NHTSA Complaint #705192 — 1999 FORD RANGER

WHEN ATTEMPTING TO CHANGE THE OIL FILTER, I APPARENTLY BUMPED A WIRE ON THE STARTER CAUSING IT TO ENGAGE. LUCKY THE PARKING BRAKE HELD LETTING IT MOVE ONLY A SHORT DISTANCE BEFORE DISTROYING THE STARTER. I RECEIVED SEVERAL INJURIES WHILE ATTEMPTING TO GET FREE OF THE VEHICLE TO DISCONNECT THE BATTERY. IN INSPECTING THE INCIDENT AFTERWARDS I FOUND THAT BY MOVING THE WIRE LESS THAN TEN THOUSANDS OF AN INCH THE STARTER CAN BE ENGAGED WITH THE IGNITION OFF. IF OIL HAD BEEN PRESENT AT THE TIME, A MAJOR FIRE COULD HAVE OCCURRED TO REPAIR THE DAMAGE WAS $240 FOR LABOR AND NEW STARTED. THE DEALER HAS AGREED TO CONTACT THE FORD SERVICE AGENT, BUT NO ASSURANCE THAT IT WOULD BE COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY. IF NOTHING ELSE PLEASE WARN OTHER OWNERS OF THIS PROBLEM BEFORE SOMEONE GET KILLED. THANK YOU. *AK