13S08 – Corrosion of the Swing Link Joints on Lower Intermediate Steering Shaft – Collapsed Upper Intermediate Steering Shaft – 2005-2011 Ford Lincoln & Mercury

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NHTSA

13V385

SUMMARY:

Ford is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 Ford Crown Victoria (including Crown Victoria Police Interceptors), Mercury Grand Marquis, and Lincoln Town Car vehicles. The affected vehicles are currently registered or were originally sold in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.

Severe corrosion can seize the lower intermediate shaft which may cause the upper intermediate shaft to collapse and the steering column lower bearing to separate.

 

CONSEQUENCE:

If the lower bearing separates, the vehicle may experience a loss of steering, increasing the risk of a crash.

 

REMEDY:

Ford will notify owners and dealers will replace the lower intermediate shaft, free of charge.

The upper intermediate shaft and steering column lower bearing will be inspected to identify any damage that may have occurred as a result of lower intermediate shaft corrosion, and repaired or replaced as necessary.

If the steering column lower bearing has separated, a retainer clip will be installed.

The recall began on October 23, 2013.

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

Ford’s recall number is 13S08.

 

NOTES:

A separate service campaign applies to vehicles in non-corrosion states not addressed by this safety recall.

Owners of these vehicles should contact Ford directly about these vehicles.

For the safety recall, 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

 

September 16, 2014

TO: All U.S. Ford and Lincoln Dealers

SUBJECT: Safety Recall 13S08 — Supplement #3

Certain 2005 through 2011 Model Year Crown Victoria, Grand Marquis, and Town Car Vehicles Originally Sold or Currently Registered in Corrosion States
Steering Column Shaft

 

REF: Safety Recall 13S08 — Supplement #2

Dated February 21, 2014

 

REASON FOR THIS SUPPLEMENT

  • Upper Intermediate Shaft Extension Repair: Upper Intermediate Shafts are now available in sufficient quantities that the extension repair procedure is no longer necessaty. Vehicles with Upper Intermediate Shafts that fail the inspection procedure now require replacement of the Upper Intermediate Shaft. Claims for the Upper Intermediate Shaft extension repair dated September 22, 2014 and later will not be accepted.
  • Prior Approval for Upper Intermediate Shafts: Replacement of the Upper Intermediate Shaft no longer requires prior approval.

 

AFFECTED VEHICLES

Certain 2005 through 2011 model year Crown Victoria, Grand Marquis, and Town Car vehicles originally sold or currently registered in the following states:

Connecticut Iowa Michigan New York Virginia
Delaware Kentucky Minnesota Ohio West Virginia
District of Columbia Maine Missouri Pennsylvania Wisconsin
Illinois Maryland New Hamshire Rhode Island
Indiana Massachusetts New Jersey Vermont

 

Affected vehicles are identified in OASIS. In addition, for a list of vehicles assigned to your dealership, visit https://web.fsavinlists.dealerconnection.com.

 

REASON FOR THIS SAFETY RECALL

In some of the affected vehicles, corrosion of the swing link joints on the Lower Intermediate Steering Shaft, combined with a collapsed Upper Intermediate Steering Shaft, can result in steering column separation leading to a loss of steering control.

Some customers have reported a potential change in steering feel (notchy, stiff, or binding) when the corrosion is present.

 

SERVICE ACTION

The steering system is comprised of multiple parts that need to be inspected to determine the correct repair.

  • All vehicles will require replacement of the Lower Intermediate Shaft (Lower I-Shaft).
  • All vehicles will require inspection (measurement) of the Upper Intermediate Shaft (Upper lShaft). Parts that fail the inspection will need to be replaced.
  • All vehicles will require inspection of the Lower Steering Column Bearing position. Those found to be out of position will need to be reseated and will have a retainer installed

 

ROTUNDA SPECIAL SERVICE TOOL KIT

A new Rotunda Special Service Tool Kit #TKlT-2013A-FLM, specifically developed for one element of the Steering Column repair (Column Bearing retention), was shipped to dealers on August 31, 2013. This new tool kit is provided at no cost and was shipped in a white box with an orange sticker attached that states “Attention Service Manager” and references programs 13S08 and 13R01. Additional tools can be ordered by contacting Rotunda (1-800-ROTUNDA/1-800-768-8632) and selecting option #3.

Replacement tool kits ordered through Rotunda have a different tool number than the original tool kit provided to dealers. Use tool number 211-346 when ordering replacement tools.

