Ford recalls new Escape again, citing fire risk

Ford Motor Co. issued a third recall of its newly launched 2013 Escape, saying an improperly installed part could cause a fire in the engine compartment. The recall affects about 7,600 Escapes equipped with 1.6-liter engines. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Web site says the vehicles were built between Oct. 5, 2011, and Aug. 31, 2012, which includes pre-production vehicles that may still be in service, Ford spokeswoman Marcey Zwiebel said. In some of these SUVs, a component called a cup plug was not installed properly, Zwiebel said. A loose or dislodged plug would cause an immediate loss of engine coolant. If the glycol concentration in the coolant comes in contact with the hot engine components, it may catch fire. The new Escape was redesigned for the 2013 model year. The latest recall is the second due to a fire risk. Ford recalled the vehicle for the first time in July to correct a carpeting flaw that could cause braking problems. Days later, Ford recalled the Escape again, citing a fuel line problem that could cause an engine fire. The issue forced Ford to take the rare step of telling owners to stop driving immediately. Zwiebel said the cup plug defect is not related to the fuel line issue. Ford has determined there is a low likelihood of a plug dislodging and an "even lower likelihood" of a fire, she said. Replacement parts are available at dealerships now. About 6,150 of the vehicles affected by the plug issue are in the United States and 1,300 are in Canada. No customer vehicles have caught fire, but in mid-August an Escape caught fire on a dealer lot in Tennessee. The plugs at issue were manually installed at a Ford engine plant in England, Zwiebel said. Manual installation at that time was used as a back-up when the automated systems were having problems, something that Zwiebel said is no longer the case.

Ford is recalling 424,000 Escapes in the U.S.

Ford Escapes from the 2001-2004 model years with 3-liter, V6 engines are affected by the recall. Ford Motor Co. is recalling 424,000 Escapes in the United States because a cruise control defect may cause the throttle to stick, leading to unintended acceleration. The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced it was investigating the safety defect July 17, based on 99 complaints, including 13 crashes and the death of a 17-year-old Arizona girl. The worldwide recall covers SUVs from the 2001 through 2004 model years, Marcey Zwiebel, a Ford spokeswoman, said in a telephone interview. Almost 424,000 U.S. vehicles with three-liter, six-cylinder engines will be covered under the recall, according to documents Ford provided to NHTSA. There's inadequate clearance between the engine cover and a control cable in those models, Ford said. For the 2001-2004 model year recall, there also are about 35,000 vehicles in Canada, 19,000 in Mexico, 4,500 in Europe and 4,300 in other regions, Ford said. In Europe, the model is called the Maverick. It wasn't immediately known if the Escape's assembly line sibling, the Mazda Tribute, also would be recalled. Mazda has been working "hand-in-hand with Ford and NHTSA" on the stuck throttle investigation but as of this afternoon had not issued a recall of the Tribute SUVs from 2001-2004, said a company spokesman. Affected owners will be notified by mail and instructed to take their SUVs to a Ford or Lincoln dealer, the company said. The notices will go out beginning August 6, Ford said. The U.S. safety regulator's investigation remains open, pending the agency's review of the documents provided by Ford in its recall action, Karen Aldana, a NHTSA spokeswoman, said in an e-mailed statement. Continued monitoring "NHTSA will continue to monitor any future issues involving a stuck throttle or unintended acceleration in these vehicles to ensure there are no additional safety risks that warrant further action," Aldana said. The U.S. investigation followed a July 10 letter from Clarence Ditlow, executive director of the Center for Automotive Safety in Washington, to Ford CEO Alan Mulally, asking him to recall all Escapes from model years 2002 to 2004 for what he called a "lethal cruise control cable defect." Escapes from the 2002 model year have been the subject of eight previous NHTSA investigations, according to the agency's database. Some of the vehicles have been recalled for engine stalling, an electrical short in the antilock brake system and leaking brake fluid. Ford also recalled 11,500 2013 Escapes July 19 because fuel lines were at risk of leaking, causing an engine fire. Toyota Motor Corp. recalled millions of U.S. autos in 2009 and 2010 for unintended acceleration, replacing floor mats at risk of jamming accelerators and sticky gas pedals. The Toyota City, Japan-based company paid a record $48.8 million in fines for how some of the recalls were conducted.

Ford recalls more than 140,000 Focus cars in U.S

Ford Motor Co (F.N) is recalling 140,310 Focus cars from model year 2012 in the United States to repair a potential problem with the passenger-side windshield wiper motor, according to U.S. safety regulators.

A seal plug in the wiper motor electrical connector may be missing, allowing water into the motor's electrical connection, according to documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That could result in an inoperative wiper on the passenger side, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.

Ford said no accidents or injuries had been reported related to the issue. Owners will be notified the week of May 21, and the wiper motor connector will be cleaned and sealed as needed, NHTSA said.

