Mercury Topaz recalls

Electrical

NOTE: THIS RECALL SUPERSEDES RECALL 95-202 FOR 1994 TEMPO/TOPAZ 2.3 LITRE VEHICLES. THE ENGINE COOLING FAN MAY BECOME FROZEN IN PLACE BY SNOW, ICE OR SLUSH. IF THIS OCCURS AND THE COOLING FAN IS ACTIVATED, EITHER AUTOMATICALLY TO REDUCE COOLANT TEMPERATURE OR WHEN THE DEFROSTER IS TURNED ON, THE COOLING FAN WILL NOT ROTATE AND THE FAN MOTOR AND WIRING CAN OVERHEAT. THIS COULD RESULT IN A FIRE. CORRECTION: ENGINE COOLING FAN MOTOR CIRCUIT PROTECTION WILL BE REVISED BY INSTALLING A FUSED JUMPER HARNESS WITHIN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.

Electrical

A SHORT CIRCUIT COULD DEVELOP IN THE IGNITION SWITCH THAT COULD LEAD TO OVERHEATING, SMOKE, AND POSSIBLY FIRE IN THE STEERING COLUMN OF THE VEHICLE. THIS CONDITION MAY OCCUR WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN USE OR UNATTENDED. CORRECTION: IGNITION SWITCH WILL BE REPLACED WITH A REVISED DESIGN SWITCH.

Electrical

A SHORT CIRCUIT COULD DEVELOP IN THE IGNITION SWITCH THAT COULD LEAD TO OVERHEATING, SMOKE, AND POSSIBLY FIRE IN THE STEERING COLUMN OF THE VEHICLE. THIS CONDITION MAY OCCUR WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN USE OR UNATTENDED. CORRECTION: IGNITION SWITCH WILL BE REPLACED WITH A REVISED DESIGN SWITCH.

Electrical

A SHORT CIRCUIT COULD DEVELOP IN THE IGNITION SWITCH THAT COULD LEAD TO OVERHEATING, SMOKE, AND POSSIBLY FIRE IN THE STEERING COLUMN OF THE VEHICLE. THIS CONDITION MAY OCCUR WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN USE OR UNATTENDED. CORRECTION: IGNITION SWITCH WILL BE REPLACED WITH A REVISED DESIGN SWITCH.

Electrical

A SHORT CIRCUIT COULD DEVELOP IN THE IGNITION SWITCH THAT COULD LEAD TO OVERHEATING, SMOKE, AND POSSIBLY FIRE IN THE STEERING COLUMN OF THE VEHICLE. THIS CONDITION MAY OCCUR WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN USE OR UNATTENDED. CORRECTION: IGNITION SWITCH WILL BE REPLACED WITH A REVISED DESIGN SWITCH.

Electrical

A SHORT CIRCUIT COULD DEVELOP IN THE IGNITION SWITCH THAT COULD LEAD TO OVERHEATING, SMOKE, AND POSSIBLY FIRE IN THE STEERING COLUMN OF THE VEHICLE. THIS CONDITION MAY OCCUR WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN USE OR UNATTENDED. CORRECTION: IGNITION SWITCH WILL BE REPLACED WITH A REVISED DESIGN SWITCH.

Electrical

A SHORT CIRCUIT COULD DEVELOP IN THE IGNITION SWITCH THAT COULD LEAD TO OVERHEATING, SMOKE, AND POSSIBLY FIRE IN THE STEERING COLUMN OF THE VEHICLE. THIS CONDITION MAY OCCUR WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN USE OR UNATTENDED. CORRECTION: IGNITION SWITCH WILL BE REPLACED WITH A REVISED DESIGN SWITCH.

Electrical

NOTE: 1992-94 TEMPO/TOPAZ WITH 3.0 LITRE ENGINES; 1994-95 TAURUS/SABLE (EXCEPT SHO) WITH 3.0 LITRE ENGINES; 1992-93 TAURUS/SABLE WITH 3.8 LITRE ENGINES; 1992-94 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL. THE ENGINE COOLING FAN MAY BECOME FROZEN IN PLACE BY SNOW, ICE OR SLUSH. IF THIS OCCURS AND THE COOLING FAN IS ACTIVATED, EITHER AUTOMATICALLY TO REDUCE COOLANT TEMPERATURE OR WHEN THE DEFROSTER IS TURNED ON, THE COOLING FAN WILL NOT ROTATE AND CAN OVERHEAT. THIS CAN DAMAGE THE FAN MOTOR, FAN, FAN WIRING AND SHROUD WITH THE POTENTIAL FOR SMOKE OR A FIRE TO RESULT. CORRECTION: IN SOME CASES, THE FUSE FOR THE COOLING FAN CIRCUIT WILL BE REPLACED WITH A SMALLER FUSE. IN OTHER CASES, A JUMPER HARNESS WITH DEDICATED CIRCUIT PROTECTION FOR THE COOLING FAN WILL BE INSTALLED.

