Ford once again recalls F-series trucks due to fire risks brought about by the engine block heaters.
Following a massive recall a few months ago, Ford again issued a recall to 654,000 F-series trucks. The recall specifically includes 2017-2019 Super Duty pick-up trucks, specifically those built from Feb. 5, 2016, to Nov. 17, 2018, at the Ohio Assembly Plant and those built between Oct. 8, 2015, and Nov. 17, 2018, at the Kentucky Truck Plant.
Ford specified that the massive recall scope covers 2015- 2019 F-150 built between March 18, 2014, and Nov. 17, 2018, at Dearborn Truck Plant and those built from Aug. 21, 2014, to Nov. 17, 2018, at the Kansas City Assembly Plant.
The vehicles built beginning March 18, 2014, to Nov. 17, 2018, at the Kansas City Assembly Plant. As per the company's record, 327,000 out of the 654,000 vehicles on the list are in the US while the rest are distributed among Canada and US federalized territories
The main reason for the Ford recall is the fire risk which could come from the engine block heaters. Ford suspects that a process during the last inspection possibly damaged the splice connectors that might lead to shorts and in the worst case could lead to a fire if not handled properly.
The recalled Ford F-series vehicles will undergo the remedy process to be done by the Ford technicians. Since there are no replacement parts available yet to accommodate all the 654,000 vehicles, technicians will have to do a temporary preventive measure.
Ford technicians will have to disable the block heater while waiting for the replacement parts. They will cut the plug end to make sure that it no longer functions and seal the cap to assure that no open wire of the engine block heater is exposed.
As of the moment, Ford is not able to provide the exact date on when the replacement parts will be available. Once they are, the owner of the recalled Ford F-series vehicle will immediately be notified to have their cut and sealed engine block heaters replaced.
In December, Ford made a recall to 874,000 trucks due to the engine block heater cable problem as well. Ford reported that the cable was prone to splice connector corrosion possibly leading to tripping household breakers and worst the risk of fire.
Prior to the second Ford recall, two separate cases of fire were reported from Canada and the US. Although not proven to be caused by the engine block heater prevention is truly better than cure.
