOWANCES

Model Labor Operation Labor Time
1994 Continental 00M09B 8.7 Hours
1994-95 Taurus/Sable 00M09C 8.7 Hours
1995 Windstar 00M09D 9.1 Hours

The service repair procedure includes measurement of cylinder bore, replacement of both head gaskets, a change of the oil and oil filter, and includes a complete cooling system flush. Labor time for cylinder bore measurement, cylinder head flatness check, cylinder head and cylinder block gasket surface preparation and cleaning are provided for. All procedures are incorporated into one labor time for each vehicle line. Technicians are strongly encouraged to follow the service guidelines as presented in Attachment III.

Refer to Technical Service Bulletin # 93-23-14 for approved Ford service procedures for cleaning gasket surfaces.

Do not use a Surface Reconditioning Disk (pad/cookie) or other fiber abrasive to clean the head gasket surfaces. Fibers from the disk could get into the oil and oil pan, and the fibers will migrate and clog the oil by-pass valve and cause major engine failure. Engine warranty claims after such a repair may be subject to scrutiny.

Some engine assemblies replaced under warranty have been found with internal contamination. This condition may be traceable to a previous repair involving removal of the valve cover(s), intake manifold(s) and/or cylinder head(s). Scuffed pistons/bores, excessively worn crankshaft/camshaft bearings, low oil pressure, engine knocking and excessive oil consumption can result from improper engine gasket preparation.

PART REQUIREMENTS

Effective March 20, 2000, 3.8L FQR engines were released as the only approved engine for engine replacement repairs under Owner Notification Program 00M09.

In the event that a FQR engine is required to repair a vehicle under ONP 00M09, and one is not readily available, contact your Regional Customer Service Manager (CSM) for details regarding a possible Extended Parts Delay repurchase option for the customer.

PARTS ORDERING INFORMATION

Parts will not be direct shipped for this program. Order your part requirements as shown in Fig 1 .

Fig 1: Parts Ordering Information Table
G00274925

DEALER PRICE

For latest prices, check or call your:

  • Order Processing Center
  • DOES II
  • Updated Price Book

EXCESS STOCK RETURN

Excess stock returned for credit must have been purchased from Ford Customer Service Division in accordance with Policy Procedure Bulletin 4000.

EXTRAORDINARY EXPENSE ALLOWANCE

Extraordinary expenses associated with coolant disposal may be included on the claim. Supporting documentation justifying these costs must be maintained and is subject to audit.

  • Expenses associated with coolant disposal must be entered as "HANDLG" in the Miscellaneous Expense Area.

CLAIMS PREPARATION

See ACES II Manual, Sections 5 & 6 for detailed instructions.

Enter claims via DWE using the code information shown below:

  1. Program Code
    00M09
  2. Labor Operation
    Reference LABOR ALLOWANCES  above.

NOTE: All repairs identified as related damage MUST be completed and submitted for payment within the Owner Notification Program time limit. Claims for repairs performed beyond the time limit will not be accepted for payment by ACES II.

If a repair was completed within the program limits and the dealer believes a related damage condition was present, but not detected at that time, the dealer must contact the Warranty Action Team (WAT) at 1-800-423-8851 for consideration of a manual pay exception. Exceptions will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

ATTACHMENT III

Owner Notification Program 00M09, Supplement # 3 - 3.8L Engine Head Gaskets

HEAD GASKET REPLACEMENT 

AFFECTED VEHICLES

1994 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL, 1994-95 TAURUS/SABLE AND 1995 WINDSTAR VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3.8L ENGINE

The following service guidelines, in addition to Service Manual references, are being provided to assist technicians in completing an effective and robust repair.

