SOHC Tensioner & Intake Manifold Warranty

I posted this under a previous thread, but I think it should get it's own thread since there are several people here that have experienced either the intake manifold o-ring leak or camshaft tensioner rattle, or both.

I just found out that apparantly Ford has issued a voluntary recall on the camshaft tensioners as well as the lower intake manifold o-rings. The bulletin number is 00M12. It is not listed on NHTSA.com yet though. The latest one they list is 00M11 which is the voluntary recall for the broken swaybar links. The camshaft tensioner warranty sounds like it is lumped in with the intake manifold o-ring warranty. The warranty on both was supposedly extended to 6 years/72k miles. It is apparantly an "Owner Notification Program" and covers certain '97-'00 Explorers with the SOHC V6. The vehicles covered are vehicles built at the Louisville and St. Louis Assembly plants from Job #1, 1997 through April, 2000. If either item requires replacement, the dealer is instructed to replace both with upgraded parts at the same time, at no charge to the customer. Part of the message isn't too clear about how long it will last, but it appears that it will only last until April 30, 2001. That seems likely though considering their voluntary recall on the oil pump a few years ago only went for so long before it expired. I will be calling a Ford dealer on Monday to see if they know anything about it. If it is as new as it looks, they may not.

Update

I just got off the phone with Simone at the Ford hotline number regarding the Owner Notification Program regardind the 4.0L SOHC V6 camshaft tensioner noise and lower intake manifold o-ring leaks (campaign ID# 00M12). She confirmed that the program is real and valid. She said letters went out on 11/21/00 (at least mine did) based on VIN numbers. The o-rings and tensioners are covered now for 6 years/72K miles. If you have paid to have either replaced before the letters were mailed out you are eligible for a refund for the repair costs.

ext warranty

YAA-HOOOOO!!!!!!!!!

Can't wait to get my letter....

I just got home from the dealer. The reason why I made an appointment for repair was because of the tapping sound at start up and an irregular RPM during idle specially while warming up. But then during the weekend, the check engine goes light was on. Anyway, at the dealer I mentioned all the synptoms the 1. tapping sound, 2. bad idle, and
3. check egine light. The dealer ask me what if the sound you describe is not there? I responded by saying "wether it's there or not it should be fixed because I was been hearing it", then I added, "I know it was a recall including the O ring of the lower manifold". She then checked the computer for any recall, and wrote "0012" that's all I saw. I picked up my Explorer today and will come back when the parts is available. I ask her what parts? She said the parts for the recall. The "check engine light" is gone and the idle is good now. The best of all.... FREE.

Hey,

What are the long term effects of not getting the tensioner or o-rings fixed? I just bought a 98 EB Explorer with the V6 SOHC in it (37,000 mile). Since I'm not the original owner, would it be a problem for me to get Ford to fix it under the new extended warrenty?

Thanks

Robert,

Thanks for the info. I'm in a bit of a pickle because I just paid $400 to have the o-rings replaced 2 weeks ago but I have 79K miles on my 97.

The Exploder is now back in the shop for some unrelated 4WD problem (the solenoid in the transfer case malfunctioned because of an under the dash relay that is going out). I'll post the problem, results and costs when I get it back. It has been almost 2 weeks without wheels because the only place that has the right part is a warehouse in Iowa! And they won't give me loaner but will offer a 10% discount on a rental car. BFD. I'll talk to them about the refund when I pick it up.

According to the letter, you can have them replaced at no charge regardless of mileage through April 2001. After that it goes to the 6 year/72K warranty. That being said, it sounds like you should get a refund for yours since you had them replaced before the letters were mailed. Talk to your dealer. It might help to wait for the letter though so you know what it says.

some of my correspondence w/ ford

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my original email to Ford:
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re: camshaft tensioners & lower intake manifold o-rings in SOHC explorer v6 engine.

Question: I've heard about a service bulletin, number 00M12. It's apparently some kind of voluntary recall or discretionary service.

Can you please provide me with a link or further information about bullet #00M12

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replies:
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Dear Scott,

Thank you for your message of 11/26/00 regarding the 1999 Ford Explorer. We appreciate the time you have taken to write us regarding program 00M12.