In separate NHTSA documents, Chrysler, which is controlled by Fiat (FIA.MI), is recalling 1,689 2012 model Jeep Patriot and Compass sport utility vehicles that may have been built with a fuel tank assembly containing a damaged rollover valve. In an accident or rollover, fuel could leak and increase the risk of a fire, NHTSA said.

Chrysler said in a NHTSA filing that it was not aware of any accidents, leaks, fires or injuries related to the issue. The recall is expected to begin by June.

Ford to offer start-stop feature on Fusion to boost mpg

Ford Motor Co. plans to offer a 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine with an auto start-stop option on the upcoming 2013 Ford Fusion.

The automaker said it will offer the start-stop option in the United States for $295 and the Fusion will be the first non-hybrid mid-sized sedan available with the technology.

Ford has not said how much the EcoBoost engine option will be for the Fusion.

The auto start-stop technology automatically switches off the engine when the vehicle comes to a stop, but restarts as soon as the driver releases the brake pedal.

Samantha Hoyt, Ford Fusion marketing manager, said in a statement that the automaker expects Fusion drivers with the option "will save about $1,100 more than other midsize sedan owners during five years of driving,"

The company said owners who spend most time in heavily congested urban areas and city traffic will benefit the most, up to 10 percent, and fuel efficiency will be improved by about 3.5 percent on average.

The 2013 Fusion, which goes on sale this fall, will get a projected 37 mpg highway with the 1.6-liter EcoBoost, Ford said.

Ford plans to produce as many as 1.5 million EcoBoost engines globally by 2013 for use in a variety of vehicles, the company said.

Ford said in January that it plans to offer EcoBoost engines in 11 vehicles in 2012, up from seven in 2011. The company built 127,883 vehicles with EcoBoost engines in North America last year.

Ford sued for alleged fuel tank defect in F- and E-series trucks

Ford Motor Co. has been sued for allegedly selling trucks over a 10-year period that had defective fuel tank linings, and for hiding the problem from consumers even as it warned dealers.
The lawsuit filed Wednesday in a New Jersey federal court said fuel tank linings on 10 E- and F-series truck models made between 1999 and 2008 would "separate and flake off."
It said this would clog fuel systems with debris and rust, causing a sudden loss of engine power, and potentially causing vehicles to buck or kick or suddenly stall.
Ford in 2007 issued a "secret" technical service bulletin to dealers advising of the problem, but neither recalled the affected trucks nor offered to repair them for free, the complaint said.
"Hundreds, if not thousands" of drivers have experienced the defect, it added.
Ford spokeswoman Marcey Evans Zwiebel declined to comment immediately, saying the automaker has yet to be served with the complaint.
Lawyers for the plaintiffs had no immediate comment.
The lawsuit was filed by Chester, N.J.-based Coba Landscaping and Construction Inc and its principal Galo Coba. It alleges fraud, breach of warranty, and unjust enrichment, among other charges, and seeks compensatory, punitive and triple damages.
The F-series pickup is the best-selling U.S. car or truck. The E-Series is a truck-based full-size van.

Ford recalls 450,426 minivans, SUVs in U.S. for safety flaws

Ford Motor Co. is recalling 450,426 vehicles in the United States to fix defects that can cause fires or loss of power.

The action covers 205,896 Ford Freestar and Mercury Monterey minivans and 244,530 Escape sport-utility vehicles.

Ford is recalling 2004 and 2005 model Freestar and Monterey minivans because the torque converter output shafts in their powertrains may fail and cause sudden loss of power.

The 2001 and 2002 model Escape SUVs may have brake-fluid leaks from the cap of their brake master cylinder reservoir leading to corrosion that may cause fire.

Ford disclosed the recalls today on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website. Ford wasn't immediately available for comment.

The minivan recalls followed an investigation by the U.S. auto-safety regulator. The Escape recall follows another in 2007 during which Ford said some of the vehicles may not have been properly repaired.

After nearly 3 decades, Ranger waves the white flag

Production of Ford's little workhorse is coming to an end.

The Ranger pickup, a popular U.S. compact truck for decades, will end production Friday morning.

The pickup debuted in 1982. At times, it was the top-selling U.S. compact pickup. Ford says 6,657,881 Rangers have been sold.

Ranger's best year was 1999, when 348,358 were sold. Sales this year through November tallied 64,114, a 26 percent increase over the first 11 months of 2010 and good enough to place No. 2 overall in compact truck sales. Mazda even had a version of the Ranger, known as the B series.

Over its history, the Ranger became a popular pickup with America's youth, handymen and some tradesmen. But as the Ford F-150, Chevy Silverado and the former Dodge Ram battled for sales with big rebates and generous lease deals, compact intenders discovered they could easily afford a full-sized pickup.