SERVICE GUIDELINES

  1. Verify one of the following conditions is present prior to initiating a repair on an affected vehicle.
    • Persistent and/or chronic engine overheating.
    • Heavy white smoke evident from the exhaust tailpipe.
    • Flashing "Low Coolant" instrument panel light, even after coolant refill.
    • Constant loss of engine coolant.
  2. Before performing any removal procedure, use shop air to remove any debris from the top of the engine. This is critical in order to prevent even small amounts of foreign material from entering the engine upon teardown, which may jeopardize the proper functioning of the engine after repairs are completed.
  3. Remove the cylinder head and clean the gasket surfaces following the procedure outlined in Section 03-01 of the appropriate Service Manual.
    • Place a clean shop towel in the valley of the engine in order to prevent contaminants from entering the oil system.
    • Refer to Technical Service Bulletin # 93-23-14 for approved Ford service procedures for cleaning gasket surfaces.
    • Do not use a Surface Reconditioning Disk (pad/cookie) or other fiber abrasive to clean the head gasket surfaces. Fibers from the disk could get into the oil and oil pan, and the fibers will migrate and clog the oil by-pass valve and cause major engine failure. Engine warranty claims after such a repair may be subject to scrutiny.
    • Some engine assemblies replaced under warranty have been found with internal contamination. This condition may be traceable to a previous repair involving removal of valve cover(s), intake manifold(s), cylinder head(s) and/or front engine cover. Scuffed pistons/bores, excessively worn crankshaft/camshaft bearings, low oil pressure, engine knocking and excessive oil consumption can result from improper engine gasket preparation.
  4. Using a cylinder bore gauge or a telescoping gauge (T-gauge) in conjunction with an outside micrometer, measure the bore diameter of one cylinder bore on each bank of the engine. See Fig 2 . Follow the instructions provided by the bore gauge manufacturer.
    • If the cylinder bore measures 96.799 - 96.830 mm (3.8110 - 3.8122 inches), use Cylinder Head Gasket Kit F5PZ-6051-BB to reassemble the engine.
    • If the cylinder bore measures greater than 96.830 mm (3.8122 inches), call the Recall Hotline at 1-800-325-5621 to order a set of overbore-size head gaskets. Use the remaining parts from Head Gasket Kit F5PZ-6051-BB but DO NOT use the head gaskets provided in the kit. The overbore-size head gaskets MUST be used in place of those provided in the F5PZ-6051-BB head gasket kit.
    Fig 2: Measuring Cylinder Bore
    G00274926
  5. Check the cylinder head gasket surface for flatness using a straight edge and a feeler gauge. The surface must be flat to within 0.18 mm (0.007 in.). If it is necessary to refinish the gasket surface, do not plane or grind off more than 0.25 mm (0.010 in.). See Fig 3 .
    Fig 3: Checking Cylinder Head Gasket Surface Flatness
    G00274927
  6. Reassemble and tighten the new head bolts to the following specifications: Tighten all bolts in numerical sequence, as shown in Fig 4 , in three steps as follows:
    • 20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
    • 40 Nm (30 lb-ft)
    • 50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
    Fig 4: Cylinder Head Tightening Sequence
    G00274928
  7. CAUTION:  Do not loosen all of the bolts at the same time. Work on one bolt at a time in the sequence shown in Fig 4 . Failure to loosen bolts in proper sequence could cause cylinder head to warp.

    In numerical sequence, as shown in Figure 3, retighten the bolts per the following steps:

    LONG BOLTS:

    1. Loosen the long bolt and back out 2-3 turns.
    2. Retighten the long bolt to 40-50 Nm (30-37 lb-ft).
    3. Rotate the long bolt an additional 175-185 degrees (approximately 1/2 turn).
    4. Go to the next bolt in sequence.

    SHORT BOLTS:

    1. Loosen the short bolt and back out 2-3 turns.
    2. Retighten the short bolt to 20-30 Nm (15-22 lb-ft).
    3. Rotate the short bolt an additional 175-185 degrees (approximately 1/2 turn).
    4. Go to the next bolt in sequence.

  8. NOTE:  Using Metal Surface Cleaner F4AZ-19A536-A or equivalent meeting Ford specification ESE-M2G52-A, clean the sealing surfaces of the cylinder head and intake manifold.

    Apply a dab of Gasket and Trim Adhesive F3AZ-19B508-AA or equivalent meeting Ford specification ESR-M1171P-A and ESE-M2G52-A to each cylinder head mating surface. Press the new intake manifold gaskets into place using locating pins as necessary to aid in assembly.

    Apply a 3-4 mm (1/8 in.) bead of Silicone Rubber F4AZ-19562-B or equivalent meeting Ford specification WSE-M4G323-A1 at each corner where the cylinder heads join the cylinder block. See Fig 5 .