 

OWNER NOTIFICATION MAILING SCHEDULE

Owner Letters were mailed in October, 2013. Dealers should repair any affected vehicles that arrive at their dealerships, whether or not the customer has received a letter.

The owners of vehicles that had claims submitted for interim repairs were re-notified by mail beginning the week of February 24, 2014. The follow-up letter directed them to contact their dealer and schedule an appointment to have final repairs performed.

 

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 Overview, and Inspection/Repair Flowcharts
Attachment IV: Technical Information — Inspection Procedures
Attachment V: Technical Information — Repair Procedures
Owner Notification Letter
Recall Reimbursement Plan

 

QUESTIONS & ASSISTANCE

Special Service Support Center (Dealer Assistance Only)1-800-325-5621

Special Service Support Center (Parts Ordering)1-800-207-2444

 

ATTACHMENT I

Safety Recall 13S08 – Supplement #3
Certain 2005 through 2011 Model Year Crown Victoria, Grand Marquis, and Town Car Vehicles Originally Sold or Currently Registered in Corrosion States
Steering Column Shaft

 

OASIS ACTIVATED?

Yes.

 

FSA VIN LIST ACTIVATED?

Yes, FSA VIN list is available through https://web.fsavinlists.dealerconnection.com. Owner names and addresses are activated.

NOTE: Your FSA VIN list 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.
  • 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.

 

RELATED DAMAGE

If a related damage condition exists that you believe to be caused by the covered condition, call the Special Service Support Center to request approval prior to the repair of any related damage. Requests for approval after completion of the repair will not be granted. Ford Motor Company reserves the right to deny coverage for related damage in cases where the vehicle owner has not had this recall performed on a timely basis. Additional related damage parts are subject to random selection for return to the Ford Warranty Parts Analysis Center (WPAC).

 

ADDITIONAL LABOR TIME

  • If a condition exists that requires additional labor to complete the repair, call the Special Service Support Center to request approval prior to performing any additional labor. Requests for approval after completion of the repair will not be granted.
  • If you encounter aftermarket equipment or modifications to the vehicle which might prevent the repair of the covered condition, call the Special Service Support Center.

 

OWNER REFUNDS

  • This safety recall must still be performed, even if the owner has paid for a previous repair. Claiming a refund will not close the recall on the vehicle.
  • Ford Motor Company is offering a refund for owner-paid repairs covered by this recall if the repair was performed prior to the date indicated in the reimbursement plan, which is posted with this bulletin. Owners are directed to seek reimbursement through authorized dealers or, at their option, directly through Ford Motor Company at P.O. Box 6251, Dearborn, Ml 481216251.
  • Dealers are also authorized to refund owner-paid emeraency repairs that were performed away from an authorized servicing dealer after the end date specified in the reimbursement plan. Non-covered repairs, or those judged by Ford to be excessive, will not be reimbursed. Refunds will only be provided for the cost associated with a Steering Column, Upper Intermediate Steering Shaft, or Lower Intermediate Steering Shaft replacement.

 

RENTAL VEHICLES

With proper parts ordering and service appointment scheduling, rental vehicles should not be required. However, if you have a unique circumstance which may require a rental vehicle, Ford Motor Company will pay for 1 day of vehicle rental. Follow Extended Service Plan (ESP) guidelines for dollar amounts. The daily rate can include applicable taxes but is not allowed to exceed the stated daily rate. Rentals will only be reimbursed for the day the vehicle is at the dealership for part replacement. Prior approval for more than one rental day is required from the Special Service Support Center (1-800-325-5621).

 

CLAIMS PREPARATION AND SUBMISSION

  • Claims with labor operations 13S08D or 13S08E (Upper I-Shaft Extension) will not be accepted with a repair order date of September 22, 2014 or later.
  • Enter claims using Direct Warranty Entry (DWE).
  • Refer to ACESII manual for claims preparation and submission information.
  • Related damage must be claimed on a repair line that is separate from the repair line on which the FSA is claimed. Related damage requires prior approval from the Special Service Support Center.
  • “MT” labor should be submitted on a separate repair line with the related damage flag checked. “MT” labor requires prior approval from the Special Service Support Center.
  • Submit refunds on a separate repair line.
  • Program Code: 13S08 – Misc. Expense: ADMIN
  • Expense: REFUND – Misc. Expense: 0.2 Hrs.
  • Multiple refunds should be submitted on one repair line and the invoice details for each repair should be detailed in the comments section of the claim
  • For rental vehicle claiming, follow Extended Service Plan (ESP) guidelines for dollar amounts. Enter the total amount of the rental expense under Miscellaneous Expense code “Rental”.

