Recall 97V-203: 1996–1997 Ford Contour
FORD MOTOR COMPANY recall for fuel system, other, reported to NHTSA on Nov 17, 1997, covering about 1,800 vehicles.
The problem
Vehicle description: bi-fuel vehicles modified to run on either gasoline or compressed natural gas (Cng). The natural gas fuel tanks have a solenoid shut-off valve that stops fuel flow from the fuel tank in the event of certain moderate to severe collisions. If the vehicle is in a collision and the natural gas fuel line is damaged, the system could leak natural gas.
The risk
Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
The fix
Ford has requested owners of these vehicles to have the CNG fuel system disabled under a previous recall campaign and to only use gasoline fuel until a permanent corrective action is developed. Owners are being alerted to this solenoid valve concern at this time. The timing of corrective actions is being delayed to allow both conditions to be remedied at one time. In the meantime, there is not risk as long as the natural gas system has been disabled and the vheicle is only operated on gasoline.
Notes
Owner notification began february 9, 1998.owners will be notified when service kits are available.owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact ford at 1-800-392-3673.also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-800-424-9393.
Recall details
| Manufacturer | FORD MOTOR COMPANY |
|---|---|
| Component | Fuel System, Other › Storage |
| Recall started by | the manufacturer |
| NHTSA campaign number | 97V203000 |
Vehicles in this recall
| Vehicle | Model years | |
|---|---|---|
| Ford Contour | 1996, 1997 | All years |
Not every vehicle of these model years is included. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls ↗ or ask a dealer.
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 97V-203?
Vehicle description: bi-fuel vehicles modified to run on either gasoline or compressed natural gas (Cng). The natural gas fuel tanks have a solenoid shut-off valve that stops fuel flow from the fuel tank in the event of certain moderate to severe collisions. If the vehicle is in a collision and the natural gas fuel line is damaged, the system could leak natural gas.
How is recall 97V-203 fixed?
Ford has requested owners of these vehicles to have the CNG fuel system disabled under a previous recall campaign and to only use gasoline fuel until a permanent corrective action is developed. Owners are being alerted to this solenoid valve concern at this time. The timing of corrective actions is being delayed to allow both conditions to be remedied at one time. In the meantime, there is not risk as long as the natural gas system has been disabled and the vheicle is only operated on gasoline.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check whether your vehicle is included with its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.