Investigation PE98063: 1996 Ford Contour

Status

CLOSED

Opened

Dec 3, 1998

Closed

May 10, 1999

Model years

1996

Subject

Headlight switch

Component: Exterior lighting

Summary

Odi opened the preliminary evaluation on december 3, 1989 based on five consumer complaints, all of which mentioned concerns centered on the dashboard-mounted headlight switch.these concerns included an allegation of the switch catching fire, an allegation of headlight loss, and three allegations of instrument panel and tail light outages.three of the reports specifically identified the headlight switch and its associated wiring as having been heat damaged.ford investigations have found that overheating of an electrical terminal at the headlight switch connector causes loss of the instrument panel and tail lights.ford will remedy this condition in 1996-1998 model contour and mystique vehicles built at the kansas city assembly plant from april 20, 1995 through august 12, 1998 and at the cautitlan, mexico assembly plant from june 13, 1995 through august 24, 1998 under recall 99v-103.the remedy involves replacement of the headlight switch connector and if necessary, the switch itself.this preliminary evaluation is closed.

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

• 1996 Ford Contour563 complaints