FORD MOTOR COMPANY ISSUES SAFETY RECALL FOR SELECT FORD F-150, SUPER DUTY TRUCKS TO REPLACE ENGINE BLOCK HEATER CABLE
Ford is recalling more than 400,000 F-Series trucks are at risk of fires while the engine block heater cables are plugged into wall outlets. They are:
2015-2019 Ford F-150
2017-2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty
2017-2019 Ford F-350 Super Duty
2017-2019 Ford F-450 Super Duty
2017-2019 Ford F-550 Super Duty
Ford analyzed warranty data for F-Series trucks with block heaters and found reports of heaters that stopped working, household breakers and outlets that tripped, reports of smoke and allegations of cables that melted.
If electrical shorts are causing trouble, owners may receive warnings in the form of block heater failures or if home breakers or outlets trip. Customers should also be on guard for buzzing sounds or smoke or sparks when the heater cables are plugged into wall outlets.
Dealers will inspect the engine block heater cable and replace it if it is damaged or corroded. If there are no signs of damage or corrosion, dealers will apply dielectric grease to the splice connector and reconnect. If a replacement cable is required but unavailable, the customer will receive an information sheet and will be notified via mail for a follow-up appointment once parts become available.
The Ford truck engine block heater cable recall is expected to begin January 7, 2019. Ford dealers will either seal the block heater cables or replace them.
Concerned truck owners should call 866-436-7332 and refer to Ford's recall number, 18S45.