A Remedy Pending September, Ford’s Under-Hood Fire Recall

Ford Motor Company recently proclaimed it has found a remedy for the under-hood fire recall made last May in the U.S., but owners may have to wait months before the problem can be fixed. 

Affecting more than 66,000 of the 2021 Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator SUVs, the recall was in response to fires that the company said could happen even when engines were off.

Initially, Ford said it didn’t know what was causing the fires, though the recent finding stated that the brand tracked the problem down to the circuit board.

Specifically, the issue rooted during the pandemic when a supplier for the part had a change in manufacturing location. 

The printed circuit boards produced at the factory are prone to a high-current short, and they were supplied to Ford and installed in the mentioned SUVs during the recall window.

Fixing the issue will require dealers to check the battery junction box for melting damage and replace it, along with the box’s engine fan ground wire with an 800-W cooling fan system.

Whereas, for the vehicles with a 700-watt cooling fan system, the process will be the same with one change, the dealer will install an auxiliary box with a wire jumper.

Be it so, Ford has relayed the necessary repair procedures to dealers, and is working to make parts available as soon as possible, although it may take longer for the majority of owners.

Notably, the first remedy will fix the issue for about a third of the vehicle population, which can be done immediately. 

Meanwhile, the second remedy will fix the remaining affected cars, but the parts won’t be available until early September.

That said, Ford is telling people to keep driving their vehicles, but park outside and away from structures. Plus, dealers are also informed not to demonstrate or deliver any of the recalled vehicles.

For people in unique circumstances where they can’t park outside and away from structures, the company is offering rental vehicles. 

These vehicles are offered at no charge except for fuel and insurance while the vehicle is at the dealership. Owners in this situation should contact their dealer for guidelines and limitations.