Certain passenger vehicles equipped with ZETEC engines, loose or broken attachments and misrouted battery cables could lead to cable insulation damage.

This, in turn, could cause the battery cables to short resulting in heat damage to the cables. Besides heat damage, the "check engine" light may illuminate, the vehicle may fail to start, or smoke, melting, or fire could also occur.

Dealers will inspect the battery cables for the condition of the cable insulation and proper tightening of the terminal ends. As necessary, cables will be rerouted, retaining clips installed, and damaged battery cables replaced. Owner notification is expected to begin during January 2003. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332.

Certain passenger vehicles have loose pinch bolts that secure the lower control arm to the steering knuckle have been reported.

Loose pinch bolts could exhibit noise, vibration and, in extreme cases if left uncorrected, separation of the joint or fracture of the ball joint stud, increasing the risk of a crash.

Dealers will inspect the steering knuckle pinch bolt for tightness and correct as necessary. Owner notification is expected to begin during January 2003. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332.