    Fig 5: Installing Intake Manifold Gaskets
    G00274929
  9. Replace the oil filter and fill the crankcase with the appropriate amount of Motorcraft 5W30 engine oil.
  10. Insert a garden hose into the thermostat housing (thermostat removed) and flush the engine using a strong stream of fresh water for approximately 10 minutes. Water will drain out of the lower radiator hose. Insert the garden hose into the upper radiator hose and flush the radiator for two (2) minutes. Water will drain out of the lower radiator hose connection and radiator draincock. Flush the coolant overflow bottle for two-three (2-3) minutes to clean. After flushing is complete, allow the cooling system to completely drain. Clean the thermostat housing and manifold mating surfaces and install a new gasket when installing the thermostat. Inspect the upper radiator hose for damage and replace, if necessary. If re-using the upper radiator hose, remove and discard the constant tension clamp and install a new screw clamp (383525-S) on the hose to ensure proper sealing. Connect the upper radiator hose to the thermostat housing, positioning the clamp between the alignment marks on the hose. Tighten the clamp to 3 Nm (26 lb-in).
  11. Inspect the lower radiator hose for damage and replace, if necessary. If re-using the lower radiator hose, discard the constant tension clamp and install a new screw clamp (383525-S) on the hose to ensure proper sealing. Connect the lower radiator hose to the radiator, positioning the clamp between the alignment marks on the hose. Tighten the clamp to 3 Nm (26 lb-in). Close the radiator draincock.
  12. Add 6 quarts (7 quarts on Windstar with auxiliary rear heat) of new coolant (-19549-) to the radiator. Fill the remainder of the radiator with water to the top of the filler neck. Fill the overflow bottle with water to the cold fill line.
  13. Operate the engine for several minutes and then recheck the hoses and connections for leaks. Top off the cooling system, as necessary.

ATTACHMENT IV

Owner Notification Program 00M09, Supplement # 3 - 3.8L Engine Head Gaskets

Additional Coverage on Affected Vehicles to 7 Years or 100,000 Miles, Whichever Occurs First, From The Original Warranty Start Date. Coverage is Automatically Transferred to Subsequent Owners.

ATTENTION: DEALER PRINCIPAL, SERVICE MANAGER, PARTS MANAGER 

The following chart and repair procedure should be referenced when determining repair actions on the 3.8L engine.

Fig 6: Repair Procedure Flowchart
G00274930

Recommended Inspection/Repair Procedures

  1. Condition
    Vehicle exhibits one of the four following conditions
    • persistent and worsening overheating engine condition
    • heavy white smoke from the tailpipe
    • flashing "low coolant" sensor light, even after coolant is re-filled
    • constant loss of coolant
  2. Repair
    If condition is caused by head gasket leakage (assumes front cover and intake manifold gaskets are not leaking) replace head gaskets as per ONP 00M09. Do not remove the oil pan and inspect bearings for a 00M09 repair.
  3. Condition
    Vehicle exhibits a "lower-end" engine knock condition.
  4. Repair
    Request replacement FQR engine

All instances of lower-end engine knock must be annotated on the repair order (hard copy) at the time of write-up.

ENCLOSURE

FORD CUSTOMER NOTIFICATION LETTER

October 2000

Dear Mr. Sample:

Ford Motor Company is committed to becoming the world's leading consumer company providing automotive products and services, and is dedicated to pursuing customer satisfaction. Our goal, together with your local Ford dealer, is to earn your continued loyalty by providing consumer focused service and support.

In support of this commitment, Ford Motor Company is providing additional warranty coverage under Service Program Number 00M09, to owners of 1994 and 1995 model year Ford Taurus and 1995 model year Ford Windstar vehicles equipped with a 3.8L engine.

The additional warranty covers potential engine head gasket failures which may be experienced by some owners of these vehicles, and will be in effect for 7 years, or 100,000 miles, from the vehicle's original warranty start date, whichever comes first.

If you have already paid to have the head gasket repaired prior to the date of this letter, you may be entitled to a refund of your repair costs, if the repair was made within 7 years or 100,000 miles, whichever occurred first, from the original warranty start date.

We apologize for problems you may have experienced with your vehicle. Ford Motor Company is committed to maintaining satisfying and long-term relationships with our valued customers, and demonstrating that commitment through actions such as this. Thank you.

What the issue is... 

Premature failure of the head gasket(s) may occur. This condition may result in engine coolant leakage which, if not detected, can cause engine overheating. In extreme cases, this condition may result in engine failure. To prevent engine failure, customers should bring their vehicle in for service under this program if the following symptoms exist:

  • Persistent and worsening overheating engine conditions
  • Heavy white smoke from the tailpipe
  • Flashing "Low Coolant" sensor light, even after coolant is re-filled
  • Constant loss of coolant

What Ford Motor Company and your dealer will do... 

