Recalls


CampaignManufacturerManufacturing dateType# of units affectedDate Owner notified MfgRecall Initiated byManufacturers of recalled vehicles/productsReport Recieved DateRecord Creation DateRegulation Part NumberFMVSS Number
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
97V147000FORD MOTOR COMPANYfrom 02/16/1996 to 03/04/1996V (Vehicle)1550010/06/1997ODIFORD MOTOR COMPANY09/09/199709/16/1997
Defect SummaryVehicle description: light duty pickup trucks. the transmission bracket end fitting can separate from the shift cable assembly resulting in operator inability to shift the transmission from one of the drive gear positions into the park position.
Consequence SummaryThis condition can result in unintended vehicle movement if the parking brake is not set.
Corrective SummaryDealers will install a new transmission shift control cable.
NotesOwner notification will begin october 6, 1997. 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.
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)
97V171000FORD MOTOR COMPANYfrom 07/22/1996 to 08/22/1997V (Vehicle)86600010/20/1997ODIFORD MOTOR COMPANY10/07/199710/10/1997
Defect SummaryVehicle description: light duty pickup trucks and multi-purpose passenger vehicles. if the automatic transmission shift cable assembly was not fully attached to the steering column bracket, the shift cable assembly can come out of the bracket. the vehicle operator would then not be able to shift the transmission from one of the drive gear positions into the park position even though the gear shift selector would indicate park.
Consequence SummaryThe condition would not allow a disengagement of the transmission from the park position or affect proper neutral start switch operation. unintended vehicle movement could occur if the parking brake was not set.
Corrective SummaryDealers will make the proper attachment of the transmission shift control cable to the steering column bracket and add a tie strap to that connection.
NotesOwner notification is expected to begin october 20, 1997.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.

Bulletins


BulletinBulletin dateReplacement BulletinItem no.SummaryAdded
POWER TRAIN
463108/01/1998615169Brief information on vehicles exhibit vibration at cruise over 50 mph. *tt01/03/2001
1374501/01/2000612742Some vehicles may experience a condition of no 4 x 4 low range engagement or a stuck in 4 x 4 low range. *mjs06/12/2000
994303/08/1999604751Information regarding reprogramming powertrain control modules (pcms). *tt05/11/1999
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
001501/10/2000612203Information regarding the new transmission cooler flusher- service tip. *mjs06/06/2000
735311/01/1999610785Some vehicles may exhibit a condition of no 4x4 low range engagement or a stuck in 4x4 low range, with no diagnostic trouble codes stored in the gem module. *tt05/15/2000
9816804/07/2000609737Transmission- e40d/4r100-1989-99-main controls, separator plates and separator plate gaskets usage chart. yd04/07/2000
1341210/01/1999609668Some vehicles may exhibit a condition of no 4x4 low range engagement or a stuck in 4x4 low range, with no (dtc) diagnostic trouble code stored in the gem. *tt04/06/2000
710009/01/19996090448Information regarding transmission trouble codes. *mjs03/20/2000
991312508/01/1999609044Sone police vehicles and other vehicles with 4r70w may exhibit a vibration and / or transmission extension housing bushing damage from sustained high speed operation. *tt12/07/1999
999605/17/1999606428Experiencing a delayed or no 2-3 upshift, primarily when the transmission is cold on vehicles with ford qality remanufactured (fqr) 4r70w transmission exchange units with julian build between 062-97 and 040-99. *tt08/20/1999
9812301/19/1998605599Some vehicles may exhibit a flashing transmission control indicator lamp (tcil) and diagnostic trouble codes (dtcs) 62, 628, and / or 1728 may be stored in memory. *tt07/13/1999
994603/08/1999604762Concerns with transmission fluid leaking at radiator. *tt06/01/1999
98231211/23/1998603740Issues regareding diagnostic trouble codes ( dtcs ) p0705, p0708, p1704, and / or p1705 may be stored in memory. *yc03/04/1999
9751103/03/199751945Fluid- transmission fluid usage charts. *jd07/17/1997
BC101539702001/02/199751218Vehicles with e4od transmissions have been built with a reusable elastomeric transmission fluid pan gasket. *jd06/27/1997
BC005397020101/02/199751022Some 1995 and all 1996 and 1997 vehicles with e40d transmissions have been built with a reusable elastomeric transmission fluid pan gasket. *jd06/27/1997
96241011/18/199650909Transmission - e40d - 4r70w - 4r44e - 5r55e - new digital transmission range sensor - diagnosis service tip. *tw06/17/1997
96241811/18/199650916Transmission - e40d - revised design forward planet thrust washer - service tip. *tw06/17/1997
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - CONTROL MODULE (TCM, PCM)
04210712/13/200404241410014086General (pcm) power train control module programming procedures. *tt04/28/2005
0421711/01/200410013369General power train control module (pcm) programming procedures. *tt04/15/2005
0061103/20/2000612924Some bi-fuel vehicles may require powertrain control module (pcm) replacement during service and may not run on cng or lpg., recalibration of the pcm/replacement. *mjs06/13/2000
9709029718309/02/199754069Experiencing difficulties with the malfunction indicator lamp (mil). *yc03/30/1998
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - COOLING UNIT AND LINES
0314807/21/200310003748New transmission cooler flusher - service tips. 2003 escort and super duty f series included. *tt10/29/2003
00231011/13/2000616522Subject regarding contamination from prior transmission concerns or excess wear may be trapped in the transmission fluid cooling system. *tt03/05/2001