 

ATTACHMENT II

Safety Recall 13S08 – Supplement #3
Certain 2005 through 2011 Model Year Crown Victoria, Grand Marquis, and Town Car Vehicles Originally Sold or Currently Registered in Corrosion States
Steering Column Shaft

 

LABOR ALLOWANCES

NOTE: Upper I-Shaft extension repairs have been discontinued. Replace the Upper I-Shaft if it fails inspection.

Description Labor Operation Labor Time
Inspect as required and replace the Lower Intermediate Steering Shaft 13S08B 0.4 Hour(s)
Inspect as required, replace the Lower Intermediate Steering Shaft, and Install the Bearing Retainer Kit 13S08C 1.4 Hour(s)
Inspect as required, replace the Lower and Upper Intermediate Steering Shafts 13S08F O. 6 Hour(s)
Inspect as required, replace the Lower and Upper Intermediate Steering Shafts, and Install the Bearing Retainer Kit 13S08G 1.5 Hour(s)

 

PARTS REQUIREMENTS / ORDERING INFORMATION

Part Number Description Quantity
5WIZ-3605-A Bearing Retainer Kit 1
5WIZ-3B676-A Lower Intermediate Steering Shaft 1
5WIZ-3B676-AB Upper Intermediate Steering Shaft 1
W710821-S306 Lower Intermediate Steering Shaft to Steering Gear Bolt 1 Bolt

(Unit of issue

W713065-S439 13S08 - Corrosion of the Swing Link Joints on Lower Intermediate Steering Shaft - Collapsed Upper Intermediate Steering Shaft - 2005-2011 Ford Lincoln & Mercury | small light Lower Intermediate Steering Shaft to Upper Intermediate

Steering Shaft Bolt (required when servicing the Lower or Upper I-Shafts)

1 Bolt

(Unit of issue = 3)

Upper Intermediate Steering Shaft to Steering Column Bolt

(required when servicing the Steering Column or Upper I-Shaft)

1 Bolt

(Unit of issue = 3)

 

The DOR/COR number for this recall is 50520.

Replacement of the Upper I-Shaft no longer requires prior approval by the Special Service Support Center.

Order your pans requirements through normal order processing channels.

Questions regarding pans should be directed to the Special Service Support Center (1-800-3255621) or E-maifed to: Ford@Renkim.com.

 

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 2005 THROUGH 2011 MODEL YEAR CROWN VICTORIA, GRAND MARQUIS, AND TOWN CAR VEHICLES – STEERING COLUMN SHAFT

OVERVIEW

This service action requires replacement of the Lower Intermediate Steering Shaft (Lower I-Shaft), and inspection of other components to determine if additional repairs are required. Corrosion/seizure of the swing link joint on the Lower I-Shaft can affect other elements of the steering column system. Therefore, inspections of various components will be required before determining the appropriate repair action. Technicians should familiarize themselves with all aspects of the flowcharts prior to initiating repairs to avoid unnecessary disassembly/reassembly steps.

Refer to the following flow chart for inspection and repair criteria:

NOTE: Review all subsequent inspection areas before completing repairs.

NOTE: Upper I-Shaft extension repairs have been discontinued. Replace the Upper I-Shaft if it fails inspection.

flow chart for inspection and repair criteria

 

 

ATTACHMENT IV

INSPECTION PROCEDURES

Upper I-Shaft Inspection

  1. Measure the distance between upper steering shaft end and the edge of the shaft collar. See Figures 1 and 2.
    • If the upper steering shaft measurement is less than 137 mm (5 3/8 in), it fails inspection.

Upper I-Shaft InspectionFIGURE 1

 

NOTE: Upper steering shaft shown out of vehicle for clarity.

Upper I-Shaft InspectionFIGURE 2

 

Steering Column Bearing Position Inspection

  1. Inspect the steering column for an unseated steering column bearing. See Figures 3 and 4.

Steering Column Bearing Position InspectionFIGURE 3

 

NOTE: Steering column shown out of vehicle for clarity.

Steering Column Bearing Position InspectionFIGURE 4

 

 

ATTACHMENT V

REPAIR PROCEDURES

Lower I-Shaft Replacement

NOTICE: Do not allow the steering wheel to rotate while the steering shaft is disconnected or damage to the clockspring may result. If there is evidence the steering shaft has rotated, the clockspring must be removed and recentered. For additional information, refer to Workshop Manual (WSM) Section 501-20B.