As you requested, Owner Notification Program 00M12:

On the affected vehicles, this program extends the coverage for the 4.0L SOHC camshaft chain tensioner and lower intake manifold gasket to 6 years or 72,000 miles from the vehicle's warranty start date, whichever occurs first. This coverage will automatically transfer to subsequent owners. If the vehicle already has more than 72,000 miles, this coverage will last until April 30, 2001.


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Dear Scott,

Thank you for your message of 11/28/00 regarding your 1999 Ford Explorer. We appreciate the time you have taken to write us regarding your vehicle.

As you requested, we have checked for any open recalls or Owner Notification Programs (ONPs) for your 1999 Ford Explorer for your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Our records do indicate that the following ONP applies to your vehicle.

Campaign Number 00M12:

Owners of affected vehicles are being notified that Ford Motor Company is providing additional coverage for the affected engine camshaft chain tensioner and lower intake manifold gaskets. If either the camshaft chain tensioner or lower intake manifold gasket should require replacement, dealers are instructed to install both of these upgraded parts at the same time, at no charge to the customer.

We pride ourselves on becoming the world's leading consumer company for automotive products and services. We, therefore, would like to apologize for any inconvenience you may have experienced At Ford Motor Company, we consider the satisfaction of our customers as one of our most important objectives. If you have any other inquiries or concerns, please feel free to contact us and we will be happy to address them.

Thank you for contacting Ford Motor Company.

Sincerely,
Anita
Ford Motor Company
Customer Relationship Center

Cam Tensioner Work

Sorry this is so long, but it is worth a read especially if you live in Charlotte, North Carolina.

I had the cam tension replacement work done in August prior to the recall. I contacted the FORD customer service number and through negotiation with one of the local Ford dealers I ended up paying $343 via "customer participation" to have the work done at Town and Country Ford in Charlotte, North Carolina. The car sat at the dealer for 3 weeks with the car fully disected on the shop floor (bolts and parts everywhere). The story is that the dealer could not get parts and then only had one set of tools for the SOHC and would get to it "tomorrow". Three weeks later, the car was finally finished and appeared to run. However, I started to get a grinding noise on cold startup that would go away after 10-15 seconds as if something was being thrown around inside the engine and then would clear. I called to make appointments with Town and Country Ford and my voicemails were never returned. I finally was able to take the car in and they were perplexed. They changed the oil to a heavier weight to see if that would stop the grinding. I picked up the car and the car still made the noise the next day on cold start. I called the Ford customer service number, told them I was not satisfied with the work and they told me that the work is part of a recall now and to contact another dealer to have the work done again.

I took the car to Harrelson Ford, also in Charlotte. They performed the work on the cam tensioners but called me to tell me that there were several bolts missing from the oil pan and the bolt that holds the crankshaft pulley on was loose (had not been properly installed). The result is that the camshaft pulley was wobling around and he does not know what damage has been done to the crankshaft until it is taken apart. He called Town and Country and talked to the service manager who said he would fix it. Problem is, Town and Country was no technically capable to fix it the first or second time I took it to them. I called the Ford customer service number again to log these events. They basically said that they have no control over their dealers and that Town and Country will fix it. From my experience, I don't trust Town and Country's customer service or technical / vehicle service. Meantime, I have contacted Sonic Automotive (also located in Charlotte, NC) who own Town and Country Ford for resolution of this matter.

I will keep the board up to date as to the progress of the repairs.


97 SOHC 4WD 52k

[Edited by pmhuff on 12-14-2000 at 03:49 PM]

I also live in Charlotte, NC and had the tensioners and orings replaced out of warranty,before the now extended warranty program. I was curious to see a description of the oring replacement on ths service ticket beacuse it was never discussed that they were doing that also, they just did it. I had them replaced last summer.
I had Town and Country in Charlotte do the repair for $36.00 compared to $350+. T&C also replaced my blend door assembly out of warranty for $136.00 compared to $800+. I have had good service and relations with T&C. This inconsistancy of treatment from customer to customer is bad for public relations. Why would they help me more than the next guy? At T&C I worked directly with John Lamenzo the service manager and he resolved my issues with no hassle. I dont know if he is still with T&C. I hope I get the same treatment if needed in the future.
As for Harrelson Ford in Charlotte, i would'nt let them repair my lawn mover. Were talking a very shady orginization. Sorry Louis F. I shoped there in 96' and he had a brand new Explorer $35k+ on the lot that was a theft recovery. This vehicle had been masked from bumper to bumper with finger print dust. That stuff is nasty. Kinda like graphite in texture. May be. There was a milion finger prints on thes truck inside and out. My curiousity asked the salesman what was going on and he said "I'll make sure we get all of that stuff off, and maybe we can give you a good deal on it" I had to laugh and said thanks but no thanks.

