What are the steps I need to take to inquire about recall eligibility. I've read a little about this, but can someone clarify what I need to do? The Explorer has about 80k miles and the timing chain is rattling fairly loud. It seems like there was a 100k limit on the eligibility.

 

how about try calling your local Ford dealer

 

I had a '99 and I don't remember there being anything more than a TSB on the timing chain tensioners. Don't think there was a recall.

Your best bet is to stop by your dealer and see if they will help with the cost.

 

Dealer "didn't Know" what I was talking about.......

 

There playing dum. They know about it. It cost them $$ to fix it. There is about 5 or 6 recalls on the explorers. Thing like a seat bolts, timeing belts and some otheres.
print this and go hit up the dealer

Recall Lookup : FORD : 1999 : EXPLORER
Select a recalls summary to display.
1999 FORD EXPLORER: 00V072000 12314 20000307 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS: ...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1999 FORD EXPLORER: 06E026000 33921 20060323 EXTERIOR LIGHTING: ...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1999 FORD EXPLORER: 99V164000 12265 19990629 LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH: ...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1999 FORD EXPLORER: 00V395000 36621 20001128 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM, PCM): ...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1999 FORD EXPLORER: 03V281000 12680 20030805 SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER: ...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1999 FORD EXPLORER: 99V123000 21189 19990518 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS: ...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
1999 FORD EXPLORER: 99V062001 28758 19990330 VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL: ...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1999 FORD EXPLORER: 03V280000 12678 20030805 VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES: ...

 

we just got a used Ranger back from the local ford dealer for the timing chain tensioner, they sent a bill along to the tune of $1400. They had to pull the whole engine out. Like it was stated above it was a TSB not a recall. The number I got off Alldata was 04-15-4, toss that to your dealer, but looks like your SOL.

 

Thanks for the info. Other than this, last time I went to a dealer (for a new car or service), was when I got ripped off back in 1988. Now I remember why I don't go back.

 

...except for parts!

I was asking on behalf of a neighbor (mine's a 92 4.0 pushrod). I guess I leave it to him to work out. It's a shame, but it looks like he'll have to spend the big bucks for a repair.

Thanks again.

 

There was a recall for the timing chain tensioner plus an intake manifold leak which only was fixed if "concern present" but it also extended the warranty to 6 yrs. or 72,000 miles (whichever comes first) from start of warranty, according to Ford owner notification program 00M12, covering '97 through '00 Explorer and Sport Trac assembled at certain plants. But it only covers the tensioner and not the guide, which also fails.

 

That's the way I remember it too.

Be sure and make a mental note about your friendly Ford dealer's lack of memory.
And they wonder why they're reputation is shot.

 

There was no recall for the timing tensioners on the '99 Explorer.

Here are the only recalls on that vehicle.

The Ford owner notification program is nothing more than an offer by Ford to extend the warranty on parts known to fail prematurely. They reluctantly take this step, usually only after a ton of complaints.

There is a big difference. On a recall Ford MUST fix the problem whether your vehicle exhibits the problem or not....doesn't matter how many miles you have on it. On the owner notification program it's basically up to Ford to determine if your problem is related. They may honor the extension or conveniently come up with another cause.

 

Yes, z28dug, you are quite correct about it not being a recall; Ford calls it a "Campaign".

The campaign for the tensioner and intake manifold gasket was 00M12.

There was a campaign for the timing chain guide, campaign 01M01, which extends the warranty to 7 yrs. or 100,000 miles, but only applies to model year '97 and '98. I talked to Ford and they said they will not cover my '99 since my VIN is not covered in the campaign.