NOTE: To ensure proper alignment do not rotate the steering gear while removing the lower steering shaft.

  1. If not done previously, use a steering wheel holding device (such as Hunter 28-75-1 or equivalent) to hold the steering wheel in the straight-ahead position.
  2. Remove the lower steering shaft. See Figure 1.
    1. If not removed previously, remove and discard the upper steering shaft to lower steering shaft bolt.
    2. Remove and discard the lower steering shaft to steering gear bolt.
    3. Remove the lower steering shaft.

Lower I-ShaftFIGURE 1

 

NOTE: The steering shaft bolts are one time use only. If applicable, do not install the upper steering shaft to lower steering shaft bolt until service on the steering column or upper steering shaft is completed, based on subsequent inspections – See Attachment III.

  1. Install a new lower steering shaft. See Figure 1.
    1. Install the new lower steering shaft.
    2. Install a new lower steering shaft-to-steering gear bolt.
      • Tighten the new bolt to 30 Nm (22 lb-ft).
    3. Install a new upper steering shaft to lower steering shaft bolt.
      • Tighten the new bolt to 48 Nm (35 lb-ft).
  2. If no further repair is required, remove the steering wheel holding tool.

 

Upper I-Shaft Replacement (Failed Inspection Only, Refer to Flowchart within Attachment III)

NOTICE: Do not allow the steering wheel to rotate while the steering shaft is disconnected or damage to the clockspring may result. If there is evidence the steering shaft has rotated, the clockspring must be removed and recentered. For additional information, refer to WSM Section 501-20B.

NOTE: To ensure proper alignment do not rotate the steering gear while removing the upper steering shaft.

  1. Use a steering wheel holding device (such as Hunter 28-75-1 or equivalent) to hold the steering wheel in the straight-ahead position.
  2. Remove and discard the steering column to upper steering shaft bolt.
  3. Remove the 2 upper steering shaft bearing nuts. See Figure 2.

2 upper steering shaft bearing nutsFIGURE 2

 

  1. If not done previously, remove and discard the upper steering shaft to lower steering shaft bolt and remove the upper steering shaft. See Figure 3.

upper steering shaftFIGURE 3

 

  1. Remove the bearing from the upper steering shaft. See Figure 4.

bearing from the upper steering shaftFIGURE 4

 

  1. Install the bearing onto the new upper steering shaft. See Figure 4.

NOTE: The steering shaft bolts are one time use only. If applicable, do not install the upper steering shaft to lower steering shaft bolt until service on the lower steering shaft is completed, based on subsequent inspections – See Attachment III.

  1. Install the upper steering shaft and install a new upper steering shaft to lower steering shaft bolt See Figure 3.
    • Tighten the new bolt to 30 Nm (22 lb-ft).
  2. Install the 2 upper steering shaft bearing nuts. See Figure 2.
    • Tighten to 11 Nm (97 lb-in).
  3. Install a new upper steering column to steering shaft bolt.
    • Tighten the new bolt to 30 Nm (22 lb-ft).
  4. If no further repair is required remove the steering wheel holding tool.

 

Steering Column Bearing Orientation and Retainer Installation (Failed Inspection Only, Refer to Flowchart within Attachment III)

  1. Remove the steering column from the vehicle. For additional information, refer to WSM Section 211-04.

NOTE: In some instances the steering column bearing orientation tab may have broken off. If the tab has broken off, the bearing is still usable and can be seated within the steering column in any orientation.

  1. Align the bearing alignment tab with the slot in the column flange. See Figure 5.

bearing alignment tabFIGURE 5

 

  1. Use a suitable dead blow hammer to lightly tap the steering column to upper steering shaft coupling to seat the steering column bearing. See Figure 6.

lightly tap the steering column to upper steering shaft couplingFIGURE 6

 

  1. Locate the two tabs located at the forward end and top of the steering column. See Figure 7.

two tabsFIGURE 7

 

  1. Install the special tool from Rotunda Special Tool Kit TKIT-2013A-FLM onto the two tabs located on the steering column, and secure with the two supplied screws. See Figure 8.
    • Do not over tighten the screws.

Rotunda Special Tool Kit TKIT-2013A-FLMFIGURE 8

 

  1. Drill out both hole locations using a drill and the supplied drill bit from Rotunda Special Tool Kit TKIT-2013A-FLM. Drill bit depth is critical, use the supplied drill bit only. See Figure 9.