The result? Ranger sales suffered.

In more recent years, Ford focused engineering and technology updates on the F-150. The Ranger's improvements essentially amounted to cosmetic changes. Ford pretty much gave up on the compact pickup market.

Meanwhile, the competition intensified. Rivals made improvements and their models grew in size and capability. Today the Toyota Tacoma is No. 1, holding 37 percent of the small pickup market. The Ranger is No. 2 with 24 percent, followed by the Nissan Frontier, 17 percent, according to the Automotive News Data Center. The Chevrolet Colorado is a distant fourth with a 10 percent share.

As for Ranger, Friday it will wave the white flag and surrender. The last Ranger will roll off the assembly line at Ford's Twin Cities plant in St. Paul, Minn.

While the Ranger name will die here, it continues around the globe, specifically on Ford's new mid-sized pickup. But Ford says there are no plans to sell the mid-sized Ranger here.

So for now, at least in the United States, the Ranger name will be filed away with such Ford nameplates as Falcon, Fairlane, Pinto, Maverick, Granada, Ranchero, Crown Victoria and Thunderbird.

Ford recalls Fusion, Milan to fix wheels that may fall off

The recall covers certain 2010 and 2011 Fusions and Milans.

Ford Motor Co. is recalling 128,616 Fusion and Mercury Milan sedans to fix defective wheels that may fall off, the U.S. Transportation Department said today.

The cars' wheel studs may fracture while driving, leading to "vibration and/or wheel separation, increasing the risk of a crash," the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said in a notice on its Web site. The recall covers certain 2010 and 2011 models, the notice said.

The vehicles were built from April 1, 2009 through April 30, 2009 and from Dec. 1, 2009 through Nov. 13, 2010.

Dealers will replace lug nuts on all four wheels and inspect rear-wheel disc brake surfaces and replace them as necessary, the agency said.

"Affected customers can continue to drive their vehicles," said Susan Krusel, a spokeswoman for Dearborn, Michigan-based Ford. "We are not aware of any accidents or injuries."

Ford plans to notify owners beginning the week of Jan. 24, Krusel said. Customers can ask their dealers to inspect the lug nuts to make sure they're properly attached, she said.

The recall covers cars originally equipped with 17-inch steel wheels built at a plant in Hermosillo, Mexico, NHTSA said in a letter to Ford. The wheels were supplied by Hayes Lemmerz International Inc. in Northville, Mich., and the brakes were supplied by Brembo North America Inc. in Plymouth, Mich., the agency said.

NHTSA began investigating Jan. 21, according to agency documents. The agency at the time was aware of 29 owner complaints, including four instances in which wheels had fallen off, and 128 warranty claims Ford had paid for fractured wheel studs.

Ford F-150, Escape defect probes closed by U.S. regulator

Investigations into safety defects in Ford F-150, Escape and Mercury Mariner vehicles were closed without additional recalls, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said.

The auto-safety regulator ended probes into the 1997 to 2004 F-150 pickup trucks and 2010-2011 Escape and Mariners, according to a report posted today on its Web site.

Ford Motor Co. last month recalled some F-150s voluntarily for fuel-tank strap corrosion. The investigation into the Escapes and Mariners was for rear lift-gate window defects.

The agency, in its monthly report of closed investigations, also rejected a request to investigate Toyota Motor Corp. model-year 2008 Corolla cars for front air bags that may not deploy.

U.S. fuel-economy rules projected to spur at least 10% cut in car weight

The U.S. government's new corporate average fuel economy target has spurred automakers to launch a campaign to slash the weight of their vehicles.

There appears to be a growing consensus that vehicle weight must be reduced 10 to 15 percent to achieve the government's 54.5 mpg fuel economy standard, effective by the 2025 model year.

This month, research firm Ducker Worldwide of suburban Detroit issued a report that forecast vehicle weight reductions of 10 to 12 percent by 2025. Meanwhile, the Center for Automotive Research in Ann Arbor, Mich., predicted vehicles would be up to 15 percent lighter.

A typical vehicle weighs about 3,625 pounds, which means automakers will seek to eliminate 360 to 540 pounds, if industry estimates are correct.

At least one automaker, Ford Motor Co., has publicly vowed to reduce the weight of new models introduced through 2020 by 250 to 750 pounds per vehicle.

Most likely, automakers will achieve this by relying heavily on lighter materials -- such as aluminum, magnesium, composites and carbon fiber -- along with advanced high-strength steel.

Given the high cost of carbon fiber, automakers generally will make greatest use of aluminum and advanced high-strength steel, said Richard Schultz, a Ducker managing director.

"The real loser will be 'mild' steel, but so what?" Schultz said. "The steel mills see this conversion happening, so they are replacing their equipment."

This conversion to lighter materials will occur step by step, as automakers redesign hundreds of parts.

