16S14 – Engine Block Heater Replacement – 2015-2016 Lincoln MKC & 2016 Ford Explorer

NHTSA

16V183

SUMMARY:

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Lincoln MKC vehicles manufactured November 25, 2013, to January 25, 2016, and 2016 Ford Explorer vehicles manufactured October 20, 2014, to January 28, 2016.

The affected vehicles are equipped with 2.3L GTDI engines and engine block heaters.

These engine block heaters have elements that may overheat while plugged in.

 

CONSEQUENCE:

Overheating of the engine block increase the risk of a fire.

 

REMEDY:

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the engine block heater, free of charge.

Dealers will also inspect and replace the electrical cord, as necessary.

The recall is expected to begin May 16, 2016.

Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.

Ford’s number for this recall is 16S14.

Note: Owners should not use the engine block heater until the vehicle has been remedied.

 

NOTES:

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

 

Check if your Vehicle has a Recall

 

March 31, 2016

TO: All U.S. Ford and Lincoln Dealers

SUBJECT: DEMONSTRATION / DELIVERY HOLD – Safety Recall 16S14
Certain 2015-2016 Model Year MKC and 2016 Model Year Explorer Vehicles
Equipped With 2.3L Engines and Engine Block Heater
Engine Block Heater Replacement

 

AFFECTED VEHICLES

Vehicle	Model Year	Assembly Plant	Build Dates
MKC	2015-2016	Louisville	November 25, 2013 through January 25, 2016
Explorer	2016	Chicago	October 20, 2014 through January 28, 2016

 

Affected vehicles are identified in OASIS and FSA VIN Lists.

 

REASON FOR THIS SAFETY RECALL

In the affected vehicles, when the engine block heater system is plugged in, the engine block heater element may overheat.  If the engine block heater element overheats, engine coolant may leak and the engine block heater power cable connector may experience heat damage.  Additionally, an overheating engine block heater element increases the risk of an unattended under hood fire while the vehicle is parked.

 

SERVICE ACTION

Before demonstrating or delivering any of the vehicles involved in this recall, dealers are to replace the engine block heater with a newly designed part and inspect the engine block heater power cable.

This service must be performed on all affected vehicles at no charge to the vehicle owner.

 

OWNER NOTIFICATION MAILING SCHEDULE

Owner Letters are expected to be mailed the week of May 16, 2016.  Dealers should repair any affected vehicles that arrive at their dealerships, whether or not the customer has received a letter.

 

PLEASE NOTE:

Federal law requires dealers to complete this recall service before a new vehicle is delivered to the buyer or lessee.  Violation of this requirement by a dealer could result in a civil penalty of up to $7,000 per vehicle.  Correct all vehicles in your new vehicle inventory before delivery.

 

ATTACHMENTS

Attachment I: Administrative Information
Attachment II: Labor Allowances and Parts Ordering Information
Attachment III: Technical Information
Owner Notification Letters

 

QUESTIONS & ASSISTANCE

For questions and assistance, contact the Special Service Support Center (SSSC) via the SSSC Web Contact Site.  The SSSC Web Contact Site can be accessed through the Professional Technician Society (PTS) website using the SSSC link listed at the bottom of the OASIS VIN report screen or listed under the SSSC tab.

 

ATTACHMENT I

DEMONSTRATION / DELIVERY HOLD – Safety Recall 16S14
Certain 2015-2016 Model Year MKC and 2016 Model Year Explorer Vehicles
Equipped With 2.3L Engines and Engine Block Heater
Engine Block Heater Replacement

 

OASIS ACTIVATION

OASIS will be activated on March 31, 2016.

 

FSA VIN LISTS ACTIVATION

FSA VIN Lists will be available through https://web.fsavinlists.dealerconnection.com by March 31, 2016.  Owner names and addresses will be available by May 31, 2016.

NOTE:  Your FSA VIN Lists may contain owner names and addresses obtained from motor vehicle registration records.  The use of such motor vehicle registration data for any purpose other than in connection with this recall is a violation of law in several states, provinces, and countries.

Accordingly, you must limit the use of this listing to the follow-up necessary to complete this recall.

 

STOCK VEHICLES

• Correct all affected units in your new vehicle inventory before delivery.
• Use OASIS to identify any affected vehicles in your used vehicle inventory.

