Re: Explorer Timing Chain/Tensioner

Ford Motor Company is providing an additional coverage program to owners of certain 1997 and 1998 Explorer and Mountaineer vehicles with 4.0L Single Overhead Cam Engines. This additional coverage is for the engine front cam chain guide assembly.

This additional coverage program will be in effect for 7 years from the warranty start date of your vehicle or 100,000 miles, whichever occurs first.

Reason For This Additional Coverage Program... On your vehicle, there is a possibility that the front cam chain guide assembly may prematurely wear or break. Should this occur, the most noticeable symptom is a cam chain noise that can be heard while the engine is running.

What Does Cam Chain Noise Sound Like? The noise is best described as a "metallic rattling" sound that lasts longer than five minutes, specifically coming from the front (and not the rear) cam chain guide. The sound can be heard at all speeds, but is much more pronounced when the vehicle is parked and the engine is at idle. Do not attempt to judge engine sound while the SUV is in motion.

If the front cam chain guide is not working properly, it could eventually lead to engine damage.

What Ford Motor Company and your dealer will do... If the engine in your vehicle should develop a timing chain noise that is caused by a worn or broken timing chain guide, your dealer will replace the guide, free of charge.

How long will it take... The time needed for this repair is approximately one day. However, due to service scheduling issues your dealer may need your vehicle for a longer period of time.

When you bring your vehicle in, show the dealer this letter. If you misplace this letter, your dealer will still do the work, free of charge.

What we are asking you to do... PLEASE KEEP THIS LETTER. If your vehicle should exhibit the condition described above within the indicated time/mileage limitations, contact your dealer. Show the dealer this letter.

If you misplace this letter, your dealer will still do the work free of charge.

Need a rental?... Your dealer is authorized to provide a rental vehicle at no charge (except for fuel and insurance) while your vehicle is at the dealership for repairs.

If you've already paid for this service... If you paid to have this service done before the date of this letter, Ford Motor Company is offering a refund. For the refund, please give your paid original receipt to your dealer. To avoid delays, do not send receipts to Ford Motor Company.

If you 've changed address or sold the vehicle... Please fill out the enclosed prepaid postcard and mail it to us so we can update our records. If you have sold the vehicle, the information you provide on the postcard will be used to notify the new owner about this additional coverage program.

If you have concerns... If you have trouble getting your vehicle repaired promptly and without charge, please contact your dealership's Service Manager for assistance.

If you still have concerns, please contact the Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship Center and one of our representatives will be happy to assist you:

Call (866) 436-7332 ... Office Hours: (Eastern Standard Time) Monday-Friday: 8AM - 11PM Saturday: 9AM - 6PM

Jeffrey Scholen wrote: