Owners Letter Information

October, 1983


Dear Owner:

The purpose of this letter is to advise you of a new Ford service program involving some 1978 through 1983-model Ford built passenger cars. Our records indicate that you own a vehicle eligible for the program, which bears the serial number shown on the envelope that contained this letter. (If you own more than one eligible car, the serial numbers are shown on the listing attached to this letter.)

This action is not a recall or campaign that requires you to return your vehicle to a dealership. You may, however, choose to do so if your vehicle exhibits the specific condition described below.

Reasons for the Program:

We have found that in some of these vehicles wear may occur in the power steering gear housing that will delay full power steering "assist" when the car is first started after not having been operated for a few hours. The condition is temporary (usually only momentary) and goes away as the vehicle begins to warm up. The condition will not result in a sudden, unexpected loss of power steering "assist" while the vehicle is being driven.

Description of Ford's Program:

If you experience this condition on your vehicle within five years of its in-service date or 50,000 miles of operation, whichever comes first, Ford will install a new power steering gear assembly at no charge to you. This program covers replacement of the power steering gear assembly only. It does not provide coverage for the repair or replacement of steering gear tie rods, tie rod ends, bellows, and the power steering pump, fittings, hoses and clamps beyond the new vehicle, warranty. These components are not affected by the internal wear condition of the power steering gear housing. The repair of external power steering system fluid leakage is also not covered.
To Have This Service Performed:

Should your vehicle experience this condition, please contact any Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealership in your area to set up an appointment for service. All dealerships in your area have been advised of this program, and can assist you as necessary.

Reimbursement For Prior Repairs:

If you have already had the power steering gear assembly on your vehicle repaired or replaced at your expense within five years of its in-service date and 50,000 miles of operation because of the previously described condition, Ford will reimburse you for the full cost that you incurred - parts and labor. Reimbursement includes the deductible amount you may have paid under Ford's Major Components Coverage, Ford's Extended Service Plan (ESP) or any similar plan in effect on your vehicle.

To request reimbursement, we ask that you present your paid repair order or over-the-counter parts purchase receipt to any Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealership in your area by May 31, 1984. The dealership will make arrangements to reimburse you for the costs you incurred.

Ford Motor Company is taking this action as part of our ongoing effort to maintain the confidence of Ford and Lincoln-Mercury owners in our products. We want you to be satisfied with your Ford built vehicle and want to keep you as a customer.