Most companies prefer an incremental approach rather than clean-sheet experiments such as Jaguar's primarily aluminum XJ sedan or the Audi A8's aluminum spaceframe, said CAR President Jay Baron.

Automakers are "risk averse, because making a mistake is so costly," Baron said.

But some ambitious experiments have been launched. The U.S. Department of Energy has funded a $10 million effort by Chrysler Groupto design a seven-passenger minivan that weighs half as much as a typical people mover.

Chrysler declined to discuss the project, but industry sources say the designers will make use of magnesium, aluminum and composite components.

In 2009, Ford said it would reduce the weight of each new model over the next decade by 250 to 750 pounds, depending on vehicle size.

Its new models are starting to show the results of that strategy. The new Explorer, for example, features an aluminum hood that is 17 pounds lighter than a steel one. And a magnesium seat frame for the Explorer's third row saved 10 pounds.

Another example: the Lincoln MKT crossover has a liftgate made with a magnesium inner panel plus an aluminum outer panel. The magnesium-aluminum liftgate weighs 87.5 pounds, vs. 109.5 pounds for a standard steel one.

The liftgate, developed jointly by Ford and Meridian Lightweight Technologies Inc. of Strathroy, Ontario, won a 2010 Automotive News PACE award.

Consumer resistance
Weight reductions such as these arguably are invisible to the motorist, who may not care whether his hood is aluminum or steel. But other efforts to cut weight may encounter consumer resistance.

For example, Magna International Inc., of Aurora, Ontario, developed a front seat called Futureform, a 39-pound product that weighs 20 percent less than a conventional unit.

Its thin seat back saves weight, and thinner contours allow rear-seat passengers more legroom. To hold costs down, Magna used high-strength steel -- twice as strong as conventional steel -- in the frame rather than pricier materials such as carbon fiber or magnesium.

But Magna doesn't have any contracts yet. Why not? Consumers perceive the seat to be less comfortable, admits Jim Rudberg, a seating engineer for Magna.

Uncomfortable looks
The supplier's own tests conclude that the new seat is just as comfortable. But participants in Magna's customer clinics insisted that the seats didn't look comfortable.

This problem first popped up a few years ago, when Magna developed the fold-down seats for Chrysler's minivans with Stow 'n Go seating. Consumers thought the fold-down seats looked too skinny -- hence uncomfortable -- so Magna had to fatten them up.

What will it cost?

While 10-year cost projections necessarily involve guesswork, industry analysts aren't that far apart. The Ducker report puts the cost of a 10 percent weight reduction at $500 per vehicle.

The CAR study estimates that a 15 percent weight reduction would cost $1,156 per vehicle.

Incremental vs. innovative
Such estimates assume that automakers will gradually switch to new materials rather than make a one-time change to slash weight.

But some major innovations are in the works, too. At the Frankfurt auto show, BMW AG is unveiling the i3 electric car, an innovative vehicle made largely of carbon fiber.

In addition, Audi AG is unveiling a redesigned A2 with an aluminum body and spaceframe.

The Detroit 3 may be willing to experiment, too. Schultz of Ducker Worldwide hints that an American automaker plans to develop an aluminum-body vehicle in the next five to 10 years.

Carbon fiber sports car
Likewise, rumors are circulating that an American automaker may develop a sports car with a carbon fiber monocoque, or unibody.

If successful, these projects could speed the pace of innovation. But automakers are unlikely to adopt exotic materials for mass market models regardless of cost.

If the price of a new part is more than 5 to 10 percent higher than the old part, said Magna's Rudberg: "We won't even bother."

Ford to launch MyKey safety feature in Europe

Ford Motor Co. will launch its MyKey feature in Europe next year, alongside the Ford Sync voice-control system.

MyKey allows an "administrator," most likely a parent, to give younger drivers a designated key with a unique computer chip that among other things limits a car's top speed to 140kph (around 87.5 mph) in Europe.

In North America, MyKey debuted as a standard feature on the 2010 Ford Focus and is now a no-cost feature on nearly all Ford and Lincoln models. In Europe, the Ford Fiesta will be the first model to get MyKey next year, followed by the all-new Ford Focus, before spreading to the rest of the lineup.

In North America, MyKey imposes a standard top speed of 80 mph, but parents can opt for a top speed of 65, 70, 75 or 80 mph.

Ford decided not to give the option of choosing different top speeds for European markets, said Pim van der Jagt, executive director, Ford Advanced Research and Engineering Center in Aachen, Germany.

"Speed limits are different in different markets, and in Germany there are highways with no limits, so we decided not to (provide lower limits), because for instance in an emergency you might need to accelerate," he said Thursday following a press conference at the 2011 IFA consumer electronics show here.

