Recall 98V-060: 1997–1998 Ford Explorer, 1997–1998 Mercury Mountaineer

FORD MOTOR COMPANY recall for fuel system, gasoline, reported to NHTSA on Mar 19, 1998, covering about 320,000 vehicles.

NHTSA number
98V-060
Report date
Mar 19, 1998
Vehicles affected
320,000
Owners notified
Apr 20, 1998

The problem

Vehicle description: multi-purpose passenger vehicles equipped with 4.0l single overhead cam engines. The engine fuel lines can be damaged if the vehicle is jump started and the ground cable is attached to the fuel line bracket that is located near the battery. Since the bracket is not grounded, the stainless steel fuel line braid could act as a ground potentially overheating the ptfe inner liner of the fuel line resulting in damage to the fuel line.

The risk

The fuel lines can leak, and in the presence of an ignition source, a fire could potentially result.

The fix

Dealers will install a warning label on the fuel line bracket advising owners not to use it for a jump start ground. Also a revised bolt will be installed in the alternator bracket to provide a convenient jump start ground location.

Notes

Owner notification is expected to begin april 20, 1998.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 1-888-dash-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

Recall details

ManufacturerFORD MOTOR COMPANY
ComponentFuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings
Recall started bythe manufacturer
NHTSA campaign number98V060000

Vehicles in this recall

VehicleModel years
Ford Explorer1997, 1998All years
Mercury Mountaineer1997, 1998All 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 98V-060?

Vehicle description: multi-purpose passenger vehicles equipped with 4.0l single overhead cam engines. The engine fuel lines can be damaged if the vehicle is jump started and the ground cable is attached to the fuel line bracket that is located near the battery. Since the bracket is not grounded, the stainless steel fuel line braid could act as a ground potentially overheating the ptfe inner liner of the fuel line resulting in damage to the fuel line.

How is recall 98V-060 fixed?

Dealers will install a warning label on the fuel line bracket advising owners not to use it for a jump start ground. Also a revised bolt will be installed in the alternator bracket to provide a convenient jump start ground location.

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.