NHTSA Recall 78V144000
Filed by Ford Motor Company. Component: Power Train. Reported 1978-06-19. An estimated 358 vehicles are affected. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer.
Defect
TRANSMISSION SHIFT CONTROL RODS WERE INSTALLED THAT WERE INTENDED FOR USE WITH THE STEERING COLUMNS OF A PRIOR DESIGN LEVEL. ATTACHMENT OF THE SHIFT CONTROL ROD WITH THE STEERING COLUMN SHIFT LEVER GROMMET WILL ALLOW RELATIVE MOVEMENT BETWEEN THESE PARTS. CONTINUED USAGE COULD RESULT IN GROMMET WEAR AND DETERIORATION OF THE SHIFT CONTROL FUNCTION, WITH THE POTENTIAL FOR STARTING IN GEAR OR AN INABILITY TO ENGAGE THE PARKING GEAR.
What the manufacturer will do
DRIVER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, INSTALL NEW TRANSMISSION SHIFT LINKAGE PARTS, WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER.
Notes
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONSAND STEERING COLUMN MOUNTED SHIFT CONTROLS.SYSTEM: TRANSMISSION; SHIFT LINKAGE.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: IF THE VEHICLE IS PARKED WITHOUT ENGAGING THE PARKINGBRAKE, IT COULD ROLL FREE, CAUSING INJURY AND DAMAGE TO PERSONS AND PROPERTY INITS PATH.NOTE: SINCE THE VEHICLE MAY INADVERTENTLY BE STARTED IN GEAR, THE PARKING BRAKESHOULD BE FIRMLY APPLIED WHILE STARTING THE ENGINE, PRIOR TO CORRECTION OF THEPROBLEM.