003802/07/2000612343Vehicles may experience solid particle contaminants from prior transmission concerns or excess wear, may be trapped in the transmission fluid cooling system is not properly flushed, fluid in-line filter kit. *mjs06/07/2000
98161304/07/2000609748Transmission fluid leaks at radiator. yd04/07/2000
994601/01/1999606733Concerns with transmission fluid leaking at the radiator. *tt09/01/1999
9741002/17/199751694Transmission- e4od- cooler bypass valve service during transmission overhaul- service tip. *jd06/27/1997
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - LEVER AND LINKAGE - COLUMN SHIFT
0116608/20/2001624099Some vehicles may exhibit water in the transfer case, this could cause low range 4x4 lamp to illuminate, short of transfer case switch, or windshield wipers to be erratic or inoperative. *slc11/01/2001
512812/01/1998615325Some vehicles with electronic shift on the fly 4x4 systems may stick in 4x4 low. engineering is investigating. *tt01/13/2001
1350511/01/1999614630All 4x4 vehicles with electronic shift onthe fly transfer cases will display contact plate pids opposite of the 1999 or earlier workshop manual indicates when using ngs with 15.0 level or later software. *tt11/29/2000
98512811/01/1998613268Some vehicles with electronic shift on the fly 4x4 systems may stick in 4x4 low. *tt06/20/2000
98307002/01/1998607364Somve vehicles may exhibit a buzz / low growl noise coming from the area of the transfer case manual shift lever. *tt09/21/1999
BC082396101010/10/199650418Concern of water entry into the transfer case. *tt04/24/1997
BC516896100110/01/199650448Procedure for resolving the concern of water entry into the transfer case. *tt04/24/1997
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - PARK/NEUTRAL START SWITCH
0118109/17/2001625715Brake shift interlock.*jb11/30/2001
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - TORQUE CONVERTER
9624911/18/199650908Torque converter - leak test procedure - service tip. *tw06/17/1997
96261212/16/199650997Transaxle - torque converter replacement guidelines and torque converter/transaxle cooling system cleaning procedures - service tip. *tw06/17/1997
POWER TRAIN - AXLE ASSEMBLY
0561804/01/200510017892Rear axle noise repair. *tt12/06/2005
1846603/01/200510014659Axle whine howl. this includes 1997-05 ford vehicles. *eh05/05/2005
462808/01/1998615164Some vehicles may exhibit rear axle noise. *tt01/02/2001
98307402/27/1998607369Concerns with axle wind-up and / or clunking, popping, ratcheting type noises when making cornering maneuvers. *tt09/21/1999
1290506/01/1999606937Some vehicles may experience axle wind up and / or clunking, popping, ratcheting type noises when making cornering maneuvers on vehicles equipped with a four wheel drive hi or low range mode. *tt09/08/1999
BC519796100110/01/199650474Some vehicles equipped w/ an ax4s transaxle may have been shipped w/ a low transaxle fluid level. *tt04/24/1997
POWER TRAIN - AXLE ASSEMBLY - BANJO HOUSING
019305/14/2001620156A condition may exist where a driveline vibration and / or a transmission fluid leak from the extension housing seal area may occur on some vehicles. this may be caused by the extension housing bushing or seal walking / spinning out due t07/19/2001
1272505/01/19996091700Some vehicles may exhibit a vibration and / or transmission extension housing bushing damage from sustained high speed operation. *tt11/09/2000
624205/01/1999607036Experiencing a vibration and / or transmission extension housing bushing damage. *tt11/03/2000
991312508/01/1999609044Sone police vehicles and other vehicles with 4r70w may exhibit a vibration and / or transmission extension housing bushing damage from sustained high speed operation. *tt12/07/1999
POWER TRAIN - DRIVELINE
0426601/01/200505261010014275A driveline clunk or bump when starting from a stop. *tt04/29/2005
99613905/01/1999606989Concerns with front differential noise. *tt09/09/1999
99611305/01/1999606979Experiencing front differential noise. *tt09/09/1999
BC324297021002/10/199751864Driveline clunking or grunting noise. *tw07/17/1997
POWER TRAIN - DRIVELINE - DIFFERENTIAL UNIT
9914307/12/1999608419Some 4x4 vehicles built with center disconnect front axles may exhibit a moaning noise from the front differential while operating in 4x2 mode. *tt11/24/1999
POWER TRAIN - DRIVELINE - DRIVESHAFT
98-472509/01/1998607138Vibration at cruise over 50 mph. *ak11/02/2000
BC031696110111/01/199650724Driveline clunk or accel or decel. *tw06/17/1997
POWER TRAIN - MANUAL TRANSMISSION
9709029718709/02/199754073Some vehicles may stall when the transmission is placed into gear. *yc03/30/1998
97111097231311/10/199753669A new design transmission case and extension housing has been released. *yc03/30/1998
BC230197050105/01/199752797New clutch slave cylinder with a redesigned lip seal. *tw09/12/1997
BC069496102310/23/199650366Information for recreational towing (all wheels on the ground). *tt04/24/1997
BC084496100810/08/199650429E4od trans may emit a tick/rattle noise when driving at light loads in 1st gear at 1100 to 1800 rpm rpm. *tt04/24/1997
BC075396101710/17/1996503924x4 vehicles may exhibit a grinding noise while shifting into 4l. *tt04/24/1997
POWER TRAIN - TRANSFER CASE (4-WHEEL DRIVE)
BC012197020101/02/199751032Driveline rattle over bumps. *jd06/27/1997
BC005397230101/23/199751405Some 1995 and all 1996 and 1997 vehicles with e4od transmissions have been built with a reusable elastomeric transmission fluid pan gasket. *jd06/27/1997
BC101299702001/02/199751193Driveline rattle over bumps. *jd06/27/1997

Investigations


NHTSA IDManufacturerDate openDate closeSubjectRecall campaign
POWER TRAIN
PE97019FORD MOTOR COMPANY05/06/199709/16/1997FAILURE TRANSMISSION PARK ENGAGEMENT/LOC97V171000
 Alleged, vehicle rollaway may occur after the automatic transmission gear selector is placed in the park position.
PE97019FORD MOTOR COMPANY05/06/199709/16/1997FAILURE TRANSMISSION PARK ENGAGEMENT/LOC97V147000
 Alleged, vehicle rollaway may occur after the automatic transmission gear selector is placed in the park position.
