NHTSA Recall 96V009000
Filed by Ford Motor Company. Component: Exterior Lighting. Reported 1996-01-23. An estimated 40,000 vehicles are affected. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer.
Defect
A DEFECTIVE CONTROL MODULE IN THE "AUTOLAMP" SYSTEM CAN MALFUNCTION. IF THE "AUTOLAMP" SYSTEM IS BEING USED TO ACTIVATE THE EXTERIOR LIGHT (INCLUDING HEADLAMPS), THE HEADLAMPS COULD SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING. THIS WILL NOT OCCUR IF THE EXTERIOR LIGHTING IS TURNED ON MANUALLY BY THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH.
Risk
IF THE HEADLAMPS SHUT OFF WHILE THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN, DRIVER VISIBILITY WOULD BE IMPAIRED INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
What the manufacturer will do
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE "AUTOLAMP" CONTROL MODULE. OWNERS ARE INSTRUCTED TO USE THE MANUAL HEADLAMP SWITCH UNTIL THE CONTROL MODULE CAN BE REPLACED.
Notes
SYSTEM: LIGHTING AND COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES.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.