Electrical

NOTE: 1992-94 TEMPO/TOPAZ WITH 3.0 LITRE ENGINES; 1994-95 TAURUS/SABLE (EXCEPT SHO) WITH 3.0 LITRE ENGINES; 1992-93 TAURUS/SABLE WITH 3.8 LITRE ENGINES; 1992-94 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL. THE ENGINE COOLING FAN MAY BECOME FROZEN IN PLACE BY SNOW, ICE OR SLUSH. IF THIS OCCURS AND THE COOLING FAN IS ACTIVATED, EITHER AUTOMATICALLY TO REDUCE COOLANT TEMPERATURE OR WHEN THE DEFROSTER IS TURNED ON, THE COOLING FAN WILL NOT ROTATE AND CAN OVERHEAT. THIS CAN DAMAGE THE FAN MOTOR, FAN, FAN WIRING AND SHROUD WITH THE POTENTIAL FOR SMOKE OR A FIRE TO RESULT. CORRECTION: IN SOME CASES, THE FUSE FOR THE COOLING FAN CIRCUIT WILL BE REPLACED WITH A SMALLER FUSE. IN OTHER CASES, A JUMPER HARNESS WITH DEDICATED CIRCUIT PROTECTION FOR THE COOLING FAN WILL BE INSTALLED.

Electrical

NOTE: 1992-94 TEMPO/TOPAZ WITH 3.0 LITRE ENGINES; 1994-95 TAURUS/SABLE (EXCEPT SHO) WITH 3.0 LITRE ENGINES; 1992-93 TAURUS/SABLE WITH 3.8 LITRE ENGINES; 1992-94 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL. THE ENGINE COOLING FAN MAY BECOME FROZEN IN PLACE BY SNOW, ICE OR SLUSH. IF THIS OCCURS AND THE COOLING FAN IS ACTIVATED, EITHER AUTOMATICALLY TO REDUCE COOLANT TEMPERATURE OR WHEN THE DEFROSTER IS TURNED ON, THE COOLING FAN WILL NOT ROTATE AND CAN OVERHEAT. THIS CAN DAMAGE THE FAN MOTOR, FAN, FAN WIRING AND SHROUD WITH THE POTENTIAL FOR SMOKE OR A FIRE TO RESULT. CORRECTION: IN SOME CASES, THE FUSE FOR THE COOLING FAN CIRCUIT WILL BE REPLACED WITH A SMALLER FUSE. IN OTHER CASES, A JUMPER HARNESS WITH DEDICATED CIRCUIT PROTECTION FOR THE COOLING FAN WILL BE INSTALLED.

Engine

EXTENDED HIGHWAY OPERATION DURING VERY LOW AMBIENT TEMPERATURES (-20 DEGREES CENTIGRADE OR BELOW) MAY RESULT IN ICE FORMING IN THE POSITIVE CRANKCASE VENTILATION (PCV) SYSTEM. IF THIS OCCURS, THE CRANKCASE MAY BECOME PRESSURIZED, WHICH COULD FORCE OIL OUT OF THE ENGINE. IF THE OIL IS FORCED PAST THE ROCKER COVER GASKET, IT COULD CONTACT THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD, WHICH POTENTIALLY COULD RESULT IN A FIRE. CORRECTION: DEALERS WILL INSTALL REVISED, COOLANT HEATED PCV SYSTEMS.

Engine

EXTENDED HIGHWAY OPERATION DURING VERY LOW AMBIENT TEMPERATURES (-20 DEGREES CENTIGRADE OR BELOW) MAY RESULT IN ICE FORMING IN THE POSITIVE CRANKCASE VENTILATION (PCV) SYSTEM. IF THIS OCCURS, THE CRANKCASE MAY BECOME PRESSURIZED, WHICH COULD FORCE OIL OUT OF THE ENGINE. IF THE OIL IS FORCED PAST THE ROCKER COVER GASKET, IT COULD CONTACT THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD, WHICH POTENTIALLY COULD RESULT IN A FIRE. CORRECTION: DEALERS WILL INSTALL REVISED, COOLANT HEATED PCV SYSTEMS.