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
RQ98005FORD MOTOR COMPANY03/13/199808/27/1998AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION CONTROL97V147000
 The automatic control cable end fitting separated from the cable housing at the transmission end, rendering the shift selector inoperative.the automatic shift selector may indicate a particular gear position, or park, by the transmission remains in the position, or gear, at the time of the separation.

Consumer Complaints


Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
POWER TRAIN
10/29/2010148200
 Gem module failure at high speed. caused 4x4 to engage at high speed causing loss of control of vehicle. also, during turns, causes loss of control of steering. did some research of several ford f150 web sites and found several complaints for similar or the same problems. took the vehicle to the ford dealer for repair and was told the gem module was the culprit and that there was significant corrosion in the adjacent fuse junction panel. the service department confessed that they have had several complaints for these kinds of conditions and have had to replace many of these gem modules and fuse panels because of leaks in the windshield or hood cowling. they further told me that unless i replaced these components and any other electrical component, at my expense, they would not warranty any repairs. after a repair bill of $1000.00, ford refused to help claiming it was not a design or component part problem. my concern is the possibility of electrical failures in the future or even damage to the drive train components.
 Speedometer sticks and misreads how fast vehicle is going. dealer and manufacturer have been notified.*ak
03/01/1999
 Hood began coming up around june of 1999, releases 2 to 3 times a week. does not release second latch to fly all the way up. the speedometer gauges started working improperly late february of 2000, the mileage counter stops, then after 3-4 hundred miles starts working again. this has happened 3 times since.
04/21/1999111/18/1998
 Odometer is not working. yh
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
01/17/2011112000
 Transmission failure, truck has 112000 miles and the tranny would not shift to 3rd gear, the fluid and filter has been changse 5 times more than recommended by manafacturer, i also had aamco install a larger transmission cooler. what happened to the tranny is the c clamp that locks the main drive in the transmission came off, and destroyed the od drum and gears i have always kept my vehicles well maintained and at a cost of $1,900.56 i feel that ford should re imburse me for this , the truck has never hauled any heavy loads or pulling a trailor with anything heavier than a riding lawnmower. i have a 1970 ford truck that is a better truck than my 1997. i could only imagine what would happen to a new truck if driven like the commercials they produce. i have always been a ford man but they are changing my mind quickly. this truck has never been abused. it's absurd that a possibly $5.00 part could cause me almost 2 grand. i am about to buy a new truck and i will be shopping around and looking at consumer reports to make a decision
07/15/20054
 1.well first the cruise control on my 97 ford f150 went out. then my brake lights went out too. replacecd brake lights ,then fuse went out in interior fuse box so, truck would not go into gear. replaced fuse then it blew it again. replaced again truck could now shift into gear. i went home parked truck the truck in drive way and did not move it for the truck for the rest of the day. was waken up about 3 in the morning by cops telling me my truck was on fire. the truck ended up burnt everywhere but the bed total loss pretty much un drivable. burned a 95 caravan and part of a 2002 ford excursion. i know have i vehicle to move my kids that are in school and myself and my wife which also now has some serious nerve damage she has nightmares of other vehicle burning and can hardly sleep. tried contacting ford but c.s. department puts me on hold all day. *jb
11/08/2004108/01/1996
 Recall 97v147000 concerning automatic transmission'; return true; onmouseout=window.status=''; return true;>automatic transmission failure. this vehicle was not included in the recall due to vin although it experienced the same problem as those vehicles that were recalled. the gears would pop and make the vehicle jump.*ak *tc
04/01/200271000401/20/1999
 I am sending in a full letter to explain the failures. it centers around tsb 99b29 and lack of owner notification of a bad front cover design that can lead to engine failure, which occurred in this case. additionally, i had a tie rod failure that was not addressed under warranty, but later broke while driving. also, my crank shaft pulley / dampener assembly fell off while highway driving (70 mph). there are other issues including door lock / key sticking.*ak campaign id number : 03v196000 component: steering:gear box:shaft sector. the engine cover gasket failed. *tc the serpentine failed, the transmission had an akward shift, the wipers operated periodically by themselves on high speed, there was little heat coming from the vents through the floor. *jb
04/13/2004800001
 The shifter cable was defective. it will not go into park and the consumer had to keep slamming it. *jb
04/29/2004102000205/24/1996
 Recall 97v147000,transmission failed to shift out of park after vehicle was started. this was due to ta defect in the transmission shift cable. this vehicle was not included in the recall due to vin. *ak *tc
06/07/2004102000102/08/2000
 Automatic transmission failure of overdrive. overdrive will go out all at once, loosing speed and becoming a hazard in middle of road. *ak
12/20/200368400105/15/1998
 Driving vehicle it hard shifts from 1 - 2 and sometimes from 2 - 3 at speed less than 30 mph and when down shifting from 2 - 1, brought vehicle to dick parker ford dealer and had transmission flushed on recomendations. this did not solve the problem. brought vehicle back and asked for it to be repaired at my cost. was told that problem i stated was not what the mechanic was looking for. restated the problem and took the mechanic for a test ride where he acknowledged there was a hard shift. left vehicle with mechanic to be repaired. next day i was told no diagnostics error codes were found and that i the owner should continue to drive the vehicle and that the problem would go away. (have dealer documentation stating this). *ak
12/20/2003112535109/09/1999
 While in stop and go traffic all 4 truck wheels suddenly locked up which caused the truck to come to an abrupt stop. the dealership is currently servicing the truck to locate the cause of the failure. *nlm the dealer replaced the transmission with a remanufactured one. *nm
09/13/200397807203/20/2003
 Engine failure, transmission failure
10/28/200054000106/17/1999
 After heavy snows the shift linkage in the automatic transmission on a 5.4l 4x4 will become plugged with snow. when plugged the shift selector can only be shifted back into neutral and not reverse or park.*ak
01/31/2002202/01/2001