Ford Motor Company is providing additional warranty coverage for this condition. If your vehicle's engine should experience this condition, your dealer will verify the condition and replace the engine head gaskets, if necessary.

The no charge additional warranty coverage for this condition is available on affected 1994 and 1995 Taurus and 1995 Windstar vehicles for 7 years or 100,000 miles, whichever occurs first, from the original warranty start date. Coverage is automatically transferred to subsequent owners.

Ford Motor Company will provide the additional warranty coverage for Ford parts and Ford authorized remanufactured parts, or repairs performed by a Ford dealer, related to this condition.

What we are asking you to do... 

If you suspect your vehicle has the described condition, contact your dealer right away to schedule a service appointment.

If you've already paid for this service... 

If you have already paid to have the head gasket repaired prior to the date of this letter, and the repair was made within 7 years or 100,000 miles, whichever occurred first, from the original warranty start date, Ford Motor Company will provide you the opportunity to obtain a full refund for two years from the date of this program.

Please note: Refund claims can only be processed through your Ford dealer with your original, paid receipt.

If you've changed address or sold the vehicle... 

Please fill out the enclosed prepaid postcard and mail it to us if you have changed address or sold the vehicle.

If you have concerns... 

If you have trouble getting your vehicle repaired promptly and without charge, please contact the Ford Motor Company North American Customer Relationship Center:

CALL: 1-800-392-3673

  1. Office Hours: 8:00 AM - 11:00 PM (Monday-Friday) ET
  2. Office Hours: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Saturday) ET

Quality Care service is there for you all year round. 

Quality Care is the commitment of Ford Motor Company and your Ford dealer to provide you with a superior service and ownership experience. While we regret the inconvenience caused by this condition, we stand committed with our Ford dealers to assist you with all of your automotive service needs. With our nationwide dealer network, we're here to ensure you receive Quality Care service so that your vehicle maintains peak performance throughout your ownership experience.

MERCURY CUSTOMER NOTIFICATION LETTER

October, 2000

Dear Mr. Sample:

Ford Motor Company is committed to becoming the world's leading consumer company providing automotive products and services, and is dedicated to pursuing customer satisfaction. Our goal, together with your local Mercury dealer, is to earn your continued loyalty by providing consumer focused service and support.

In support of this commitment, Ford Motor Company is providing additional warranty coverage under Service Program Number 00M09, to owners of 1994 and 1995 Sable vehicles equipped with a 3.8L engine.

The additional warranty covers potential engine head gasket failures which may be experienced by some owners of these vehicles, and will be in effect for 7 years, or 100,000 miles, from the vehicle's original warranty start date, whichever comes first.

If you have already paid to have the head gasket repaired prior to the date of this letter, you may be entitled to a refund of your repair costs, if the repair was made within 7 years or 100,000 miles, whichever occurred first, from the original warranty start date.

We apologize for problems you may have experienced with your vehicle. Ford Motor Company is committed to maintaining satisfying and long-term relationships with our valued customers, and demonstrating that commitment through actions such as this. Thank you.

What the issue is... 

Premature failure of the head gasket(s) may occur. This condition may result in engine coolant leakage which, if not detected, can cause engine overheating. In extreme cases, this condition may result in engine failure. To prevent engine failure, customers should bring their vehicle in for service under this program if the following symptoms exist:

  • Persistent and worsening overheating engine conditions
  • Heavy white smoke from the tailpipe
  • Flashing "Low Coolant" sensor light, even after coolant is re-filled
  • Constant loss of coolant

What Ford Motor Company and your dealer will do... 

Ford Motor Company is providing additional warranty coverage for this condition. If your vehicle's engine should experience this condition, your dealer will verify the condition and replace the engine head gaskets, if necessary.

The no charge additional warranty coverage for this condition is available on affected 1994 and 1995 Sable vehicles for 7 years or 100,000 miles, whichever occurs first, from the original warranty start date. Coverage is automatically transferred to subsequent owners.

Ford Motor Company will provide the additional warranty coverage for Ford parts and Ford authorized remanufactured parts, or repairs performed by a Mercury dealer, related to this condition.

What we are asking you to do... 

If you suspect your vehicle has the described condition, contact your dealer right away to schedule a service appointment.

If you've already paid for this service... 

If you have already paid to have the head gasket repaired prior to the date of this letter, and the repair was made within 7 years or 100,000 miles, whichever occurred first, from the original warranty start date, Ford Motor Company will provide you the opportunity to obtain a full refund for two years from the date of this program.

