More Info On Timing Chain TSB

[David J 3]

I went to the dealer this morning to see if they would replace the chain tensioners, of course since the vehicle has 54,000 mi. on it they say that I'm out of warranty. I said I'm pretty sure that Ford has extended the warranty to 70,000 mi. They looked it up according to my VIN and the only thing they could find is about the Tube Mounted EGR Pressure Sensor.

If somebody that has had this Timing Chain problem fixed and the vehicle was out of factory warranty and covered under the extended warranty, could please let me know how you got them to honor the extended warranty. Also where can I get a copy of such warranty because the TSB 4-15-4 only states the concern, it says nothing about the warranty extension to 70,000 mi. Thanks, David.

 

[Jeff Harwanko]

Yes Please! I contacted my dealer with the same problem. He looked up my VIN# (2001 Job 2) , and told me that mine is not covered for this TSB. I stated to him that the vehicle has been making this noise since new, and that I had brought it in for this problem while it was under warranty. The first time that I brought it in the dealer told me it was only a TSB and that they were not required to do anything. Now the dealer tells me that it is on record that I had brought it in with the noise and nothing was done about it. I would love to have the information to have them repair this problem. Any help would be greatly appreciated.



Thanks,

DE Trac

 

[yankeegator]

OWNER NOTIFICATION PROGRAM 00M12:

Certain 1997 through 2000 Explorer/Mountaineer and 2001 Explorer Sport/Sport-Trac Vehicles Equipped with 4.0L SOHC Engines - Camshaft Chain Tensioner and Lower Intake Manifold Gasket Additional Coverage



PROGRAM TERMS:

On the affected vehicles, this program extends the coverage for the 4.0L SOHC camshaft chain tensioner and lower intake manifold gasket to 6 years or 72,000 miles from the vehicle's warranty start date, whichever occurs first. This coverage will automatically transfer to subsequent owners. If the vehicle already has more than 72,000 miles, this coverage will last until April 30, 2001.



AFFECTED VEHICLES

Certain 1997 through 2000 Explorer and Mountaineer vehicles equipped with 4.0L SOHC engines built at the Louisville Assembly Plant and St. Louis Assembly Plants from Job #1, 1997 through April 7, 2000.

Certain 2001 Explorer Sport and Sport-Trac vehicles equipped with 4.0L SOHC engines built at the Louisville Assembly Plant from Job #1 through April 7, 2000.



SERVICE ACTION

Owners of affected vehicles are being notified that Ford Motor Company is providing additional coverage for the affected engine camshaft chain tensioner and lower intake manifold gaskets.

If either the camshaft chain tensioner or lower intake manifold gasket should require replacement, dealers are instructed to install both of these upgraded parts at the same time, at no charge to the customer.

The no charge coverage for this condition is available for 6 years or 72,000 miles from the vehicle's warranty start date, whichever occurs first, and will automatically transfer to subsequent owners. If the vehicle already has more than 72,000 miles, this coverage will last until April 30, 2001.



REASONS FOR THIS PROGRAM

[Ford Motor Company has] incorporated enhancements into newly produced Explorer 4.0L SOHC engines. The long-term benefits of these improvements are being offered to prior customers.

The need to install a replacement camshaft chain tensioner is typically indicated by an engine rattling noise that occurs just after cold engine start up and goes away within a few minutes after the engine is running. Rough idle and low idle are symptoms which may, in some cases, indicate an intake manifold leak.

The condition of either or both of these components will not cause engine damage or failure, but may decrease the customer's satisfaction with their vehicle.







This is the only bulletin I could find...hope this answers your questions.



yg

 

[David J 3]

That's great, thanks for the info. But it looks like I'm still out of luck, it says only vehicles built up until April of 2000. Mine was built in September of 2000. I suppose it would be a waste of time to show this to them, but I'll try anyway. Thanks Yankee Gator.....