Rotunda Special Tool Kit TKIT-2013A-FLMFIGURE 9

 

  1. Remove the screws and the special tool from the steering column.
  2. Position the bearing retainer to the upper steering shaft coupling with the angled side facing the steering column. Install the bearing retainer into the two previously drilled holes and install two supplied bolts. See Figure 10.
    • Tighten to 2.5 Nm (22 lb-in).

bearing retainerFIGURE 10

 

NOTE: The steering shaft bolts are one time use only. If applicable, do not install the steering column to upper steering shaft bolt until service on the upper steering shaft is completed, based on subsequent inspections – See Attachment III.

  1. Install the steering column. For additional information, refer to WSM Section 211-04.

 

March 2014

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

Mr. John Sample
123 Main Street
Anywhere, USA 12345

 

Vehicle Model and Year
Vehicle ID#: 1FDWC35LX3HBXXXXX
According to our records, your 2005 Lincoln Town Car has not had necessary safety recall repairs made. Parts are now available for final repairs. We urge you to have the free repair performed at your local dealership as soon as possible.

Recall Number and Description: Safety Recall 13S08 / NHTSA Recall 13V385Steering Column Shaft
What is the Issue? On your vehicle, severe corrosion of the joints on the Lower Intermediate Steering Shaft can result in a steering column separation, leading to a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
What are we asking you to do? Parts are now available for final repairs. Please contact your dealer to schedule an appointment to have this important service procedure completed. If you do not already have a servicing dealer, you can access www.Lincolnowner.com for dealer addresses, maps, and driving instructions.

The vehicle owner is responsible for having this service action performed. The Lincoln Motor Company reserves the right to deny coverage for any vehicle damage that may result from failure to have this recall performed on a timely basis. Therefore, please have this recall performed as soon as possible.

Service Assistance: If you have additional questions, please contact our Customer Relationship Center at 1-866-436-7332 and one of our representatives will be happy to assist you. For the hearing impaired call 1-800-232-5952 (TOO). Office Hours are Monday through Friday: 8:00AM – 8:00PM (Eastern Time) ..

If you wish to contact us through the Internet, our address is: www.Lincolnowner.com.

Para asistencia en Espanol: Si necesita ayuda a tiene alguna pregunta, par favor flame al Centro de Relaci6n can Clientes aI1-866-436-7332 y presione 2 para Esoeiio;

 

If your authorized dealer has recently completed this recall repair, please disregard this reminder.

You received this notice because our records, which are based primarily on state registration and title data, indicate that you are the current owner. If you are not the current owner, and you have an address for the current owner, please forward this letter to the new owner

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause 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. Thank you for your attention to this important matter.

The Lincoln Motor Company

 

March 2014

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

 

Mr. John Sample
123 Main Street
Anywhere, USA 12345

 

Vehicle Model and Year
Vehicle ID#: 1FDWC35LX3HBXXXXX

According to our records, your 2005 Lincoln Town Car has not had necessary safety recall repairs made. Parts are now available for final repairs. We urge you to have the free repair performed at your local dealership as soon as possible.

Recall Number and Description: Safety Recall 13S08 / NHTSA Recall 13V385Steering Column Shaft
What is the Issue? On your vehicle, severe corrosion of the joints on the Lower
Intermediate Steering Shaft can result in a steering column separation, leading to a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
What are we asking you to do? Parts are now available for final repairs. Please contact your dealer to schedule an appointment to have this important service procedure completed. If you do not already have a servicing dealer, you can access www.Fordowner.com for dealer addresses, maps, and driving instructions.

The vehicle owner is responsible for having this service action
performed. Ford Motor Company reserves the right to deny coverage
for any vehicle damage that may result from failure to have this recall performed on a timely basis. Therefore, please have this recall
performed as soon as possible.

Service Assistance: If you have additional questions, please contact the Ford Motor
Company Customer Relationship Center at 1-866-436-7332 and one of our representatives will be happy to assist you. For the hearing
impaired call 1-800-232-5952 (TDD). Office Hours are Monday through Friday: 8:00AM – 8:00PM (Eastern Time).If you wish to contact us through the Internet, our address is:
www.Fordowner.com.Para asistencia en Español:
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.

 

If your authorized dealer has recently completed this recall repair, please disregard this reminder.

You received this notice because our records, which are based primarily on state registration and title data, indicate that you are the current owner. If you are not the current owner, and you have an
address for the current owner, please forward this letter to the new owner

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause 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.
Thank you for your attention to this important matter.

Ford Customer Service Division

 

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