FORD:
2000-2007 Crown Victoria, Taurus
2005-2006 Ford GT
2005-2007 Mustang
2000-2003 Ranger
2000-2007 Expedition
2002-2007 Explorer
2004-2007 F-150
2007 Explorer Sport Trac LINCOLN:
2000-2006 Lincoln LS
2000-2007 Town Car, Navigator MERCURY:
2000-2007 Grand Marquis, Sable


This article supersedes TSB 04-25-1 to update the vehicle model years. ISSUE:

Some vehicles may exhibit a bubbling or blistering under the paint on aluminum body parts. This is due to iron contamination of the aluminum panel.
ACTION:

This TSB provides service tips and procedures, outlining methods to properly prepare and protect aluminum body parts from cross contamination.
BACKGROUND


Ford's Scientific Research Laboratory has performed a number of tests on vehicle body parts returned for corrosion related concerns. Testing has revealed that the aluminum corrosion was caused by iron particles working their way into the aluminum body part, prior to it being painted.

So if there is a TSB does that mean that Ford will fix it even after the warranty period ?

 

Sorry but no, Ford will not PAY for it, but they will fix it. A TSB is a procedure for your friendly neighborhood Ford service department to follow if your vehicle exhibits the symptoms described in the TSB. TSBs usually include a warranty disclaimer such as "Eligible Under Provisions Of New Vehicle Limited Warranty Coverage". If it was a RECALL, then Ford would pay for it.

 

I bought "Gap " insurance through Ford when I bought my GT/CS last Dec. It added almost 10 dollars to my payment but extended my bumper -to -bumper warranty from 3 year/36,000 to 5 year /60,000 . Let's see them squirm out from under paint issues in the future. Just for your sake, flight96, I will take them to task on every paint issue I can find ! I realize that may not help you directly, but if enough of us force the issue, and FoMoCo warranty paid enough claims, maybe they may make a proper lasting fix to our paint issues

 

good luck !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

I dunno about the 'iron contamination'...since seeing the blistered mess mine became while just sitting in the unheated garage over the winter, have looked at several others all are getting it to some degree- it starts at the extreme outer edge of the panels underside crimp, as the paint begins to lift/blister it creeps under pretty rapidly- mine was fine when I wiped it down last fall before putting away- very slight rough paint on very edge, now its back an inch under the hood and 1/2 way up the visible part of the lip in front. if its iron contamination, I'd say its from where the metal dies sheared the panel, or where the crimping tool rubbed thru whatever coating might have been there...they are making it sound like a rail dust issue from the sound of the TSB. I dunno if theres a clear seam sealer out there, but if I ever get another one that will be on my undercoating/sealing list...when mine was new(300 miles) I pulled the fenders off, fenderwells out, door panels off, etc...and sealed up whatever I could except lowermost drains, and shot paint in to fill all the little crevices between bottom crimp/spot welded seams...dunmmy me as the hood is aluminum, didnt touch it at all.

Btw- next time under the hood, take a flashlight and look back into the fenderwell hole where the air snorkel goes thru...bet you see a lot of fine dirt wedged into the little gap behind the headlamp/core support, and a ton of crap on the bumper/fender lip...I filled mine and tapered it off with seam sealer so it can be rinsed out... Also look at the top of the little 'flap' just in front of your rear tires- over half the cars Ive checked have a gap in the panel, with a hole that leads into inaccessible rocker panel- some cars have zero gap, AND undercoating, sloppy work on most leave a great place for rust to start...heres a pic