Attachment III - Technical Information

OVERVIEW

This program involves inspecting the engineering pan number on all steel wheels (including the spare, if present) and determining if any or all are eligible for replacement.





All replacement wheels will be of the 12-window configuration. See Figure 1

The vehicles included in this program are limited to active duty law enforcement vehicles only. Any Crown Victoria Police Interceptor vehicle that has been taken out of law enforcement duty and is now used in nonpolice service is not eligible for this recall. If you encounter an affected vehicle that is obviously no longer in law enforcement duty, notify the customer that the vehicle is ineligible for this service and submit a claim for inspection only (Labor Operation 07S48A).

INSPECTION

1. If the vehicle is obviously no longer in law enforcement duty, the vehicle is ineligible for this service. Notify the customer and submit a claim for inspection only (Labor Operation 07S48A).

2. Remove the hub caps or, if equipped, the full wheel cover by gently prying off the center cap, then loosening the 5 plastic nuts securing the cover to the wheel nuts.





Wheel Replacement Strategy and Service Action

3. NOTE: The engineering pant number is located on a raised surface on the outside face of the wheel between 2 wheel bolt holes.

NOTE:
Spare tire wheels are only to be replaced under the following conditions if the wheel is present in the vehicle at time of service.





Inspect the engineering pan number on all wheels including the spare. See Figure 2.

WHEEL REPLACEMENT

WARNING:
ALL REPLACED WHEELS MUST BE PERMANENTLY DISABLED.

1. Remove the affected wheel/tire from the vehicle.

2. Following the tire changing equipment manufacturer's instructions, remove the tire from the known suspect wheel.

3. Install a new valve stem in the new wheel. Mount and balance the wheel and tire assembly.

4. Reinstall the wheel and tire assemblies. Tighten the wheel nuts to 129 Nm (95 lb-ft).

5. Install the wheel covers/hub caps. DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN the wheel cover attaching nuts.

6. Secure the spare tire in the trunk, if supplied.

WHEEL DISABLING

WARNING:
ALL REPLACED WHEELS MUST BE PERMANENTLY DISABLED AS OUTLINED.

WARNING:
WHEN DISABLING A REPLACED WHEEL USING AN AIR CHISEL, PERSONAL PROTECTION DEVICES SUCH AS EYE AND HEARING PROTECTION ARE REQUIRED.

CAUTION:
Cut the wheel from the valve stem hole down toward the bead area of the wheel. Do not cut sideways and do not destroy the build date code.

NOTE
Returned wheels not disabled in accordance with the procedure detailed here are subject to chargeback.





1. With the wheel facing down, use an air chisel with a sharp bit to cut a gouge no less than 12 mm (1/2 inch) long in the wheel from the valve stem hole down toward the bead area. The gouge must be large enough and the wheel deformed enough to make sure it cannot be easily repaired. See Figure 3.

2. Retain the wheel for possible warranty parts return. See your service manager or parts manager for further instruction.