Engine

EXTENDED HIGHWAY OPERATION DURING VERY LOW AMBIENT TEMPERATURES (-20 DEGREES CENTIGRADE OR BELOW) MAY RESULT IN ICE FORMING IN THE POSITIVE CRANKCASE VENTILATION (PCV) SYSTEM. IF THIS OCCURS, THE CRANKCASE MAY BECOME PRESSURIZED, WHICH COULD FORCE OIL OUT OF THE ENGINE. IF THE OIL IS FORCED PAST THE ROCKER COVER GASKET, IT COULD CONTACT THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD, WHICH POTENTIALLY COULD RESULT IN A FIRE. CORRECTION: DEALERS WILL INSTALL REVISED, COOLANT HEATED PCV SYSTEMS.

Engine

EXTENDED HIGHWAY OPERATION DURING VERY LOW AMBIENT TEMPERATURES (-20 DEGREES CENTIGRADE OR BELOW) MAY RESULT IN ICE FORMING IN THE POSITIVE CRANKCASE VENTILATION (PCV) SYSTEM. IF THIS OCCURS, THE CRANKCASE MAY BECOME PRESSURIZED, WHICH COULD FORCE OIL OUT OF THE ENGINE. IF THE OIL IS FORCED PAST THE ROCKER COVER GASKET, IT COULD CONTACT THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD, WHICH POTENTIALLY COULD RESULT IN A FIRE. CORRECTION: DEALERS WILL INSTALL REVISED, COOLANT HEATED PCV SYSTEMS.

Engine

EXTENDED HIGHWAY OPERATION DURING VERY LOW AMBIENT TEMPERATURES (-20 DEGREES CENTIGRADE OR BELOW) MAY RESULT IN ICE FORMING IN THE POSITIVE CRANKCASE VENTILATION (PCV) SYSTEM. IF THIS OCCURS, THE CRANKCASE MAY BECOME PRESSURIZED, WHICH COULD FORCE OIL OUT OF THE ENGINE. IF THE OIL IS FORCED PAST THE ROCKER COVER GASKET, IT COULD CONTACT THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD, WHICH POTENTIALLY COULD RESULT IN A FIRE. CORRECTION: DEALERS WILL INSTALL REVISED, COOLANT HEATED PCV SYSTEMS.

Engine

EXTENDED HIGHWAY OPERATION DURING VERY LOW AMBIENT TEMPERATURES (-20 DEGREES CENTIGRADE OR BELOW) MAY RESULT IN ICE FORMING IN THE POSITIVE CRANKCASE VENTILATION (PCV) SYSTEM. IF THIS OCCURS, THE CRANKCASE MAY BECOME PRESSURIZED, WHICH COULD FORCE OIL OUT OF THE ENGINE. IF THE OIL IS FORCED PAST THE ROCKER COVER GASKET, IT COULD CONTACT THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD, WHICH POTENTIALLY COULD RESULT IN A FIRE. CORRECTION: DEALERS WILL INSTALL REVISED, COOLANT HEATED PCV SYSTEMS.

Emissions

NOTE: VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.3L AND 3.0L ENGINES. THESE VEHICLES MAY NOT COMPLY WITH C.M.V.S.S. 1105-EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS. ONE OR BOTH OF THE EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS VAPOUR CANISTER HOSES MAY NOT BE CONNECTED. CORRECTION: VEHICLES WILL BE INSPECTED AND VAPOUR CANISTER HOSES WILL BE CONNECTED IF REQUIRED.

Emissions

THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH C.M.V.S.S. 1105 - EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS. FUEL VAPOUR RETURN LINE HOSES IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT MAY NOT BE CONNECTED. CORRECTION: VEHICLES WILL BE INSPECTED AND HOSES CONNECTED WHERE NECESSARY. NOTE: ALL VEHICLES WERE COMPLETED PRIOR TO SALE.

Seats And Restraints

Certain vehicles do not comply with CMVSSS. 208 - seat belt installations. The french language version of the air bag maintenance/information/instruction label was not installed. Note: for taurus models only police and sho vehicles are affected. Correction: French language labels will be mailed to affected owners.

