The problem
Vehicle description: medium duty trucks and school bus chassis-cowls equipped with automatic transmissions. The welds that attach the key to the top of the steering column mounted automatic transmission shift linkage may not adequately retain the key, allowing the transmission to be in a gear other than that indicated on the "prndl", or in some cases, "rndl."
The risk
The domestic special order (dso) park brake may not engage when the shift lever is placed in the park position, or in the vehicle moving in an unintended direction when the accelerator is pressed. In some vehicles the dso parking brake mechanism also may not be properly adjusted, which can result in the park brake not engaging when the shift lever is placed in the park position, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
The fix
Dealers will replace the steering column shift tube and, if so equipped, to have the dso park brake linkage adjusted.
Contacts
Owner notification: owner notification is expected to begin june 16, 1997. Note: 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. Also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-800-424-9393.
What to do
- Check your VIN. Enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls - it shows whether this recall applies to your vehicle and whether the repair has been done.
- Call a dealer. Any authorized Ford dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 97V091000.
- Ask about parts and a loaner. If parts aren't available yet, ask what to do in the meantime.
- Keep your paperwork. If you paid for this repair before the recall, you may be able to get reimbursed - here's how.