Additional safety features

In Europe, MyKey can be programmed to sound a warning as the car passes speeds of 70, 90 or 100kph, similar to the North American version. Most MyKey features are almost identical in Europe and in North America.

For instance, MyKey makes it impossible to turn off certain safety systems, such as blind-spot detection, electronic stability control, lane departure warning and traction control. MyKey also limits the audio volume to 44 percent of total volume, and mutes the audio until front seat belts are fastened.

MyKey also turns on the "low fuel" warning at a remaining range of 120 km instead of 80km, van der Jagt said. One difference is that Ford announced in North America in December 2010 that it would allow parents to lock out satellite radio programming with explicit language. That won't be available in Europe at launch.

"Satellite radio really isn't all that popular in Europe, so we won't have that," van der Jagt added.

Noise from left front wheel, and ABS light on

Subject: Noise from left front wheel, and ABS light on

Vehicles Involved: Ford Escape 2009, Mercury Mariner 2009

Condition: A clicking or rubbing noise from the left front wheel, and the ABS light may be on.

Repair: The ABS wheel speed sensor may be making contact with the reluctor wheel. This is caused by a defective knuckle, which miss-aligns the sensor and reluctor.

Remove the wheel and measure the air gap between the sensor and reluctor. If the air gap is less than .020 in. or inspection indicates the sensor has been making contact with the reluctor, the steering knuckle must be replaced. The installation of a new design knuckle from Ford should correct this problem.

TSB No. BPI 11-07

Ford, Toyota to jointly develop hybrids for light trucks

Ford Motor Co. and Toyota Motor Corp., by partnering to build a hybrid system for light trucks, hope to cross one of the auto industry’s biggest hurdles – significantly boosting the fuel economy of large pickups and SUVs.

The two automakers plan to jointly develop hybrid technology for light trucks as U.S. regulators finalize plans to toughen fuel economy requirements for pickups later this decade.

Ford sells the nation’s best-selling large pickup – the F series. Toyota is the world’s biggest marketer of gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles for front-wheel based light vehicles, with sales of 3.3 million since introducing the Prius in 1997.

"We expect to create exciting and socially beneficial technologies with Ford, and we can do so because our two companies have enough experience to create a synergy effect in hybrid technology," said Takeshi Uchiyamada, a Toyota executive vice president.

The new hybrid system will be introduced in Ford and Toyota rear-wheel drive SUVs and light trucks later this decade.

It's the first time the automakers have collaborated on product development.

The companies have signed a memorandum of understanding and expect a formal agreement to be signed next year.

By that time, it should be clear how the Obama administration will formalize a proposal to hike corporate average fuel-economy standards to 54.5 mpg by the 2025 model year -- doubling the current requirement.

The new standard requires a 5 percent annual increase in fuel economy for cars starting with the 2017 model year through the 2025 model year. Under current law, automakers’ fleets must improve to 35.5 mpg in the 2016 model year, up from 27.3 mpg now.

Pickups exempt

The plan for 5 percent annual increases could be changed if a midcourse review, planned to begin in 2018, determines that it would adversely affect industry costs and vehicle sales.

The Obama administration's current CAFE proposal, details of which still must be worked out, will exclude full-sized pickups from any increases from the 2017 model year through the 2019 model year.

Beyond 2019, annual increases would begin at a rate still to be determined, until they reach an annual rate of 5 percent a year in the 2022-2025 model years.

Light trucks other than full-sized pickups would have to achieve 3.5 percent annual increases in mileage standards in the 2017-21 model years and 5 percent increases in the 2022-25 model years.

The sharp hike in fleet mpg will force automakers to make vehicles smaller and lighter, offer more hybrids and enhance powertrains to include such technologies as turbochargers and direct injection.

Detroit automakers dominate the full-sized pickup market, with the F series and General Motors' Chevrolet Silverado ranking as the top-selling vehicles in the nation.

Some Toyota Tundra and Nissan Titan models also might be considered full-sized pickups under federal criteria to be determined.

Credits for hybrids

Under the current White House plan, which is to be proposed formally in September and become final in July 2012, Detroit automakers would receive credits for meeting CAFE targets by increasing the use of hybrid technology in pickups.

The exemption for full-sized pickups was opposed by some overseas automakers -- notably Volkswagen AG and Daimler AG -- that make SUVs and crossovers that are classified as light trucks but would not be treated the same.

Administration official say one reason for the special treatment of full-sized pickups is that they were "significantly challenged" to meet the 2012-16 mileage targets.

Because of the wide choice of engines, transmissions, drivetrains, bed sizes and towing capacity available, automakers have struggled to meet higher fuel-economy requirements for large pickups without sacrificing consumer preferences.

That challenge is the primary reason Ford and Toyota have decided to pair up, analysts say.

