Ford Recalls 400,000 Windstars

DETROIT (AP) _ Ford Motor Co. has recalled thousands of minivans to check for a missing sealant that could cause a short circuit and lead to fire. <br><br>The recall affects 413,042 Windstars from the

Friday, May 31st 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

DETROIT (AP) _ Ford Motor Co. has recalled thousands of minivans to check for a missing sealant that could cause a short circuit and lead to fire.

The recall affects 413,042 Windstars from the 2000 and 2001 model years in the United States, Ford spokesman Todd Nissen said Thursday. The missing body sealer could allow water, dirt or salt to get into the right rear passenger compartment.

``If that occurred, there was potential for corroding an electrical connector related to the trailer tow module's wire harness,'' Nissen said. ``The corrosion could then short-circuit.''

Nissen said there have been eight confirmed reports alleging fires, but no accidents or injuries have been reported.

Ford began notifying owners of affected vehicles about the recall on April 5. The recall was included in a monthly list of recalls released Thursday by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Other recalls in the report include:

_1999 Ford F-Series trucks, including the F250, F350, F450 and F550, with manual transmissions. The front parking brake cable can fail and cause the front parking brake system to not hold the vehicle in place. The recall involves 46,144 trucks in the United States. Nissen said there have been 40 reports of ``roll-aways,'' three of which resulted in minor injuries.

_95,000 Jeep Wranglers from the 2001 and 2002 model years. Water or other impurities can get into the ignition switch and cause a short circuit, possibly leading to fire. There have been no accidents or injuries related to the problem, the Chrysler Group said in a statement.

In all cases, the manufacturer will provide free repairs of defective parts at its dealerships.