Ford Motors recalls 3.6 million vehicles to fix an overheating switch

Ford Motor Co is recalling as many as 3.6 million vehicles, some manufactured as long as 16 years ago, in the sixth round of repairs to fix a switch that can overheat. The switch that deactivates the speed control can overheat and cause a fire.

Ford's recall comes as the second-largest US automaker is trying to stem steep losses in its North American automotive operations, and reported pre-tax losses of $279 million in North America in the second-quarter.

The latest recall covers 16 brands of cars, sport utility vehicles and trucks from model years 1992 to 2004, Ford told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The Ford vehicles being recalled are the F-Series and Ranger pickup trucks, Explorer, Bronco and Mountaineer SUVs, Econoline vans and some Crown Victoria, Town Car, Grand Marquis, Capri, Mark VII and Taurus Sho cars with model years ranging from 1992 to 2004, depending upon the particular vehicle.

The announcement brought the total number of vehicles recalled for the same problem to 10.5 million since 1999. Ford recalled nearly 6.2 million vehicles in 2005 and 2006 because of engine fires linked to a faulty speed control deactivation switch.

A spokesman for Ford Motor said the company was recalling the vehicles to alleviate customer concerns.

Owners will begin receiving recall notices from August 13. Dealers will install a fused wiring harness into the speed control electrical system or replace the deactivation switch if it's found to be leaking.