Investigation PE89039: 1980–1984 Ford Thunderbird

Status

CLOSED

Opened

Feb 9, 1989

Closed

Jun 13, 1989

Model years

1980–1984

Subject

Parking brake failure

Component: Parking brake

Summary

Summary:the spring under investigation causes the latching pawl toengage the teeth of the ratchet whereby the parking brake is retainedin the applied position.if the spring fails, the pedal follows theoperators foot back up into the released position.ford states that it issued the bulletin in order to inform dealersthat the spring was newly available as a separate part.previously,it was necessary to replace the entire parking brake control assembly inorder to obtain a new spring.since the failure of the spring will not cause the parking brake tosuddenly and unexpectedly release and since there is adequate warningof the failure, no safety defect trend was found.===

An NHTSA investigation looks into whether a safety defect exists. Opening one is not a finding. Outcomes can include a recall, closure without action, or further inquiry.

Model years covered

• 1984 Ford Thunderbird26 complaints