GM has marketed mild-hybrid full-sized pickups and SUVs for several years under a technology partnership with BMW and Chrysler, but sales have been lackluster because of higher sticker prices and reduced performance, such as limited towing capacity.

“To some extent, this agreement allows Ford to cost-effectively catch up and potentially surpass GM, who arguably has a head start on light-truck hybrids and mild hybrids,” Barclays Capital analyst Brian Johnson said in a report today.

Global challenges

Ford and Toyota expect the partnership to reduce costs and bring hybrid technology to the marketplace sooner and at a lower price. The companies plan to develop components as equal partners but integrate the new hybrid system in future trucks and SUVs separately.

"By working together we will be able to serve our customers with the very best affordable, advanced powertrains, delivering even better fuel economy," Ford CEO Alan Mulally said in a statement. "This is the kind of collaborative effort that is required to address the big global challenges of energy independence and environmental sustainability."

The two automakers also agreed to work together on developing next-generation telematics and other in-vehicle Internet-based services.

"This agreement brings together the capability of two global leaders in hybrid vehicles and hybrid technology to develop a better solution more quickly and affordably for our customers," said Derrick Kuzak, Ford's vice president of product development.

The companies did not release financial details or identify which vehicles will be involved.

But investors seemed to welcome the news, pushing Ford shares higher in New York Stock Exchange trading today while shares in other automakers slumped. Ford shares closed up 1 cent at 10.01. GM shares fell 44 cents, or 2 percent, to close at $21.72.

The Ford and Toyota product development teams first met in April, Kuzak said.

The next step of the project is a feasibility study, which will begin soon, to determine the scope of the collaboration, he said.

Uchiyamada, speaking through a translator, said both companies are eager to start. While they "would like to know the timing now," they must take the appropriate steps before full development can begin.

They play to begin development work next year.

Ford and Toyota previously collaborated in 2004 when the two companies agreed to a patent-sharing deal where Toyota licensed some of its hybrid technology to Ford.

Ford used the licensed technology in the Escape Hybrid and the now-defunct Mercury Mariner Hybrid. In return, Toyota obtained the use of Ford's diesel and direct-injection engine technology.

Ford F150 Heritage problems with lighting system.

We just purchased a used Ford F150 pickup for our nephew. The lights were all working and then all of a sudden the blinkers and brake lights quit. My husband bought a manual and it suggested changing out some little plug located under steering column on the right side. I can’t remember what they are called but it was 2 square plug ins.

Replaced these, lights worked perfect and then went out again on the way to school. Please help. What would you suggest we try?

Ford to recall 1.1M pickup for gas tank problem

Ford to recall 1.1M pickup trucks with gas tanks that can fall off and cause fires

Ford Motor Co. is recalling 1.1 million pickup trucks because the gas tanks can fall off and cause fires.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said Monday on its website that the metal straps holding the tanks can rust, allowing them to fall, rupture and catch fire.

The defect has been blamed for eight fires, three of which spread to the rest of the truck. One person was injured, suffering first- and second-degree burns, Ford spokesman Wes Sherwood said.

The recall affects certain 1997 through 2004 Ford F-150 models, as well as some 1997 through 1999 model year F-250 pickups. Also affected are Lincoln Blackwood pickups from the 2002 and 2003 model years. They were sold in cold-weather states where salt is used to clear roads. The salt corroded straps holding the tanks and they broke, NHTSA said.

The trucks were originally sold or are now registered in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Washington, D.C.

Sherwood said the company will notify owners in September to bring their trucks to dealers who will replace the straps with new ones that are coated to resist corrosion. Parts to fix the problem, he said, won't be widely available until then.

People with questions should contact their dealer, who can install a cable to hold the tanks in place until the replacement straps arrive, Sherwood said.

04 Explorer a/c burnt?

I have a good one for you! I knew sooner or later this would happen.It could have easily burned and totalled the vehicle.
My son's 04 Explorer which was having earlier problems with the a/c compressor not powering on, now it is a bigger problem. Previously he was jumpering directly from the a/c clutch wire connector to the battery, to engage the a/c compressor clutch with Automotive Air Conditioning Repair
Well,he decided to hook up a toggle switch to the suv interior. After doing that, it wasn't long before the a/c clutch two wire connector shorted together and caused melted black electrical tape and the toggle switch to burn up, taking out the battery in the process.
He had to replace the battery and now when he tries jumpering directly to the battery again,it just causes sparking.
My question is the a/c compressor clutch coil
possibly shorted out or could it be the old original wire connector itself causing the arcing? How can you test the a/c clutch coil?
I am presently trying to locate and buy a new a/c clutch wiring connector pigtail. It is a two spade/two wire connector. I called A/Z and Oreilly's and they either don't have it or unsure which connector is the proper one.
I may have to call a local Ford dealership.
I do understand all of this is a bone head way of powering the a/c compressor and shouldn't have been done.
Does anyone know a part or oem # that would help to find the correct replacement wire connector.
That is the first priority right now and then get it repaired properly at a mechanic shop.
This 2004 Ford Explorer is a 4 wd, 4.0L V-6, with Vin K
I just need to replace the wiring pigtail to eliminate a possibly burnt out/grounded out connector and hope that he didn't burn out the a/c clutch coil. I would appreciate your help with this very stupid problem.