 Vehicle was bought in 2/01 and had approx one week when it stalled everytime it decelerated. dealership (e-z way auto sales) took vehicle back and replaced pcm at no charge to us. in 01/02 it started hesitating as if it were slipping out of gear. does not do all the time-just unexpectedly.had transmission flushed (80$-01/31/01). still sputtering--replaced fuel filter and air filter over the course of 2 months--problem was not major and did not happen all the time-just when you least expected it. then in march it just stalled while my girlfriend was driving it and daughter was in the backseat at 60mph! took to local mechanic and they could not receive a diagnostic code-finally after two weeks of driving it to see if they could make it sputter or stall it happened and they receive a code for a egr valve which was fuel related--did not fix, cost 105$--took back to them and they kept an additional 2 weeks and said they gave up--could not diagnose. took to local ford dealer(tri-county ford 05/02) and they had 3 days before it happened again. replaced pfe sensor (192$-p0401) which i am told is the one which controls the valve that was replaced. did not fix-returned to ford dealer(05/02) and they had a few more days and received another code(p0605) and was told my pcm needed replacing. when i told the tech it was just done a little over a year ago he said it was probably a junked part. e-z way will not fix. they said that the warranty was expired and it was up to ford. ford will not replace part, have already been that route. said if it had been repaired at a certified ford dealer the whole time maybe they could help and all parts have 12mth warranty. e-z way offered 200$ toward the part but only if we take it to the place that originally replaced the part(which happens to be operated by the owner of e-z ways brother). but no one will guarantee that this will fix our problem. also, vehicle was sold to us without 2 major safety recalls being repaired.*ak
06/12/2002
 Intermittently the vehicle will not shift from park into gear. the dealer inspected vehicle. please provide more information.*ak
05/15/2002311/01/2099
 No summary listed for abov evehicle. *ak
04/20/2002
 Automatic transmission is slipping gears. vehicle's vibration decreases and increases at any speed between shifting gears. also, vehicle is used for hauling, and adds pressure to transmission, delaying shifting to the next gear. please provide more information. the dealer was not contacted.*ak
 Metal shavings from torque converter filtered into transmission, causing transmission to go bad. dealer contacted. please add vin. *ak
07/01/2001
 Vehicle would not come out of park. there was no warning. took vehicle to dealer, dealer stated that brake light located above window, has a broken wire inside that caused gear to be stuck in park. *ak
01/01/2002
 Transmission failed to shift into reverse after vehicle was serviced. dealer has been contacted. please provide further details.*ak
10/27/1999110/01/1996
 Steady tapping noise in 5th gear, when accelerator pressed (no variation with speed increase). worse in cool weather. moving the 4wheel drive shifter side to side modulates noise. has gotten coarser and louder, and spread to 3rd and 4th gears over the course of last 14k miles. academy ford led me to believe a fix was in progress during repeated service visits since oct 99, but admitted dec 2000 that ford did not want to invest resources in pursuing investigation of the problem or its cause since not too many people drive 5speeds and have reported same. stick shift also seems mushy at times and don't know if this is related.*ak
10/16/2000105/18/1996
 Truck jumped out of park when backing trailer with boat into a lake resulting in the left front wheel of the truck running over consumer, consumer sustained an open book pelvic fracture, urologic injury and trauma to left ankle. nlm
110/13/2000
 Consumer cannot shift into park gear ,cause unknown. *ak the consumer indicated that there was a defect recall notice for automatic transmission of vehicle's similar to that of the consumer. the consumer wants reimbursement for the expenses from the manufacturer. *yh
10/18/2000109/01/1998
 Transmission falls out of gear into neutral at 35 mph altho selector is in d. *ak
10/02/2000103/01/2000
 What is the clunking my universals are good???
05/01/1997
 Transmission shifts poorly, especially while towing. it can't make up its mind which gear to be in.*ak
07/23/2000303/22/1999
 Consumer noticed a 1/2 inch crack on the outside door of the driver & passenger side. metal was shearing. delear said that it was out of warranty & they had to have permission from ford. *ak also the transmission failed. *yh
04/24/2000109/01/1998
 I'd like to know if theres a recall for this proplem, for a new truck with low miles why did the transmission go. *ak
05/22/2000111/01/1997
 Transmission control indicator light (tcil) started blinking at 39940 miles. i was advised not to drive thr truck. the truck was taken to the dealer. a check of vehicle revealed internal transmission problem. *ak
05/01/1996
 No summary listed for abov evehicle. *ak
 Total transmission failure while in operation, vehicle left inoperative. dealer notified, and informed that repairs would be at consumer's cost.
04/15/1999
 Manufacturer's recall 97s86 and nhtsa recall # 97v171000/auto transmission cable assembly: transmission selector shows vehicle is in park, but, in reality, it is in reverse. dealer notified, and informed consumer that recall repairs were already done, and reoccurring repairs would be at consumer's cost. *ak
10/01/19995012/01/1998
 1st, transmission, when at the speeds of 40 and 45, hesitates and wants to upshift and downshift, the behaivor is not normal at all, and i am making an appt. to get it fixed. 2nd, the high beam/ low beam switch must be faulty, at times the lights will totally shut off. 3rd when refeuling, usually on a quarter tank and less when taking off the gas cap there is alot of pressure built up in the tank. 4th the interior lights will sometimes come on when either door is opened, i have to shut the door and reopen it. *ak
01/03/200009/01/1999
 With transmission in d traveling at a constant speed, shifts back and forth between gears, then disengages. also, with transmission in d when accelerating gently in 1st gear, the shift into 2nd happens after 2500 rpm.*ak
12/12/1999103/01/1997
 Transmission started slipping and then the transmission shifted into neutral while driving. the transmission would not change into passing gear. it kept slipping back to neutral. had to have transmission replaced. *ak
11/21/1999
 While driving down the road vehicle was pulling to the right side of the road, and upon trying to catch the steering wheel, consumer accidently hit the shift lever and vehicle went into reverse. also, when starting up the vehicle the overdrive light would come on and stay on. *ak
11/03/1999105/01/1997
 I called ford customer service and they didn't even ask what part failed. they were just concerned that the vehicle was out of warranty!!! while driving up my driveway, the truck suddenly slammed into 4x4 low range. this caused the engine rpm's to increase significantly and brought the truck to an almost sudden stop. this was a sudden failure and could have caused an accident if it had occurred on the highway. *ak
10/01/1999512/01/1998
 I have experienced the 3 defects listed.....first, the powertrain, when four-wheel drive is engaged at a stop and an engagement time of at least 30sec. to 1min. is given, when i release my brake to proceed the powertrain makes a loud thump, this happens about 75% of the time....second the washer sprayers on the hood do not spray the windsheild. one sprays way off and the other sprays nothing. and third the high beam low beam switch is defected. when engaged in high beam and driving a short accures and the lights will flicker from high to low and completely off with no head lights at all......if you have any questions about any of these defects please contact shane e. mass at my home number ((712)-322-5233) .... thank you.
