Ford Recalling 3.6 Million Vehicles

Ford Motor Company is recalling 3.6 million vehicles due to defects with the switch that deactivates the speed control. The switch can overheat and catch fire resulting in an engine fire. This brings the total number of Ford vehicles recalled for this defect to over 10 million. This recall covers 16 brands from model years 1992 to 2004. The models include the Ford Ranger, Ford Crown Victoria, Ford Taurus SHO, Ford Explorer, Ford Explorer Sport and Explorer Sport Trac, Ford E-150 – 350, Ford E-450, Ford Bronco, Ford F-150 Lightning, F-Series trucks and some Ford F35 Motor Home chassis, the Mercury Grand Marquis, Mercury Capri, Mercury Mountaineer, and the Lincoln Town Car, Lincoln Mark VIII. The switch responsible for the recall is supposed to switch off the cruise control when the driver presses on the brake pedal. The switch is located on the brake master cylinder and could come in contact with fluid that is leaked from the master cylinder. Since the switch is powered all the time, it may short out if fluid is leaked onto it resulting in a fire. As an interim repair, dealers will deactivate the switch on the recalled vehicles until the new parts, which are expected by October, become available.