 

SOLD VEHICLES

• Owners of affected vehicles will be directed to dealers for repairs.
• Immediately contact any of your affected customers whose vehicles are not on your VIN list but are identified in OASIS. Give the customer a copy of the Owner Notification Letter (when available) and schedule a service date.
• Correct other affected vehicles identified in OASIS which are brought to your dealership.  

 

TITLE BRANDED / SALVAGED VEHICLES

Affected title branded and salvaged vehicles are eligible for this recall.

 

ADDITIONAL REPAIR (LABOR TIME AND/OR PARTS)

Additional repairs identified as necessary to complete the FSA should be managed as follows:

• For vehicles within new vehicle bumper-to-bumper warranty coverage, follow existing warranty and policy guidelines for related damage claims. No SSSC approval is required for these vehicles:
  • Ford vehicles – 3 years or 36,000 miles o Lincoln vehicles – 4 years or 50,000 miles
• For vehicles outside new vehicle bumper-to-bumper warranty coverage, submit an Approval Request to the SSSC Web Contact Site prior to completing the repair.

 

RENTAL VEHICLES

The use of rental vehicles is not approved for this program.

 

LINCOLN CLIENT SPECIAL HANDLING

To ensure the best possible experience for Lincoln owners, Lincoln Dealers are encouraged to utilize the Lincoln Loyalty Program to provide clients with surprise and delight offerings, including:

• Fuel fill
• Transportation assistance
• Courtesy pick-up and delivery of client vehicles

The Lincoln Loyalty Program is exclusive to Lincoln Dealers.  Owners will not be notified of this service in owner mailings.  Reference EFC04453, Lincoln Loyalty Program Announcement for additional details.

 

CLAIMS PREPARATION AND SUBMISSION

• Enter claims using Direct Warranty Entry (DWE) or One Warranty Solution (OWS).
  • DWE: refer to ACESII manual for claims preparation and submission information.
  • OWS: when entering claims in DMS software, select claim type 31: Field Service Action. The FSA number (16S14) is the sub code.
• Additional labor and/or parts must be claimed as related damage on a separate repair line from the FSA.
• For Lincoln Client Special Handling, reference EFC03578, Lincoln Loyalty Program

Announcement and EFC04165, Lincoln Loyalty Rental Claims for Requirements and Claiming Instructions.  Claims for Lincoln Loyalty should be submitted as a separate line on the same Repair Order.

 

ATTACHMENT II

DEMONSTRATION / DELIVERY HOLD – Safety Recall 16S14
Certain 2015-2016 Model Year MKC and 2016 Model Year Explorer Vehicles
Equipped With 2.3L Engines and Engine Block Heater
Engine Block Heater Replacement

 

LABOR ALLOWANCES

Description	Labor Operation	Labor Time
Replace engine block heater – MKC Includes time to inspect and replace power cable if necessary	16S14B	1.4 Hours
Replace engine block heater – Explorer Includes time to inspect and replace power cable if necessary	16S14C	1.0 Hours

 

PARTS REQUIREMENTS / ORDERING INFORMATION

Part Number	Description	Order Quantity
GJ7Z-6A051-A	Engine Block Heater – MKC & Explorer	1
EJ7Z-6B018-A	Engine Block Heater Power Cable – MKC	As Needed Less than 1% Expected
BB5Z-6B018-CA	Engine Block Heater Power Cable – Explorer	As Needed Less than 1% Expected

 

The DOR/COR number for this recall is 51031.

Order your parts through normal order processing channels.  To guarantee the shortest delivery time, an emergency order for parts must be placed.

Less than 1% of the affected vehicle population is expected to require Engine Block Heater Power Cable replacement.

 

DEALER PRICE

For latest prices, refer to DOES II.

 

PARTS RETENTION AND RETURN

Follow the provisions of the Warranty and Policy Manual, Section 1 “WARRANTY PARTS RETENTION AND RETURN POLICIES.”

 

EXCESS STOCK RETURN

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

 

ATTACHMENT III

CERTAIN 2015-2016 MODEL YEAR MKC AND 2016 MODEL YEAR EXPLORER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.3L ENGINES AND ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — ENGINE BLOCK HEATER REPLACEMENT

OVERVIEW

In the affected vehicles, when the engine block heater system is plugged in, the engine block heater element may overheat. If the engine block heater element overheats, engine coolant may leak and the engine block heater power cable connector may experience heat damage. Additionally, an overheating engine block heater element increases the risk of an unattended under hood fire while the vehicle is parked. Dealers are to replace the engine block heater with a newly designed part and inspect the engine block heater power cable.