Please note: Refund claims can only be processed through your Mercury dealer with your original, paid receipt.

If you've changed address or sold the vehicle... 

Please fill out the enclosed prepaid postcard and mail it to us if you have changed address or sold the vehicle.

If you have concerns... 

If you have trouble getting your vehicle repaired promptly and without charge, please contact the Ford Motor Company North American Customer Relationship Center:

CALL: 1-800-392-3673

  1. Office Hours: 8:00 AM - 11:00 PM (Monday-Friday) ET
  2. Office Hours: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Saturday) ET

Quality Care service is there for you all year round. 

Quality Care is the commitment of Ford Motor Company and your Mercury dealer to provide you with a superior service and ownership experience. While we regret the inconvenience caused by this condition, we stand committed with our Mercury dealers to assist you with all of your automotive service needs. With our nationwide dealer network, we're here to ensure you receive Quality Care service so that your vehicle maintains peak performance throughout your ownership experience.

LINCOLN CUSTOMER NOTIFICATION LETTER

October 2000

Dear Mr. Sample:

Ford Motor Company is committed to becoming the world's leading consumer company providing automotive products and services, and is dedicated to pursuing customer satisfaction. Our goal, together with your local Lincoln dealer, is to earn your continued loyalty by providing consumer focused service and support.

In support of this commitment, Ford Motor Company is providing additional warranty coverage under Service Program Number 00M09, to owners of 1994 Lincoln Continental vehicles equipped with a 3.8L engine.

The additional warranty covers potential engine head gasket failures, which may be experienced by some owners of these vehicles, and will be in effect for 7 years or 100,000 miles, from the vehicle's original warranty start date, whichever comes first.

If you have already paid to have the head gasket repaired prior to the date of this letter, you may be entitled to a refund of your repair costs, if the repair was made within 7 years or 100,000 miles, whichever occurred first, from the original warranty start date.

We apologize for problems you may have experienced with your vehicle. Ford Motor Company is committed to maintaining satisfying and long-term relationships with our valued customers, and demonstrating that commitment through actions such as this. Thank you.

What the issue is... 

Premature failure of the head gasket(s) may occur. This condition may result in engine coolant leakage which, if not detected, can cause engine overheating. In extreme cases, this condition may result in engine failure. To prevent engine failure, customers should bring their vehicle in for service under this program if the following symptoms exist:

  • Persistent and worsening overheating engine conditions
  • Heavy white smoke from the tailpipe
  • Flashing "Low Coolant" sensor light, even after coolant is re-filled
  • Constant loss of coolant

What Ford Motor Company and your dealer will do... 

Ford Motor Company is providing additional warranty coverage for this condition. If your vehicle's engine should experience this condition, your dealer will verify the condition and replace the engine head gaskets, if necessary.

The no charge additional warranty coverage for this condition is available on affected 1994 Lincoln Continental vehicles for 7 years or 100,000 miles, whichever occurs first, from the original warranty start date. Coverage is automatically transferred to subsequent owners.

Ford Motor Company will provide the additional warranty coverage for Ford parts and Ford authorized remanufactured parts, or repairs performed by a Lincoln dealer, related to this condition.

What we are asking you to do... 

If you suspect your vehicle has the described condition, contact your dealer right away to schedule a service appointment.

If you've already paid for this service... 

If you have already paid to have the head gasket repaired prior to the date of this letter, and the repair was made within 7 years or 100,000 miles, whichever occurred first, from the original warranty start date, Ford Motor Company will provide you the opportunity to obtain a full refund for two years from the date of this program.

Please note: Refund claims can only be processed through your Lincoln dealer with your original, paid receipt.

If you've changed address or sold the vehicle... 

Please fill out the enclosed prepaid postcard and mail it to us if you have changed address or sold the vehicle.

If you have concerns... 

If you have trouble getting your vehicle repaired promptly and without charge, please contact the Ford Motor Company North American Customer Relationship Center:

CALL: 1-800-392-3673

  1. Office Hours: 8:00 AM - 11:00 PM (Monday-Friday) ET
  2. Office Hours: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Saturday) ET

Quality Care service is there for you all year round. 

Quality Care is the commitment of Ford Motor Company and your Lincoln dealer to provide you with a superior service and ownership experience. While we regret the inconvenience caused by this condition, we stand committed with our Lincoln dealers to assist you with all of your automotive service needs. With our nationwide dealer network, we're here to ensure you receive Quality Care service so that your vehicle maintains peak performance throughout your ownership experience.