Recall 00V351000: Accessory Delay System Non-Compliance

Minivans built with instrument clusters without the message center, fail to comply with the requirements of Standard No. 118, "Power-operated Window, Partition, and Roof Panel Systems.". If the key is placed in the "accessory" position and remains there for more than 70 seconds, the vehicle delayed accessory relay remains active when the ignition switch is moved to the "off" position, and the vehicle front door is opened. This condition is caused by the instrument cluster software design. Under this condition, all accessories connected to the accessory relay, including the power windows, remain operable.

The standard requires that power operated windows may be closed only when the key is in the "ON," "START," or "ACCESSORY" positions, or during the interval between the time the key is turned off, and the opening of either of the vehicle's front doors.

Dealers will reconfigure the vehicle front end electronic module. Owner notification is expected to begin during January 2001. 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).