 

SERVICE PROCEDURE

1. Disconnect the engine block heater power cable connector and inspect the connector for damage. See Figure 1. For engine block heater location reference, see Figure 2b for Explorer and Figure 3b for MKC.
   • If damage is not found, proceed to Step 3.
   • If damage is found, proceed to Step 2.

FIGURE 1

 

2. Replace the engine block heater power cable. See Figures 2a and 2b for Explorer and Figures 3a and 3b for MKC. Do not connect the power cable to the block heater at this time.

FIGURE 2a

 

FIGURE 2b

 

FIGURE 3a

 

FIGURE 3b

 

3. Replace the engine block heater and connect the engine block heater power cable. Please follow the Workshop Manual (WSM) procedures in Section 303-03A.

 

May 2016

* * * IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL * * *
(PROGRAMA DE SEGURIDAD IMPORTANTE)

 

Safety Recall Notice 16S14/ NHTSA Recall 16V-183
Aviso de Revisión de Seguridad 16S14

 

Mr. John Sample
123 Main Street
Anywhere, USA 12345

 

Your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN):  12345678901234567

 

This notice is sent to you in accordance with the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act.

Ford Motor Company has decided that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in your vehicle with the VIN shown above.

We apologize for this situation and want to assure you that, with your assistance, we will correct this condition.  Our commitment, together with your dealer, is to provide you with the highest level of service and support.

What is the issue?	On your vehicle, when the engine block heater is plugged in, the engine block heater element may overheat.  If the engine block heater element overheats, engine coolant may leak and the engine block heater power cable connector may experience heat damage.  Additionally, an overheating engine block heater element increases the risk of an unattended under hood fire.
What will Ford and your dealer do?	Ford Motor Company has authorized your dealer to replace the engine block heater and inspect the engine block heater power cable free of charge (parts and labor).
How long will it take?	The time needed for this repair is less than one-half day.  However, due to service scheduling requirements, your dealer may need your vehicle for a longer period of time. Additional time may be required to allow the engine to cool prior to performing this repair.
What should you do?	Please call your dealer without delay and request a service date for Recall 16S14.  Provide the dealer with your VIN, which is printed near your name at the beginning of this letter.  To prevent possible overheat, do not connect your vehicle’s engine block heater system to an electrical source, until repairs have been completed. If you do not already have a servicing dealer, you can access www.Fordowner.com for dealer addresses, maps, and driving instructions. Ford Motor Company wants you to have this safety recall completed on your vehicle.  The vehicle owner is responsible for making arrangements to have the work completed.  Ford Motor Company can deny coverage for any vehicle damage that may result from the failure to have this recall performed on a timely basis.  Therefore, please have this recall performed as soon as possible. Please note:  Federal law requires that any vehicle lessor receiving this recall notice must forward a copy of this notice to the lessee within ten days.
What if you no longer own this vehicle?	If you no longer own this vehicle, and have an address for the current owner, please forward this letter to the new owner. You received this notice because government regulations require that notification be sent to the last known owner of record.  Our records are based primarily on state registration and title data, which indicate that you are the current owner.
Can we assist you further?	If you have difficulties getting your vehicle repaired promptly and without charge, please contact your dealership’s Service Manager for assistance. RETAIL OWNERS:  If you have questions or concerns, please contact our Ford Customer Relationship Center at 1-866-436-7332 and one of our representatives will be happy to assist you.  If you wish to contact us through the Internet, our address is:  www.Fordowner.com. For the hearing impaired call 1-800-232-5952 (TDD).  Representatives are available Monday through Friday:  8:00AM – 8:00PM(Eastern Time). FLEET OWNERS:  If you have questions or concerns, please contact our Fleet Customer Information Center at 1-800-34-FLEET, choose Option #3, and one of our representatives will be happy to assist you.  If you wish to contact us through the Internet, our address is:  www.fleet.ford.com. Representatives are available Monday through Friday:  8:00AM – 8:00PM(Eastern Time). If you are still having difficulty getting your vehicle repaired in a reasonable time or without charge, you may write the Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 1200 New Jersey Ave. S.E., Washington, D.C. 20590 or call the toll free Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1800-424-9153) or go to www.safercar.gov.  Reference NHTSA Safety Recall 16V-183.
Para asistencia en Español	Visite nuestro sitio web para ver este anuncio en Español al siguiente dirección: https://es.owner.ford.com/tools/account/maintenance/recalls.html Si necesita ayuda o tiene alguna pregunta, por favor llame al Centro de Relación con Clientes al 1-866-436-7332 y presione 2 para Español.

