Overview of Program 89B88

To: October, 1989
All Lincoln-Mercury Dealers

Subject:
Owner Notification Program B88 - Engine Crankcase Ventilation in certain 1988-Model Mercury Tracers

PLEASE GIVE COPIES OF THIS BULLETIN TO YOUR PARTS AND SERVICE MANAGERS

IN CARES/OASIS - YES
LISTINGS - NO
REFUND PROVISIONS - YES - OWNERS MUST REQUEST REFUNDS BY JANUARY 31, 1990
DEALERS RETAIN REMOVED PARTS - RETAIN PARTS PER WARRANTY AND POLICY MANUAL
PROGRAM PROVISIONS - OWNERS INSTRUCTED TO RETURN FOR SERVICE - PROGRAM AND LIMITATIONS PROVIDES NO-DEDUCTIBLE SERVICE THROUGH OCTOBER 1990
SPECIAL TOOL - INCLUDED WITH THIS LETTER - USED FOR INSPECTION

REASON FOR PROGRAM
We have found that certain Tracers may exhibit engine oil deterioration. This may result from a combination of limited crankcase ventilation and maintenance exceeding the recommended intervals including driving conditions described in the Owner's Manual (Schedules A or B).

VEHICLES AFFECTED
Approximately 87,000 1988-Model Tracers manufactured from November 11, 1986 through June 8, 1988 are affected by this program.

IN CARES/OASIS
CARES/OASIS will be activated since owners are asked to return for service.

PROGRAM PROVISIONS AND LIMITATIONS
Owners will be asked to return their Tracers for installation of improved crankcase ventilating components, inspection and, if necessary, replacement of a venting valve, oil pan cleaning, and oil pick-up screen replacement.

The no-charge service provided by this program is available through October 1990. After that date, time and mileage provisions of the Powertrain Warranty may be available or service will be the owner's responsibility.

REFUNDS
Owners who have paid for engine repairs as a RESULT OF THIS CONDITION will be refunded costs of parts and labor including deductible charges and towing. Repairs must have been made prior to the receipt of notice of this program. Refund requests must be made by January 31, 1990. Refund requests after receipt of notice of the program will be permitted only for emergency situations.

SPECIAL TOOL
A special inspection tool is included with this letter. Contact your District Office if additional tools are needed.

TECHNICAL INSTRUCTIONS
See Attachment I, Exhibits 1, 2, 3, and 4.

PARTS ORDERING
See Attachment II.

CLAIM PREPARATION
A copy of these instructions should be filed in Subject 5.5 or 9.0 of your Warranty and Policy Manual.

Repairs performed under Owner Notification Program B88 are to be submitted on warranty claim Form 1863, which are to include the information shown below. Enter Program Number B88 in the Program Code box in the upper left of the form. Repair claims should be submitted through the Direct Warranty Entry (DWE) System.

Causal Basic Part Number - 6A666
Condition Code - 53
Labor Operations - SEE LABOR TIMES (ATTACHMENT II)
Scheduled Time - SEE LABOR TIMES (ATTACHMENT II)
Program Code - B88

REFUND CLAIMS
Refund requests submitted under Owner Notification Program B88 are governed by the following guidelines:

Refunds include parts, labor, towing and any deductible amount owners may have paid.

Refund requests will be permitted for emergency repairs that occur after receipt of notice of the program.

Owners must furnish an original paid repair order or parts purchase receipt. These documents must be retained in your service file for at least one year following the date of Company notification of payment of the claim.

Repairs must have been made prior to receipt of notice of this program and as a result of this condition.

Owner refund requests must be submitted on separate warranty claim Forms 1863 by January 31, 1990. Claims submitted after that date will not be paid. In addition to the information shown for the special preparation of Owner Refund claims (Reference: Warranty and Policy Manual - Subject 6.1, Page 15), please enter the information shown below:

Causal Basic Part Number - 6A666
Condition Code - 53
Labor Operation - REFUND
Administrative Allowance - 0.2 Hrs.
Program Code - B88

An administrative allowance of 0.2 hours will be allowed for processing each eligible owner refund request. To claim the allowance, enter ALLOW in the Labor Operation No. column and 0.2 in the Scheduled Time column. Extend the 0.2 hours at your authorized warranty labor rate and enter the result in the Amount column.

ACTION BY FORD
Owners will be notified with an owner letter.

Your parts and service personnel must be provided with this package and be familiar with the program to respond to owner inquiries.