Ford recalling six models because of battery cable, fuel tank straps

Wednesday, November 16th 2005, 11:28 am

By: News On 6

WASHINGTON (AP) _ Ford Motor Co. recalled about 220,000 vehicles from the 2005 model year on Wednesday amid concerns that a battery cable was rubbing against the vehicle frame, potentially causing fires, and that a fuel tank strap could separate after logging tens of thousands of miles.

The recall linked to the cable involves more than 98,000 Ford Crown Victoria, Lincoln Town Car and Mercury Grand Marquis sedans. Ford said in a letter to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that it has received four reports of fires.

Ford spokeswoman Kristen Kinley said chafing of the cable caused the exposure of wires to the vehicle frame, causing the frame to become electrified in some cases and carry the potential for heat damage or fires.

A separate recall caused by the separation of fuel tank straps involves more than 123,000 Ford Freestyle crossover vehicles, Ford Five Hundred sedans and Mercury Montego vehicles.

The automaker discovered the problem during durability testing of a future model of the Five Hundred at very high mileage.

The company's investigation found that the manufacturer of the strap changed to a weaker grade of steel in December 2004 that could not meet Ford's durability requirements. Ford declined to disclose the supplier's identity.

At mileage levels of 100,000 and more, the automaker was concerned the strap would separate and cause the fuel tank to drop. Most 2005 vehicles would not likely have approached those mileage levels yet, but ``it's still not a risk that we want to take,'' Kinley said.

Kinley said there have been no reported injuries tied to either recall.