Response:

1).. reminds me of putting the penny behind the fuse... or in modern times, tin foil around the fuse;-)

2)The A/C clutch coil is an electro magnet. Knowing that I suspect that the Compressor itself is probably bad causing excessive heat by dragging on the clutch surfaces. And I have seen the compressors start fires.

UPDATE
The 04 Explorer meltdown was when the vehicle wasn't running. It shorted out with the a/c clutch wire connector (where hot wired)the two wires touched. So I don't really think it was the compressor itself involved. It was operating well when jumpered due to inability to energize thru the OEM control system via the clutch cycling switch.
Can I check the a/c clutch coil with a multimeter for continuity and/or Ohms? I read that continuity would confirm a good complete circuit. I just want to get the car back to the point of a/c compressor able to engage properly and then get it repaired properly at a local mechanic shop.
I did call a Ford dealership and found a new a/c clutch wire connector pigtail.
Thanks guys for your assistance, will update you later.

Ford plans hybrid-only models

Ford, like Toyota, aims to create a family of hybrid-only vehicles. But Ford and its dealers have to decide who will sell them.

Ford Motor Co. plans to offer the C-Max vehicles in hybrid-only versions, with no gasoline-powered version. The two vehicles -- the C-Max hybrid five-seat hatchback and the C-Max Energi plug-in hybrid -- will join the Transit Connect Electric commercial van, Focus electric and an unidentified fifth vehicle that will arrive in 2012.

Ford now sells hybrid versions of the Ford Fusion and Escape and the Lincoln MKZ.

Speaking last week about the C-Max models, Jim Farley, Ford's global marketing chief, said, "I am convinced that customers will appreciate that Ford now offers a dedicated body style for electric vehicle choices."

He announced that Ford had cancelled plans to sell the European-engineered seven-seat gasoline-powered C-Max in the United States.

The C-Max plan appears to mimic Toyota Motor Corp.'s plan for a family of Prius hybrid vehicles. The Toyota Prius and Honda Insight are the only hybrids that are not derivatives of gasoline-powered models.

Ford plans to triple North American production of electric vehicles and hybrids to more than 100,000 units by 2013.

While all Ford brand dealers are expected to sell the C-Max hatchback hybrid, dealers can choose not to sell the C-Max Energi. They will have to decide by the end of this summer whether to commit to investing in service-department training and meeting other requirements to get the Energi.

Both vehicles will go on sale in 2012, but Farley would not say whether they will go on sale nationwide or whether Ford will launch them in a few markets, as was true for the Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid and the Nissan Leaf electric car.

"Dealers will have to do different things, in terms of financing, arranging for the installation of the plug-in at the customer's house" and handling service, Farley said.

Best Buy will install the charging stations, he said.

Ford C-Max minivan to be offered only as a hybrid

Automaker will triple electrified vehicle production to 100,000 a year
Ford says the upcoming C-Max compact minivan will be a dedicated hybrid when U.S. sales begin next year.

Ford Motor Co., in a move to compete with hybrid and electric vehicles produced by Toyota, GM, and Nissan, said today that its upcoming C-Max compact minivan will be a dedicated hybrid when U.S. sales begin next year.

And Ford has cancelled plans to offer a version of the C-Max with a four-cylinder gasoline engine.

Ford said it has been able to reduce the cost of hybrid technology, which will make the vehicle more attractive to buyers. Ford announced this year that a plug-in hybrid C-Max Energi also is planned.

Today's move will put the C-Max in competition with Toyota Motor Corp.'s Prius hybrid, General Motors' Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid and Nissan Motor Co.'s all-electric Leaf.

The C-Max is a five-passenger minivan based on the Ford Focus platform.

Ford executives, during an event today in Sterling Heights, Mich., said they plan to triple North American production of electric vehicles and hybrids to more than 100,000 models by 2013 as they work to make a quarter of their vehicles run at least partly on electricity.

Ford is investing $135 million and adding 220 jobs at three Michigan plants to produce five "electrified" models. Besides the C-Max and C-Max Energi, the automaker is building an electric version of its Transit Connect van and will start making a battery-powered Focus compact this year. Ford has not yet announced the fifth vehicle.

Automakers are developing models powered at least partly by electricity as U.S. fuel-economy standards rise. The company said it currently sells about 35,000 electrified vehicles a year, which includes the Fusion Hybrid and Escape Hybrid.

