Automatic transmission: gear position indication (prndl)Recall 81V-008 · Ford and Lincoln vehicles

FORD MOTOR COMPANY recall 81V-008 covers 21,000,000 Ford and Lincoln vehicles for a automatic transmission: gear position indication (prndl) problem, reported to NHTSA on January 12, 1981.

Vehicles repairedNo manufacturer report yet

Vehicles affected21,000,0004 models

ReportedJan 12, 1981Owner notice date not listed

Complaints since2Same system, after the recall

Source: NHTSA recall 81V008000 and manufacturer quarterly reports. Started by an NHTSA defect investigation.

What's wrong

The problem

THIS IS A MANUFACTURER"S NOTICE TO ADVISE OWNERS OF PROPER VEHICLE OPERATION. THE PARKING GEAR MAY NOT BE SECURELY ENGAGED AFTER THE OPERATOR HAS ATTEMPTED TO SHIFT TO PARK. THE VEHICLE MAY APPEAR TO BE IN PARK THOUGH ACTUALLY IN REVERSE. THIS COULD ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO MOVE UNEXPECTEDLY.

What to do

The fix

OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A SELF-STICKING LABEL CONTAINING IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AS A DAILY REMINDER OF THE SERIOUS HAZARDS OF UNEXPECTED VEHICLE MOTION. IT SHOULD BE PLACED INSIDE THE VEHICLE IN AN EASILY SEEN LOCATION.

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES AND LIGHT TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH FMX,C-3, C-4, C-6, OR JATCO AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS.SYSTEM: POWER TRAIN; AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: UNEXPECTED VEHICLE MOVEMENT MAY RESULT IN ACCIDENT,INJURY OR DEATH, ESPECIALLY TO PERSONS IN THE PATH OF THE VEHICLE.NOTE: DRIVERS SHOULD OBSERVE THESE STEPS: 1) MAKE CERTAIN GEAR LEVER IS ENGAGEDIN PARK, 2) SET PARKING BRAKE FULLY, AND 3) SHUT OFF IGNITION.

Recall repairs are free. Confirm whether this recall is open on your vehicle by entering its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

4 models

Vehicles in this recall

Ford Ford1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980

Ford Ford Truck1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980

Lincoln Lincoln1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980

Mercury Mercury1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980

Built from September 1, 1969 to August 1, 1980. Not every vehicle in these model years is included; check by VIN.