Ford Announces Safety Recalls on Explorer Mountaineer and Econoline Vehicles

6 May 1998

    DETROIT, May 6 -- Ford Motor Company is announcing
the following voluntary safety recalls:

    *  Certain 1997 and 1998 model-year Explorer and Mountaineer vehicles
equipped with 4.0-liter SOHC engines are being recalled for a jump starting
concern.  The engine fuel line may be damaged if the fuel line bracket is used
for the negative cable ground connection.  In some cases, a fuel odor or a
fuel leak could occur and in the presence of an ignition source could
potentially result in fire.  Approximately 340,000 vehicles are affected, of
which 16,200 are in Canada.

    *  Certain 1995 model-year Econoline cutaway and strip-chassis-based
vehicles are being recalled because affected vehicles may have interference
between the parking brake cable and the rear fuel line that may cause abrasion
to the fuel line.  In some cases, this could result in a fuel leak and
potentially result in fire in the presence of an ignition source.
Approximately 25,000 vehicles are affected, of which 3,500 are in Canada.

    There have been no fires, accidents or injuries attributed to either
concern.
    Owners of affected vehicles will be notified by first-class mail and
requested to have their vehicle inspected and modified, as appropriate, by
dealers.  All work will be completed at no charge to owners.

SOURCE  Ford Motor Company