Jim Farley, Ford's group vice president of marketing, sales and service, said in a statement: "Whether people want a hybrid, a plug-in hybrid or full battery electric vehicle, we have a family of vehicles for them to consider, providing a range of options to best meet their needs and support their driving habits and lifestyles."

Cost down

Ford said this year that it expects the cost of hybrid systems it begins offering next year will be 30 percent less expensive than the system that was introduced on the 2010 Ford Fusion.

Ford said it will be able to keep C-Max prices down because much of the hybrid system has been designed and engineered by Ford. The company also will assemble the system.

For example, an upcoming hybrid transmission was designed and engineered by Ford and will be assembled beginning in the first quarter of 2012 in a suburban Detroit Ford plant.

The hybrid transmission in its 2011 Ford Fusion and 2011 Escape and the 2011 Lincoln MKZ are supplied by Japan's Aisin Seiki Co.

The new Ford transmission will be used globally and sourced from Michigan.

Hybrid loyalty rates 'very high'

In an April nterview, Sherif Marakby, Ford's director of electrification programs and engineering, said, "When we first launched a hybrid six years ago, many customers were concerned" about the battery. Customers asked: "'How long would the battery last?' 'How much does it cost to replace it?'" he said.

But batteries have proven to be long-lasting, Marakby said. It's now imperative to lower the cost of its hybrid system, he said, so Ford can cut hybrid prices and boost sales.

"We're seeing that the loyalty rate on hybrids is very high," he said in April. "We just need people to get used to the technology, bring the cost down and the price down for consumers, and we believe it's only going to go up in terms of sales volume."

Ford has been cutting costs by bringing many technologies in-house, such as the hybrid transmission, Marakby said in April.

"By developing the hybrid system's design in-house and sourcing individual components to suppliers, Ford can use less people and less time to get the job done in an efficient manner," he said.

Additionally, Ford has developed in-house a battery system that will be manufactured at a suburban Detroit Ford plant next year.

Marakby's goal is to cut the cost of the next-generation Ford hybrid system another 30 percent.

04 Mustang engine flutter?

My son's 04 Mustang 3.8L V-6 is making a fairly loud fluttering noise comparable to an exhaust leak, which I had thought it was.
Upon starting cold, it really makes some noise, I checked the exhaust system and when the engine was started, I followed the noise to the engine itself, up to somewhere around the a/c compressor (was energized/clutch locked on)then as the engine ran the noise got progressively quieter to the point of very little/none. Could it be something with the air emissions equipment. I don't think there is an air pump on this late model car but that is what I would think it was other than the exhaust leak that I was hunting.
One other oddity is there is a section of black fuel/gas hose near the automatic trans. dipstick that is deteriorating badly, very chalky(black residue), the hose goes into the fuel throttle body right behind the what looks like a TPS or other sensor on the air intake body. The hose is marked fuel/gas hose, I would like to replace it soon due to the deterioration. If it carries gasoline it could split/rupture. Also, I see the bad hose section connects to another hose section with a plastic type coupling/union. Can somebody explain what hose this is, could it be a fuel return line? And can it be replaced easily?
Thanks guys, always needing your great assistance,

Response:
check your Cat for a tube coming off the side, follow that tube if not capped off at the cat, to a diaphram valve assy. where it connects to a rubber hose. I think you'll see the problem.
Now the fuel line could be either pressure or return and they are braided which is why there's a union. There are 2 types, 1 uses a special tool like A/C unions. The other has a plastic clip that usually breaks and cost $.15 from most Parts Outlets. But they generally run up the frame rails away from the trans.

Ford to offer 'mayhem' performance package to Mustang option list

The social networks have spoken: The Ford Mustang V6 performance package will now be known as the Mayhem Mustang package.

Ford put out a call to its 1.4 million Facebook fans with the question, "What should we call the Mustang V-6 performance package?"

More than 3,000 submissions were made via Ford's Facebook page, and almost 6,700 users installed the "You Name It" app. The winning submission came from a fan in North Carolina, who won a three-year lease on the 2012 Ford Mustang V-6.

The five names that received the most votes were selected, but Ford made the final decision. Each finalist was run through trademark, copyright and brand approvals to make sure the no toes were stepped on. The Mayhem name will be used on all of Ford's marketing and communication materials.

The package combines the base 305-hp engine with a 3.31 performance rear axle and Mustang GT-based suspension and braking parts. The Mayhem Mustang gets unique 19-inch wheels and Pirelli performance tires. Other highlights of the package include:

Mustang GT front and rear stabilizer bars
Mustang GT500 rear lower control arm
Strut tower brace for increased body rigidity
Unique electronic stability-control calibration with sport mode for performance driving
Unique badging
The 2012 Ford Mustang V-6 stickers for $22,995 with transportation. The Mustang Mayhem package adds $1,995.