Customer Satisfaction Program 12B40 - Side Obstacle Detection Module Replacement (12B40)

SUBJECT

DELIVERY HOLD - Customer Satisfaction Program 12B40 

Certain 2013 Model Year Taurus, MKS and MKT Vehicles equipped with the Blind Spot Information System

Side Obstacle Detection Module Replacement

PROGRAM TERMS

This program will be in effect through September 30, 2013. There is no mileage limit for this program.

AFFECTED VEHICLES

Certain 2013 Model Year Taurus and MKS vehicles equipped with the Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) built at the Chicago Assembly Plant from June 5, 2012 through June 12, 2012, and certain 2013 Model Year MKT vehicles equipped with BLIS built at the Oakville Assembly Plant from June 11, 2012 through June 12, 2012. Affected vehicles are identified in OASIS. In addition, for a list of vehicles assigned to your dealership, visit https://web.fsavinlists.dealerconnection.com. This information will be available on August 29, 2012.

REASON FOR THIS PROGRAM

In some of the affected vehicles, the Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) and the Cross Traffic Alert (CTA) system may be inoperative due to one or both Side Obstacle Detection (SOD) module(s) being improperly programmed. These systems are intended only as supplemental driver assist features, however, malfunction of these systems may result in customer dissatisfaction.

SERVICE ACTION

Dealers are to replace the improperly programmed SOD modules on the affected vehicles. To determine which module(s) require replacement refer to Attachment IV, SOD Module VIN/Quantity List. This service must be performed on all affected vehicles at no charge to the vehicle owner.

OWNER NOTIFICATION MAILING SCHEDULE

Owner Letters are expected to be mailed the week of September 10, 2012. Dealers should repair any affected vehicles that arrive at their dealerships, whether or not the customer has received a letter.

ATTACHMENTS

1. Attachment I: Administrative Information
2. Attachment II: Labor Allowances and Parts Ordering Information
3. Attachment III: Technical Information
4. Attachment IV: SOD Module VIN/Quantity List
5. Owner Notification Letter

QUESTIONS & ASSISTANCE

1. Special Service Support Center (Dealer Assistance Only) ... 1-800-325-5621
2. Special Service Support Center (Parts Ordering) ... 1-800-207-2444

OASIS ACTIVATED?

Yes, OASIS will be activated on August 29, 2012.

FSA VIN LIST ACTIVATED?

Yes, FSA VIN list will be available through https://web.fsavinlists.dealerconnection.com August 29, 2012. Owner names and addresses will be available by September 21, 2012.

STOCK VEHICLES

Correct all affected units in your new vehicle inventory before delivery.

SOLD VEHICLES

• Owners of affected vehicles will be directed to dealers for repairs.
• Immediately contact any of your affected customers whose vehicles are not on your VIN list but are identified in OASIS. Give the customer a copy of the Owner Notification Letter (when available) and schedule a service date.
• Correct other affected vehicles identified in OASIS which are brought to your dealership.

TITLE BRANDED / SALVAGED VEHICLES

Affected title branded and salvaged vehicles are eligible for this service action.

RELATED DAMAGE

If a related damage condition exists that you believe to be caused by the covered condition, call the Special Service Support Center to request approval prior to the repair of any related damage. Requests for approval after completion of the repair will not be granted. Ford Motor Company reserves the right to deny coverage for related damage in cases where the vehicle owner has not had this service action performed on a timely basis.

ADDITIONAL LABOR TIME

• If a condition exists that requires additional labor to complete the repair, call the Special Service Support Center to request approval prior to performing any additional labor. Requests for approval after completion of the repair will not be granted.
• If you encounter aftermarket equipment or modifications to the vehicle which might prevent the repair of the covered condition, call the Special Service Support Center.

OWNER REFUNDS

Refunds are not authorized for this program.

RENTAL VEHICLES

The use of rental vehicles is not authorized for this program.

CLAIMS PREPARATION AND SUBMISSION

• Enter claims using Direct Warranty Entry (DWE).
• Refer to ACESII manual for claims preparation and submission information.
• Related damage must be claimed on a repair line that is separate from the repair line on which the FSA is claimed. Related damage requires prior approval from the Special Service Support Center.
• "MT" labor should be submitted on a separate repair line with the related damage flag checked. "MT" labor requires prior approval from the Special Service Support Center.
• PROGRAM TERMS: This program will be in effect through September 30, 2013. There is no mileage limit for this program.

LABOR ALLOWANCES

PARTS REQUIREMENTS / ORDERING INFORMATION

To manage part availability, dealers must contact the Special Service Support Center parts order line at 1-800-207-2444. Dealers will receive a DOES II message when part requirements can be ordered through normal order processing channels.

When calling to place an order for a SOD module(s), please be prepared to provide dealer P & A code, VIN, and Repair Order number.

* Refer to Attachment IV - SOD Module VIN/Quantity List to determine if one (LH or RH) or two (both) modules are needed for the repair of the affected VIN. The same part number is used to service both sides of the vehicle.

The DOR/COR number for this service action is 50481.

Questions regarding parts should be directed to the Special Service Support Center parts order line (1-800-207-2444) or E-mailed to: Ford@Renkim.com.

DEALER PRICE

For latest prices, refer to DOES II.

PARTS RETENTION AND RETURN

Follow the provisions of the Warranty and Policy Manual for "Parts Retention and Return Procedures."

EXCESS STOCK RETURN

Excess stock returned for credit must have been purchased from Ford Customer Service Division in accordance with Policy Procedure Bulletin 4000.

OVERVIEW

In some of the affected vehicles, the Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) and the Cross Traffic Alert (CTA) system may be inoperative due to one or both Side Obstacle Detection (SOD) module(s) being improperly programmed. Dealers are to replace the improperly programmed SOD modules on the affected vehicles. To determine which module(s) require replacement refer to Attachment IV, SOD Module VIN/ Quantity list.

SERVICE PROCEDURE

1. Refer to the VIN list on Attachment IV to identify whether the RH, LH, or both SOD modules require replacement.
2. Replace the affected SOD module(s). For additional information refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 419-04.