06/01/1996
 Automatic transmission shifts into neutral while driving at highway speed.
12/01/199804/01/1998
 While driving between 30-35 mph @ approx 1500 rpm the transmission shuters and shakes before down shifting to second gear. this problem only occurs while in third gear at this low rpm when the transmission is under a load, such as going up hill. dealer can not fix
 After parking vehicle disengaged from park and went into to drive, causing vehicle to lose control.. please provide further information. *ak
02/13/1999108/01/1996
 Vibration invehicle when transmission shifts between 35 and 40 miles per hour.
01/03/19971
 Automatic transmission failed. *yc
112/01/1996
 Automatic transmission is making a clicking noise. *yc
09/05/199805/01/1998
 The problem started with the transmission slipping and the door ajar chime continuously chimes. we took the truck to a local ford dealership, don davis ford 1901 n. collins arlington, texas 76101 number 817-461-1000. we informed the dealership of the trucks problems and the next day they called to tell us that the door chime had been fixed but that the transmission needed to be flushed according to the manufacturers suggestion. we stated that if this would fix the problem to go ahead and proceed. about 3 weeks later billy was on the highway towards home when the transmission in the truck failed he had to push the truck off the highway and walk to get help. we took the truck this time to another ford dealer, westway ford 801 w airport freeway irving, texas 972-256-5551, this dealership found the transmission fluid to be burnt. the fluid smelled burnt but was still red in color also they found metal fragments in the fluid and the transmission filter was not changed out at the time the delux flush was performed by the previous dealership. hence: if the flush was necessary then why would`nt the filter change out be? according to don davis ford, ford recommends the flush but not the filter to be changed and they were going by the manufacturers suggestions. we have contacted ford but their only response is if you had purchased the truck new then we would have covered the transmission being replaced . great huh? as far as the door ajar chime we still have that problem and it has become a nusance due to the fact that no ford dealership has been able to make the repair or advised us on how to disconnect the silly chime buzzer. your response and or comments would be greatly appreciated. sincerely, debbie holsomback
06/23/1999103/01/1996
 While driving at approx. 55-65 mph in a heavy rain the transmission suddenly quit pulling. it was as if the transmission were shifted into neutral. by turning the overdrive off i was able to make it home in second gear. i took the truck to satcher motors for repair. they reported that the third and fourth gears had went out. this truck has never pulled a boat or trailer and has never hauled any heavy loads. this would seem to me to be a factory defect. i contacted ford and talked to them twice but they offered no assistance. the repair bill was $1322.80. i believe this to be a factory defect, as i have heard of other people having trouble with ford transmissions. i believe ford should be made to repair or replace these defective transmissions at their expence. *ak
06/28/1999102/01/1998
 No summary listed for this vehicle. *ak
103/01/1997
 Vehicle was in park, and jumped out of gear. vehicle went over an enbankment and into some trees. vehicle had to be towed. *ak *ml
03/01/19995
 Automatic transmission is hard to shift into overdrive. feels like going over speed bump. had called dealer & was informed transmission needed to be flushed out. *ak
01/06/1997212/01/1996
 Torque converter failed. *yc
01/01/1999
 #1 when you put the transmission in drive and proceed forward you can hear the drive shaft or rearend clank twice. this is getting louder as i drive it. it feels like the driveshaft will eventually break. # 2 while driving the truck and its shifting gears the whole truck will flutter as if it will not go into the proper gear.
6
 Consumer received three recall letters that have not been properly handled. manufacturer recall98s18/nhtsa recall #98v161000 for rear springs; /nhtsa recall #98v095000 for lugs: nuts, and manufacturer recall#97s86/ nhtsa recall#97v147000 for transmission cable. consumer has had vehicle in at dealer six times. *ak
10/05/1996105/07/1996
 Transmission leak.
11/13/1997109/01/1997
 Transmission oil pan gasket failed causing leaking.
11/10/19971006/26/1996
 Consumer had taken the vehicle to dealer for repairs of the lugs: nuts:bolts, but dealer did not had the parts to repair vehicle for the first time, and now the vehicle has the same problem. dealer has been contacted. *ak consumer has became aware of recall 98s14, regarding the lugs/nuts/bolts. steering not operating properly, it locks up when it rains. transmission does not operate properly, consumer was informed of recall 97s86, however dealer stated that consumer would have to work with their schedule for repairs. windshield wipers start by themselves. turn signals worked too fast, dealer found a loose wire. brakes did not work efficiently, takes a longer distance to stop. a/c was not cold enough. serpentine belt was replaced. door was out of adjustment, making it hard to open from the inside. *slc
 When switching from 1st to 2nd gear, transmission gets stuck, and takes awhile to kick into gear. dealer replaced the transmission. problem still exists. *ak
11/25/1996
 Transmission jerks very hard from gear to gear. also, engine check light comes on, and vehicle experiences exceesive gas consumption.