Lights And Instruments

NOTE: ALSO INCLUDES SOME MEDIUM AND HEAVY TRUCKS. THESE VEHICLES MAY NOT COMPLY WITH C.M.V.S.S. 108 - LIGHTING. DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHT MODULE MAY MALFUNCTION WHICH CAN RESULT IN DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS THAT DIM, FLICKER OR GO OFF OR IN SOME INSTANCES MAY REMAIN ON AFTER THE IGNITION IS TURNED OFF. CORRECTION: DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHT MODULE WILL BE REPLACED ON AFFECTED VEHICLES.

Lights And Instruments

NOTE: ALSO INCLUDES SOME MEDIUM AND HEAVY TRUCKS. THESE VEHICLES MAY NOT COMPLY WITH C.M.V.S.S. 108 - LIGHTING. DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHT MODULE MAY MALFUNCTION WHICH CAN RESULT IN DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS THAT DIM, FLICKER OR GO OFF OR IN SOME INSTANCES MAY REMAIN ON AFTER THE IGNITION IS TURNED OFF. CORRECTION: DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHT MODULE WILL BE REPLACED ON AFFECTED VEHICLES.

Emissions

NOTE: TEMPO/TOPAZ WITH 2.3 LITRE ENGINE AND AEROSTAR WITH 3.0 LITRE ENGINE. THESE VEHICLES SO NOT COMPLY WITH C.M.V.S.S. 1103 - EXHAUST EMISSIONS. DEFECTIVE THROTTLE POSITION SENSORS CAN WEAR OUT PREMATURELY CAUSING AN INTERRUPTION OF THE SENSOR SIGNAL AND ILLUMINATION OF THE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT. CORRECTION: THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR WILL BE INSPECTED AND REPLACED IF NECESSARY.

Emissions

NOTE: TEMPO/TOPAZ WITH 2.3 LITRE ENGINE AND AEROSTAR WITH 3.0 LITRE ENGINE. THESE VEHICLES SO NOT COMPLY WITH C.M.V.S.S. 1103 - EXHAUST EMISSIONS. DEFECTIVE THROTTLE POSITION SENSORS CAN WEAR OUT PREMATURELY CAUSING AN INTERRUPTION OF THE SENSOR SIGNAL AND ILLUMINATION OF THE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT. CORRECTION: THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR WILL BE INSPECTED AND REPLACED IF NECESSARY.

Seats And Restraints

ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A DRIVER SIDE SUPPLEMENTAL AIR BAG, THE CENTRE POST THREADS OF THE AIR BAG MODULE MAY HAVE BEEN DAMAGED DURING ASSEMBLY. IN A DEPLOYMENT LEVEL COLLISION, THE CENTRE POST HOUSING MAY SEPARATE FROM THE AIR BAG ADAPTER CAUSING THE AIR BAG NOT TO INFLATE PROPERLY. IN ADDITION, HOT COMBUSTION GASES WOULD FLOW DIRECTLY THROUGH THE AIR BAG RATHER THAN THROUGH THE NORMAL FILTERING AND COOLING DEVICES, PRESENTING THE POSSIBILITY OF BURN INJURY TO VEHICLE OCCUPANTS. CORRECTION: AIR BAG MODULES WILL BE INSPECTED AND REPLACED IF NECESSARY.

Emissions

THESE VEHICLES MAY NOT COMPLY WITH C.M.V.S.S. 1103 - EXHAUST EMISSIONS. THE CENTRAL FUEL INJECTOR (CFI) MAY OPERATE RICH DURING CERTAIN OPERATING CONDITIONS. CORRECTION: IMPROVED CFI FUEL INJECTORS WILL BE INSTALLED AND IDLE SPEED WILL BE ADJUSTED.

Emissions

THESE VEHICLES MAY NOT COMPLY WITH C.M.V.S.S. 1103 - EXHAUST EMISSIONS. THE CENTRAL FUEL INJECTOR (CFI) MAY OPERATE RICH DURING CERTAIN OPERATING CONDITIONS. CORRECTION: IMPROVED CFI FUEL INJECTORS WILL BE INSTALLED AND IDLE SPEED WILL BE ADJUSTED.

Emissions

THESE VEHICLES MAY NOT COMPLY WITH C.M.V.S.S. 1103 - EXHAUST EMISSIONS. THE CENTRAL FUEL INJECTOR (CFI) MAY OPERATE RICH DURING CERTAIN OPERATING CONDITIONS. CORRECTION: IMPROVED CFI FUEL INJECTORS WILL BE INSTALLED AND IDLE SPEED WILL BE ADJUSTED.