Well, I too live in Charlotte and....I finally took my Explorer to Lake Norman
Ford (20 miles out of my way) to get some decent work done
in a timely manner and with prompt notification of
completion. I too had the cam tensioner problem (3 tries)
and a host of other strange occurances and
after my experiences with them I wouldn't let either
one those other two places touch my scooter.

Yohoo my truck is part of this recall!

Cam Tensioner Saga

Continuing my experience with Town and Country in Charlotte (see note posted above):

Well, Town and Country insisted on looking at the vehicle to see what Harrelson Ford noted as being a problem with the crankshaft pulley and bolt and missing oil pan bolts from the cam tensioner replacement work Town and Country performed. They towed the car to their shop and then called me to ask what the problem was! They found the missing oil pan bolts but could not find any other problem. Somehow, between leaving Harrelson Ford and arriving at Town and Country, magic occured and the Explorer fixed itself. I went over to the T&C shop and started the car on a cold start the next morning and did not hear the noise that I and Harrelson Ford had heard. Makes you wonder!

So at this point we will see if the noise reappears and if the crankshaft pulley becomes loose again.

97 SOHC 52k

Just got my truck back from Ford, it's running great now, no more noise. And best of all, Ford picked up the bill.
Thanks Robert for the info,

Cam Tensioner and O-ring Recall

Does anyone know if they'll take an Explorer with a "Salvaged" Title? I have both those problems and would rather have Ford pick up the bill than me. Also, how do they send the letters using VIN numbers? Do they somehow check with a Department of Motor Vehicles for Explorer owners? Please explain.

Thank You,
Ricardo

sorry....for those that might not know what salvaged means, it when the vehicle has been in a crash and has been deemed totaled by insurance companies. There are several degrees of "totaled" so it's a real grey area.

Ric.

I don't think it should matter if it was a salvaged title or not. I would try calling Ford at 1(800)292-3673 and give them your VIN. If they don't have a problem with it, they will fax a dealer the program information and your information so you can set up an appointment. I still haven't received my letter either even though the lady at the hotline said my letter was sent out on 11/22. Oh well, I got mine fixed anyway under warranty and I can't remember my engine being this quiet. Even my Wife noticed how much quieter it was and she isn't one to notice things like that.

Mountaineer fixed!

Well, it appears that 00M12 is still effective. Dropped off my 99 Mountaineer at Mercury this morning, describing all the usual: Front left rattle like lack of oil, hard starting when cold, RPM "hunting" until warm, and terrible gas mileage.

They've had the car for 5 hours, so I called to see what the status was: "Yes sir, there was a Owner Notification Program that applied to your car, so we did the work. You can pick it up in 30 minutes".

Music to my ears! Thanks to you guys, it saved me $900 (earlier estimate from an independant shop).

golfboy said:

Well, it appears that 00M12 is still effective. Dropped off my 99 Mountaineer at Mercury this morning, describing all the usual: Front left rattle like lack of oil, hard starting when cold, RPM "hunting" until warm, and terrible gas mileage.

They've had the car for 5 hours, so I called to see what the status was: "Yes sir, there was a Owner Notification Program that applied to your car, so we did the work. You can pick it up in 30 minutes".

Music to my ears! Thanks to you guys, it saved me $900 (earlier estimate from an independant shop).

Click to expand...

And did you fall within the 72K mile limit? My '00 Explorer makes the noise, but I'm at 95K miles. I would LOVE for Ford to fix it free!

golfboy said:

Well, it appears that 00M12 is still effective. Dropped off my 99 Mountaineer at Mercury this morning, describing all the usual: Front left rattle like lack of oil, hard starting when cold, RPM "hunting" until warm, and terrible gas mileage.

They've had the car for 5 hours, so I called to see what the status was: "Yes sir, there was a Owner Notification Program that applied to your car, so we did the work. You can pick it up in 30 minutes".

Music to my ears! Thanks to you guys, it saved me $900 (earlier estimate from an independant shop).

Click to expand...

A good reason to spend $20 and join this site and help keep us keep going so we can continue to help you and others! Become and elite explorer!!