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Lawsuit Filed Against Ford

13 October 2000

First Nationwide Class Action Lawsuit Filed Against Ford for Economic Damages, Personal Injuries and Death Caused by Improper Placement of Ignition Modules

    CHICAGO--October, 13, 2000--Kenneth B. Moll & Associates, LTD. today filed the first nationwide class action lawsuit against Ford on behalf of all persons that suffered economic damages, personal injuries and death as a result of a design defect making Ford cars and trucks likely to stall.
    According to the complaint, Ford improperly placed thick film ignition ("TFI") modules near the hottest part of the engine block, causing its cars to stall. Ford knew that the vehicles were prone to stall, but failed to alert its consumers of the dangerous condition. Ford's ignition modules were flawed from the outset. Ford misled regulators, concealed documents and information of the dangerous condition of their vehicles from NHTSA and the public.
    These TFI modules which are intended to regulate the flow of electric current to the spark plugs, have demonstrated that they are unreasonably dangerous due to an increased risk of stalling the engine in approximately 23 million Ford vehicles, 29 makes and 300 different Ford models sold between 1983 and 1995.
    The following models were equipped with distributor-mounted TFI modules: Aerostar (1986-1990), Bronco (1984-1991), Bronco II (1984-1990), Capri (1983-1986), Continental (1984-1987), Cougar (1984-1988), Crown Victoria (1984-1991), E-Series (1984-1991), Escort (1983-1991), EXP (1983-1988), F-Series (1984-1991), F-Stripped Chassis (1989), Grand Marquis (1984-1991), LN7 (1983), LTD (1984-1986), Lynx (1983-1987), Mark (1984-1992), Marquis (1984-1986), Merkur (1985-1989), Mustang (1983-1993), Probe (1990-1992), Ranger (1983-1992), Sable (1986-1989), Scorpio (1988-1999), Taurus (1986-1995), Tempo (1984-1994), Thunderbird (1983-1988), Topaz (1984-1994), Town Car (1984-1990).

    Ford's own documents revealed that:
    "Under the stress conditions of 140* C and 18 volts TFI-IV (GE3Y level) modules were observed to operate normally for a few minutes, then begin to miss sparks. The modules would then enter the stall mode and go into residual current. This leads to a thermal runaway which within several seconds to a few minutes results in module failure (i.e., destruction of the darlington output)."
    "Five out of ten TFI-PS modules failed P.V. [product validation] testing . . . exposure to excessive temp caused the output device to operate at temp in excess of their max. rating causing device failure."

    Attorney Kenneth Moll said, "the primary goals of the FORD Class Action are to (1) ensure a fully inclusive and fully reimbursable recall of all automobiles that were equipped with distributor-mounted TFI modules and (2) compensate all persons who suffered economic, personal injury or death as the result of vehicles equipped with distributor-mounted TFI modules."

    PRESS CONFERENCE SCHEDULED FOR October 13, 2000
    1:00 P.M. AT THREE FIRST NATIONAL PLAZA - 54TH FLOOR
    CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - TEL: 312.558.6444

    A copy of the complaint and additional information is available upon request.