Engine

THE ATTACHMENT SCREWS FOR THE THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR COULD LOOSEN AND BACK OUT ALLOWING THE THROTTLE SENSOR TO MOVE AWAY FROM THE THROTTLE SHAFT. A LOOSE SENSOR COULD PREVENT THE THROTTLE FROM RETURNING TO THE IDLE POSITION WHICH IN TURN COULD ADVERSELY AFFECT VEHICLE CONTROL. CORRECTION: ATTACHMENT SCREWS WILL BE REPLACED USING SCREWS WITH PRE-APPLIED ADHESIVE THAT WILL BE TIGHTENED TO A HIGHER TORQUE SPECIFICATION.

Other

NOTE: VEHICLES WITH 2.3 LITRE E.F.I. ENGINES. THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH C.M.V.S.S.115 - VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER. - ENGINE TYPE (8TH POSITION) AND CHECK DIGIT (9TH POSITION) CODE CHARACTERS ARE INCORRECT.

Structure

ON VEHICLES PRODUCED AT THE OAKVILLE ASSEMBLY PLANT, THE FORWARD SCREW THAT PROVIDES PART OF THE ATTACHEMENT BETWEEN THE DRIVER'S SEAT BACK ASSEMBLY AND THE SEAT CUSHION FRAME MAY BE SUSCEPTIBLE TO FATIGUE FRACTURE. FRACTURE OF THIS SCREW WOULD PERMIT THE DRIVER'S SEAT BACK TO PIVOT REARWARDS AND COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL. CORRECTION: NEW SCREWS WILL BE INSTALLED IN THE DRIVER'S SEAT CUSHION FRAME.

SOME OF THE AFFECTED VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH REAR SUSPENSION CONTROL ARM - TO - SPINDLE ATTACHMENT BOLTS THAT MAY BE SUSCEPTIBLE TO FRACTURE DURING VEHICLE USE. IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR, THE ADJACENT REAR SPINDLE COULD DISENGAGE FROM THE CONTROL ARM, CREATING A POTENTIAL FOR LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND POSSIBLE CRASH.

SOME OF THE AFFECTED VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH REAR SUSPENSION CONTROL ARM - TO - SPINDLE ATTACHMENT BOLTS THAT MAY BE SUSCEPTIBLE TO FRACTURE DURING VEHICLE USE. IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR, THE ADJACENT REAR SPINDLE COULD DISENGAGE FROM THE CONTROL ARM, CREATING A POTENTIAL FOR LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND POSSIBLE CRASH.

THE FRONT SLEEVE BUSHINGS OF THE COOLING FAN MOTORS ARE SUSCEPTIBLE TO EXCESSIVE CORROSION IN AREAS OF HIGH ROAD SALT USE. THIS MAY INCREASE THE ROTATIONAL FRICTION OF THE FAN MOTOR OR RESULT IN SEIZURE OF THE ARMATURE SHAFT TO THE BUSHING. EITHER CONDITION MAY DRAW CURRENT IN EXCESS OF THAT OF A NORMALLY OPERATING MOTOR BUT LESS THAN REQUIRED TO OPERATE THE FUSE LINK. THIS COULD OVERHEAT THE MOTOR WIRING CIRCUITRY AND POSSIBLY RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD OR INSTRUMENT PANEL FIRE. VEHICLES AFFECTED: CARS NOT EQUIPPED WITH FACTORY AIR CONDITIONING. QUEBEC AND ATLANTIC PROVINCES ONLY.

WHEN SEVERELY LOADED BY A FRONTAL IMPACT, THE SEAT BELT WEBBING MAY CONTACT THE LEADING EDGE OF THE FRONT SEAT-BACK STELL REINFORCEMENT PLATES. THIS MAY CAUSE THE SEAT BELT WEBBING TO BE ABRADED, CUT OR COMPLETELY SEVERED, THEREBY SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASING THE RISK OF SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURIES.

THE UPPER TORSO RESTRAINT D-RING WHICH ATTACHES THE SHOULDER BELT TO THE B PILLAR, UNDER CERTAIN TEST CONDITIONS, SEPARATED FROM ITS ANCHORAGE, AND MAY NOT COMPLY WITH CMVSS 210 - BELT ANCHORAGE.