12/07/19972
 Mfr # 97s86 nhtsa recall # 97v171000; consumer contacted the dealer to have recall work corrected. work was corrected. however, the consumer was involved in an head-on collision traveling 15 mph due to the steering wheel locking up. consumer also stated the driver's and passenger's side air bags did not deploy. *ak
11/01/1997
 Had received recall notice in mail (#97v171000). contacted dealership for appointment. was informed by the dealership that they knew nothing about the recall & furthermore did not have the available parts for repair. *ak
103/17/1997
 Gas mileage not good in overdrive.
07/06/199711/22/1997
 While in park with key out of ignition, transmission jumped out of gear/lost control and rolled approximately 10 feet. caused extensive damage. *ak
07/06/1997111/20/1996
 Vehicle parked in garage with no one inside, no keys in ignition and doors opened. vehicle rolled forward 10 feet, hitting door frame of garage ripping opened door off. roll could not be explained by dealer.
07/07/1996107/01/1996
 Transmission valve failed.
03/17/1997103/20/1996
 Transmission seal leak.
 Put gear into reverse the vehicle jumped out of gear, went forward, hit a fence, no one was injured. *ak. *ak
01/17/1997003/01/1996
 Backed out of driveway, stopped vehicle, put in park; got out of vehicle, started moving backwards, got into vehicle & put it in park again, got out & vehicle started backwards again; vehicle jumped out of gear; manufacturer/dealer could/would not help w/problem. *ak
02/01/19971
 When vehicle is in park position, it would roll backwards/forwards; also when starting vehicle, it would surge forward at least 3 feet or more. *ak
07/01/19961
 Transmission shifts excessively.
09/26/1996209/26/1996
 When pulling off from a dead stop, whenever the gears go to change, there is a rattling noise like a ticking. *ak
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - COOLING UNIT AND LINES
04/29/1998106/09/1996
 Transmissiom leaking. yh
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)
10/20/200572850108/05/2005
 Was unable to shift to park from to other gears. i noticed that there is a campaign already for this issue, 97v171000, but ford does not have my truck listed for this recall. is there a ford issued recall # and how can i get my truck added to this recall so it can be addressed. i just purchased this vehicle, used. *jb
07/16/1998102/26/1997
 Gearshift knob will not tighten, replaced boot. mjs
12/01/1997204/16/1996
 Vehicle is not shifting gears properly, it is difficult to put in drive or neutral. cause unknown. *ak
10/20/1996109/01/1996
 Transmission gears sticks in neutral.
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - LEVER AND LINKAGE - COLUMN SHIFT
04/23/2000107/01/1998
 Dealer informed me that this is the 10th 4 -wheel drive to have this break. *ak
11/21/1999
 While driving down the road vehicle was pulling to the right side of the road, and upon trying to catch the steering wheel, consumer accidently hit the shift lever and vehicle went into reverse. also, when starting up the vehicle the overdrive light would come on and stay on. *ak
11/24/1998511/01/1998
 Driver seat belt does not retract properly, factory wiring harness for trailer has no running lights. 4 wheel drive failure have had in the shop 6 times. center console does not lock in down position. *ak
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - LEVER AND LINKAGE - FLOOR SHIFT
12/01/1997
 Rear window has a leak on the passenger side of the sliding window that has been sent back to the shop several time for repairs. its on oing ! the window has been replaced w/ frame three times , but the truck has been in shop several times prior to and after the windows have been replaced. it would last a short time and would then start leaking all over again. ** presently still leaking **. # 2 . engine has a knock during start up. sounds more like a diesel ! both issues have been present since 14,000 miles or so. this truck has had several problems. to mention a few ; rear bumper rusting out, door & shift nobs breaking , body paint peeling, rattle in floor gear shift ( still present ), ** now the air conditioning is not working **. i like the truck, but would rather have one with out all the problems !
02/01/1997112/12/1996
 Vehicle recall on the transmission shift cable/column bracket failed prior to notice resulting in vehicle collision and injury. (attorney for consumer).
 Recall #97v147000; after the vehicle was brought in for recall service for the transmission shift cable . at approximatly 5 miles after leaving the dealership transmission blew, no prior problem with transmission except for recall. dealer is charging for repairs. *ak
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - PARK/NEUTRAL START SWITCH
02/25/2001102/01/2001
 Ford difficult with door crack issue but will re-skin doors - shift interlock repaired 2 days after warranty at my cost!*ak
10/15/199705/01/1997
 Wiring leading upto the old switch on the gear lever frayed and broke on 2 sepearate occasions.dealer repaired under warranty, but the same problem arose again after 200 miles.i repaired the problem on my own by installing a new wiring harness.no further incidents with automatic transmission or od switch.*ak
12/05/1998
 Ie97021; while parked without emergency parking brake engaged, another vehicle bumped the front end of this vehicle and caused it to roll away on flat surface and into another vehicle. *ak.e.t.
01/29/19971211/25/1996
 Vehicle rolled away while in park on slight incline; also vehicle veers to the left and windshield wipers skip cycles while on delay. *ak
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - TORQUE CONVERTER
 Metal shavings from torque converter filtered into transmission, causing transmission to go bad. dealer contacted. please add vin. *ak
05/08/1999205/01/1999
 All my ford trucks have done the same thing,just this torque converter went a little early,will ford ever fix these problems and our they dangerous?
 When trying to stop vehicle would shake and cut off, except when in neutral. the dealer said torque converter needed to be replaced.
09/28/19983
 Torque convertor almost came out. mechanic replaced it. when shifting from high gear to overdrive, vehicle would shimmy and shake badly. *ak
POWER TRAIN - AXLE ASSEMBLY
04/04/2007135000303/24/2007
 Tl*the contact owns a 1997 ford f150. while driving 55 mph, the contact heard a loud pop and the vehicle pulled to the right. the vehicle was towed to the dealer and they stated that the axle tube was fractured. the repair shop replaced the cv axle and the axle tube. the current mileage was 136,000 and failure mileage was 135,000.
