Vehicle Make / Model: Model Year(s):
- FORD / AEROSTAR 1989-1991
- FORD / BRONCO II 1990
- FORD / EXPLORER 1991
- FORD / RANGER 1990-1991
Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Report Receipt Date: NOV 04, 1991
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 91V189000 NHTSA Action Number: 2 Investigations found (View)
Component: POWER TRAIN: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Potential Number of Units Affected: 792,000
Summary:
WHEN THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER IS PLACED IN THE PARK POSITION, THE PARK PAWL DOES NOT ALWAYS ABUT OR ENGAGE THE PARK GEAR.
Consequence:
DRIVER MAY BELIEVE THE VEHICLE IS SAFELY ENGAGED IN PARK WHEN THE GEAR IS NOT TRULY ENGAGED. THIS CAN LEAD TO THE VEHICLE JUMPING OUT OF GEAR UNINTENTIONALLY, VEHICLE ROLLAWAY WHEN PARKED ON A SLOPED SURFACE, AND INADVERTENT MOTION WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STARTED. ALL OF THESE CONDITIONS CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
Remedy:
REPAIR THE TRANSMISSION WITH A NEW PARK PAWL.
Notes:
SYSTEM: TRANSMISSION. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PICKUP TRUCKS, VANS, AND MULTI-PURPOSE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A4LD AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS.
Jim Oaks is the founder of TheRangerStation.com, the longest-running Ford Ranger resource online since 1999. With over 25 years of hands-on experience building and modifying Ford Rangers — including magazine-featured builds like Project Transformer — Jim has become one of the most trusted authorities in the Ford off-road and enthusiast space. In 2019, he was loaned a Ranger FX4 by Ford Motor Company to test and document across the TransAmerica Trail. Jim continues to inspire and guide Ranger owners around the world.