 

Thank you for your attention to this important matter.

Ford Customer Service Division

 

 

May 2016

* * * IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL * * *
(PROGRAMA DE SEGURIDAD IMPORTANTE)

 

Safety Recall Notice 16S14 / NHTSA Recall 16V-183
Aviso de Revisión de Seguridad 16S14

 

Mr. John Sample
123 Main Street
Anywhere, USA 12345

 

Your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN):  12345678901234567

 

This notice is sent to you in accordance with the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act.

The Lincoln Motor Company has decided that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in your vehicle, with the VIN shown above.

We apologize for this situation and want to assure you that, with your assistance, we will correct this condition.  Our commitment, together with your dealer, is to provide you with the highest level of service and support.

What is the issue?	On your vehicle, when the engine block heater is plugged in, the engine block heater element may overheat.  If the engine block heater element overheats, engine coolant may leak and the engine block heater power cable connector may experience heat damage.  Additionally, an overheating engine block heater element increases the risk of an unattended under hood fire.
What will Lincoln and your dealer do?	The Lincoln Motor Company has authorized your dealer to replace the engine block heater and inspect the engine block heater power cable free of charge (parts and labor).
How long will it take?	The time needed for this repair is less than one-half day.  However, due to service scheduling requirements, your dealer may need your vehicle for a longer period of time.  Additional time may be required to allow the engine to cool prior to performing this repair.
What should you do?	Please call your dealer without delay and request a service date for Recall 16S14. Provide the dealer with your VIN, which is printed near your name at the beginning of this letter.  To prevent possible overheat, do not connect your vehicle’s engine block heater system to an electrical source, until repairs have been completed. If you do not already have a servicing dealer, you can access www.Lincolnowner.com for dealer addresses, maps, and driving instructions. The Lincoln Motor Company wants you to have this safety recall completed on your vehicle.  The vehicle owner is responsible for making arrangements to have the work completed.  The Lincoln Motor Company can deny coverage for any vehicle damage that may result from the failure to have this recall performed on a timely basis.  Therefore, please have this recall performed as soon as possible. Please note:  Federal law requires that any vehicle lessor receiving this recall notice must forward a copy of this notice to the lessee within ten days.
What if you no longer own this vehicle?	If you no longer own this vehicle, and have an address for the current owner, please forward this letter to the new owner. You received this notice because government regulations require that notification be sent to the last known owner of record.  Our records are based primarily on state registration and title data, which indicate that you are the current owner.
Can we assist you further?	If you have difficulties getting your vehicle repaired promptly and without charge, please contact your dealership’s Service Manager for assistance. RETAIL OWNERS:  If you have questions or concerns, please contact our Customer Relationship Center at 1-866-436-7332 and one of our representatives will be happy to assist you.  If you wish to contact us through the Internet, our address is:  www.Lincolnowner.com. For the hearing impaired call 1-800-232-5952 (TDD).  Representatives are available Monday through Friday:  8:00AM – 8:00PM(Eastern Time). FLEET OWNERS:  If you have questions or concerns, please contact our Fleet Customer Information Center at 1-800-34-FLEET, choose Option #3, and one of our representatives will be happy to assist you.  If you wish to contact us through the Internet, our address is:  www.fleet.ford.com. Representatives are available Monday through Friday:  8:00AM – 8:00PM (Eastern Time). If you are still having difficulty getting your vehicle repaired in a reasonable time or without charge, you may write the Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 1200 New Jersey Ave. S.E., Washington, D.C. 20590 or call the toll free Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1800-424-9153) or go to www.safercar.gov.  Reference NHTSA Safety Recall 16V-183.
Para asistencia en Español	Visite nuestro sitio web para ver este anuncio en Español al siguiente dirección: https://es.owner.lincoln.com/tools/account/maintenance/recalls.html Si necesita ayuda o tiene alguna pregunta, por favor llame al Centro de Relación con Clientes al 1-866-436-7332 y presione 2 para Español.

 

Thank you for your attention to this important matter.

The Lincoln Motor Company

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