DEALER LETTER - April 2000

TO: All Ford and Lincoln Mercury Dealers

SUBJECT: Owner Notification Program 00B40: Certain 1999 and 2000 Model Year Explorer, Mountaineer, Ranger - Multifunction Switch Replacement

REF: Dealer Announcement dated 12/17/98

PROCEDURE (See attached)

OASIS: Yes

OWNER LIST: Yes

PROGRAM TERMS: This program has no expiration date.

AFFECTED VEHICLES
- Certain 1999 and 2000 model year Explorer and Mountaineer vehicles built at the Louisville and St. Louis Assembly Plants through September 12, 1999.
- Certain 1999 and 2000 model year Ranger vehicles built at the Twin Cities, Louisville and Edison Assembly Plants through September 12, 1999.

REASON FOR PROGRAM
In some of the affected vehicles, the multifunction switch may develop corrosion on the front windshield wiper switch terminals affecting its signal output. The change in the signal output interferes with normal operation of the front windshield wipers. The most common condition involves the front wipers briefly turning on with the wiper switch in the "off" position. In extreme cases when this condition is ignored for some time, wiper high-speed operation may be affected.

NOTE: Owner Notification Program 00B40 involves the replacement of the multifunction switch only.

SERVICE ACTION
Dealers will replace the multifunction switch on all affected vehicles. The replacement switch has a revised design.

NOTE 1: Explorer, Mountaineer and Ranger 4X2 vehicles without power windows are not involved in this program. Please consult OASIS for the latest technical information pertaining to those vehicles.

NOTE 2: Many vehicles have previously had the multifunction switch replaced under warranty. These vehicles are not included in this program.

NOTE 3: Owner Notification Program 00B40 supercedes TSB 99-24-03 for Explorer, Mountaineer, Ranger, Expedition, Navigator and Villager vehicles. The revised multifunction switch used in this ONP eliminates the need for Generic Electronic Module (GEM) replacement as previously described in the TSB.

QUESTIONS?
Claims Information: 1-800-423-8851
Other Program Questions: 1-800-325-5621

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INSTRUCTIONS - MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH REPLACEMENT- OWNER NOTIFICATION PROGRAM 00B40

OVERVIEW
When performing this service procedure, you will:
- Replace the multifunction switch.
- Check the multifunction switch electrical connector pins to make sure they are not loose or pushed out in the connectors.

MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH REPLACEMENT
1. Record the radio stations and disconnect the battery ground cable.
2. Turn the ignition switch lock cylinder to the RUN position. Then, push the ignition switch lock cylinder release tab with a punch while pulling out the ignition switch lock cylinder.
3. Remove the tilt wheel handle by turning the handle counterclockwise (if equipped).
4. Remove the upper to lower steering column shroud retaining screws and remove the shrouds.
5. Remove the two (2) multifunction switch retaining screws and disconnect the electrical connectors.
6. Inspect the multifunction switch electrical connector pins to make sure they are not loose or pushed out in the connectors.
7. Connect the new multifunction switch, making sure the electrical connectors snap into place and are fully seated.
8. Install the new switch. Tighten the screws to 3 Nm (27 lb-in).
9. Install the upper and lower steering column shrouds. Tighten the screws to 1 Nm (9 lb-in).
10. Install the tilt wheel handle (if equipped).
11. Install the ignition switch lock cylinder.
12. Connect the battery ground cable, reprogram the radio stations and set the clock.

VEHICLE / PART NUMBER / DESCRIPTION
Explorer, Mountaineer and Ranger / YL5Z-13K359-AAA / Multifunction Switch

Here's an excerpt of Recall #00B40 as it relates to this subject (notice there is no expiration date).