 While driving front frame axle cracked. axle had been replaced twice. had contacted dealership. *ak
10/12/2000202/01/1997
 No summary
11/11/1999106/01/1997
 No rear axle brakes in emergency stop attempt, resulting in crash. *ak
05/12/1999108/01/1997
 In may 99 heard rattle from left rear. found spring clamp missing bushing, no big deal. but did notice bottom leaf was kicked out on aft end (and kicked in of fwd end) appx 1/4 to 3/8. while dealer replace lugs: nuts on recall said leaf spring no big deal. i wrapped loose clamp in tape to stop rattle. now in 11/99 while washing car i noticed lower leaf is kicked out considerably farther, now measuring a full 1. i have contacted ford cac, and the dealer will probably install a kit per sb99-6477. however, i view this as a very big problem/safety issue because the ford tsb kit only replaces the existing clamp for the two uppoer leafs. the lower leaf is adjusted back into place. internet research shows numerous people with same compaint. this is not a satisfactory solution. in my current situation the lower leaf, at a 1 aft kickout, is contacting the fwd inside and aft outside u-bolt. there can be no other outcome to this than for the spring to exert enough force over time to weaken both u-bolts to the point of failure. in my case i'll be watching like a hawk. however were it not for the initial rattle i doubt that i would have ever seen the problem until at some point in the future when my axle fell off. i've been happy with the truck and ford in general until now, but i feel like they need to wake up and address this. looking at chevrolet trucks they have what seems to be a better design philosophy; the chevrolet truck has square u-bolts, threads down , which straddle the leaf spring assemblies with close tolerance to keep the stack together on top of axle. ford's design has the u-bolts on either side of the spring stack, threads up, and relies on the compression force to keep the stack together instead of the u-bolt itself. i would encourage you to look at this issue; over time as these trucks acquire more mileage there may be some u-bolt failures. *ak
11/17/1999104/01/1998
 No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak
112/01/1997
 Tire broke off from the frame axle causing the vehicle to spin resulting in collision. yh
 While driving at 65 mph the right rear axle fell out which could have caused an accident. either clip that holds axle is faulty or improperly installed. *ak
07/10/1998
 The rear axle broke, causing a vehicle accident. cause unknown. dealer cannot determine problem. *ak
01/01/1997105/07/1996
 Ea97027; the rear right wheel fell off due to the axle breaking and causing the wheel bolts to shear off, resulting in an accident. *ak
07/13/1997
 While driving the rear axel broke off, causing the vehicle to lose control/swerve and hit the median. the dealer has been notified. *ak
08/24/19961
 While turning front axle sheared off with entire axle moving into wheel hubs, driver unable to keep truck from having an impact.
POWER TRAIN - AXLE ASSEMBLY - AXLE SHAFT
05/30/2000
 While driving on interstate 68 going up a mountain and towing a rv, upon reaching top of the mountain heard a loud noise. started slowing down, passed the guardrail, and all of a sudden vehicle jack knifed out of control. rv impact forced truck off the road. shattered the rear cab. when they towed vehicle to dealer, was told by the mechanic that this was a common problem because bearings failed due to bearing spins in the housing unit freezing up. *ak
 While driving the wheel bearings separated from the vehicle, tire and rim also eparated from vehicle, resulting in a collision. the dealer has been notified. *ak
05/24/1999
 Rear u-joint went out. one rear wheel bearing failed due to rust; there was not lubricant. *ak
POWER TRAIN - AXLE ASSEMBLY - AXLE SHAFT - SEAL
03/29/20011
 While driving would step on brakes and left rear tires locked. consumer was told that defect on vehicle had been rear axle seal that when raining could lock up. *ak consumer states that affected brakes were saturated with lubricant and would do nothing when activated. *slc
 Rear axle seal failed, caused differential to leak and contaminate brake drum. *yc
10/27/1997105/01/1996
 Transmission seal failed.
POWER TRAIN - AXLE ASSEMBLY - BANJO HOUSING
 Axle housing shaft twisted, causing axle to slide in and out and wear on the inside of rear end. *ak
04/01/1996102/25/1996
 Transmission housing failed resulting in leaking.
POWER TRAIN - AXLE HUBS
04/26/1999509/01/1996
 Front hubs work intermittently when in 4 wheel drive. took to dealer and he said that since they cannot duplicate the problem (wouldnt work for me on grass), that they stated that there is no problem, but if you have one to call a tow truck if you get stuck again. also another problem--spare tire and wheel assembly were replaced by charapp with wrong diameter tire and wheel. dealer did not recommend using this size spare tire because it was a different size than the original tires on the truck. this makes no sense for them to give me this spare when they admit it is a safety hazard.. *ak
12/02/1996303/20/1996
 The axle transfer seal is leaking for the third time. also, replacement missing sea tbelt anchorage attachments as per recall (96v-256). *ak
POWER TRAIN - CLUTCH ASSEMBLY
03/09/2003797001
 The clutch seal shrunk when the weather was cold which caused fluid to run out. *jb
01/03/2000205/01/1996
 Wanted to slow down on snow covered road for stopped traffic ahead/pushed in clutch/attempted to downshift from 4th gear/found shift lever to be locked up/clutch would not disengage/found it near impossible to brake vehicle to a stop/was forced to drive vehicle off road to avoid hitting stopped vehicle in rear. stopped vehicle by shutting off engine. found the clutch cylinder out of fluid. refilled and clutch action seemed ok. could not find any noticeable leaks. called dealership. talked to service rep. rep felt it may off been low on fluid due to cluch wear. drove about 35 miles and again when i attemped to downshift to slow down for stop light /no clutch operation. no clutch fluid. only way one can shift to neutral is to shut engine off. very dangerous . discovered when i took vehicle in for repair that a o-ring in clutch slave cylinder leaked. ford tech said this a common problem especially if it is very cold temperature outside. funny ford had a similar clutch problem with their 1987 f150 trucks except it was due to a weak firewall mounting for clutch oil resorivor. again clutch would not disengage properly and ford had a factory modification to fix. *ak
01/20/2000207/01/1997
 The slave cylinder has broke twice now, and i have a friend with a 1993 f150 and it does the same thing when ever the temperature is below 0 degrees f. this usually occurs on the initial start of the day. after the cylinder breaks, the clutch makes a whine when depressed. this also effects the ability to shift. the crack in the sheet metal on the drivers door is approximately 1 in length and this vehicle has never been wrecked or even bumped since i have had it since new.
02/09/1999109/01/1998
 Clutch slave assembly can start leaking at any time, rendering clutch useless, causing stalling, and lunging at a stop. ford has redesigned the part, meaning the original has a flaw. (tech bulletin # bc2301970501,) but safety warrants a recall. *ak
2
 Clutch failed.
11/18/1997103/08/1997
 Slave cylinder failed.
POWER TRAIN - CLUTCH ASSEMBLY - PEDAL/LINKAGE
02/07/2001204/01/2000
 2/01 vehicle was brought to lithia ford in concord to diagnose over heating. cooling system was checked and stated c.s. was holding at that time, tore down motor, found bad bearings, oil pan milky, head gasket bad. replaced w/4.2 engine which was covered under an ext warranty, other recommended fix clutch disc throw out bearings. 11/2000, pwr steering hose bad, replaced,10/01 ck eng lit one,, idle air cntrol valve replaced,6/02 overhearing, new thermo,coolnt flsh, oil change, new brakes recommended, done.9/4/02, overheating again, recommended new radiator/water pump, inqired on pcv modification recall, they will replace.*ak
POWER TRAIN - DRIVELINE
11/26/1999112/01/1997
 No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak
02/13/1996
 Consumer claims that ford motor corporation maintains there is a service advisory on the slip yoke, but they wouldn't fix it. inquires whether his driveshaft will fall off a thigh speed. *ak
POWER TRAIN - DRIVELINE - DIFFERENTIAL UNIT
12/20/2001
 While driving 30 mph uphill in snow front tires locked and vehicle started sliding down hill. vehicle was towed to dealer, left side of differential was broken. part had to be replaced. *ak
08/01/2000103/01/1999
 No summary
12/12/1998302/01/1998
 No summary provided by consumer
08/24/19981
 Transmission planetary gear shattered causing the transmission to lock up.
POWER TRAIN - DRIVELINE - DRIVESHAFT
04/14/20010
 Pulled up in driveway and driveshaft went out. also, driver's side wheel ball joints fell off.*ak
07/25/2000108/22/1997
 The driveshaft was replaced. *slc
08/22/19980
 Driveshaft keeps breaking. *ak
01/01/1999
 #1 when you put the transmission in drive and proceed forward you can hear the drive shaft or rearend clank twice. this is getting louder as i drive it. it feels like the driveshaft will eventually break. # 2 while driving the truck and its shifting gears the whole truck will flutter as if it will not go into the proper gear.
04/07/1997104/22/1996
 Serious vibrations come from the transfer case/transmission at high speeds. owner believes it's a drive shaft problem.
08/07/1997
 While driving there is a virbration coming from the steering wheel which is more noticeable at (35-40) mph. the driveshaft was replaced. problem still exists. *ak
02/24/19961
 Mounting bolts not installed at factory, causing left front drive yoke assembley to come apart from the differential mounting plate.
07/01/19963
 Abs brake failure, when brakes are applied they lost effectiveness , after few seconds brakes will stop the vehcile. *ak consumer could hear a clanging noise, was coming from drive shaft, dealer removed drive shaft assembly and packed shift yoke with grease. *slc
POWER TRAIN - DRIVELINE - UNIVERSAL JOINT
03/04/20011
 The universal joint on the end of the steering column disconnected causing loss of steering ability, the consumer is requesting reimbursement, the steering gear box was also replaced. nlm
02/11/2000
 When in neutral and coasting down a hill, driveline rattles over bumps. driveline clunks on acceleration or deceleration. contacted dealer. service manager checked the bulletins, ford claims that it will not cause damage to anything in the driveline. private mechanic said that it will over time. *ak *ml
05/24/1999
 Rear u-joint went out. one rear wheel bearing failed due to rust; there was not lubricant. *ak
POWER TRAIN - MANUAL TRANSMISSION
01/03/2000205/01/1996
 Wanted to slow down on snow covered road for stopped traffic ahead/pushed in clutch/attempted to downshift from 4th gear/found shift lever to be locked up/clutch would not disengage/found it near impossible to brake vehicle to a stop/was forced to drive vehicle off road to avoid hitting stopped vehicle in rear. stopped vehicle by shutting off engine. found the clutch cylinder out of fluid. refilled and clutch action seemed ok. could not find any noticeable leaks. called dealership. talked to service rep. rep felt it may off been low on fluid due to cluch wear. drove about 35 miles and again when i attemped to downshift to slow down for stop light /no clutch operation. no clutch fluid. only way one can shift to neutral is to shut engine off. very dangerous . discovered when i took vehicle in for repair that a o-ring in clutch slave cylinder leaked. ford tech said this a common problem especially if it is very cold temperature outside. funny ford had a similar clutch problem with their 1987 f150 trucks except it was due to a weak firewall mounting for clutch oil resorivor. again clutch would not disengage properly and ford had a factory modification to fix. *ak
 Vehicle experiences trouble with the transmission, sometimes it won't go into reverse. *slc
1
 Transmission is failing. *slc
12/01/1996
 5-speed manual synchronized transmission is so poor in shifting timing that it continually misses second and third gears. *ak
POWER TRAIN - MANUAL TRANSMISSION - LUBRICANT
09/06/200365000103/15/1997
 F-150 1997 ford fill line to transmission broke, allowing loss of fluid. *ak