1. EARLY LAST YEAR, MY WIFE AND I NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE DEVELOPED A TENDENCY TO LUNGE (ACCELERATE) WHEN BRAKING TOWARD A STOPLIGHT OR A PARKING SPOT. 2. THE FREQUENCY OF THE OCCURRENCE INCREASES ONCE THE VEHICLE ENGINE IS WARMED UP TO OPERATING TEMPERATURE OR AFTER THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN DRIVEN LONG DISTANCES. 3. LAST SE…
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1. EARLY LAST YEAR, MY WIFE AND I NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE DEVELOPED A TENDENCY TO LUNGE (ACCELERATE) WHEN BRAKING TOWARD A STOPLIGHT OR A PARKING SPOT. 2. THE FREQUENCY OF THE OCCURRENCE INCREASES ONCE THE VEHICLE ENGINE IS WARMED UP TO OPERATING TEMPERATURE OR AFTER THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN DRIVEN LONG DISTANCES. 3. LAST SEPTEMBER, WE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL FORD SERVICE CENTER TO HAVE IT LOOKED AT. THE PROBLEM WAS IDENTIFIED AS A FAULTY THROTTLE BODY. WE WERE TOLD AT THE TIME THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE, AND WE WOULD BE NOTIFIED WHEN THE PART BECAME AVAILABLE. WE HAVE NOT RECEIVED THAT CALL. WE WERE ALSO INFORMED THAT THE REPAIR WOULD BE APPROXIMATELY $600.00. INTERNET RESEARCH FOUND THAT THIS IS A APPARENTLY A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE, WITH SOME OWNERS REPORTING THAT THEIR VEHICLE IS NO LONGER OPERATIONAL. I FEEL THAT THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. I ALSO FEEL THAT FORD, LIKE TOYOTA HAS RECENTLY, SHOULD INITIATE A RECALL TO FIX THE PROBLEM. AT THE VERY LEAST, THEY NEED TO MAKE THE PART AVAILABLE, SO THAT THE REPAIR CAN BE MADE. AS FAR AS I KNOW, THE PART IS STILL NOT AVAILABLE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10308356
32,000 miles · Feb 9, 2010
Vehicle Speed Control
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHENEVER THE VEHICLE WAS MOVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS AND WHEN HER FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE PEDAL, IT LUNGED FORWARD. THE FAILURE ALSO OCCURRED WHEN SHE DROVE IN REVERSE. THE FAILURE HAS OCCURRED OVER 50 TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO REPAIRED THE THROT…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHENEVER THE VEHICLE WAS MOVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS AND WHEN HER FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE PEDAL, IT LUNGED FORWARD. THE FAILURE ALSO OCCURRED WHEN SHE DROVE IN REVERSE. THE FAILURE HAS OCCURRED OVER 50 TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO REPAIRED THE THROTTLE BODY, AIR COMPRESSOR AND THE ALTERNATOR; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR. THE VEHICLE MALFUNCTIONED MORE FREQUENTLY DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN DIAGNOSED 4 TIMES AND EACH TIME THE MECHANIC STATED THAT IT WAS REPAIRED. THE DEALER WILL NOT MAKE ANY ADDITIONAL REPAIRS SINCE THE WARRANTY WAS NO LONGER VALID. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 32000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 95000. UPDATED 3/16/10 *CN UPADTED 07/07/10.*JB
NHTSA ODI #10307988
96,000 miles · Jan 20, 2010
Vehicle Speed Control
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER, TURN THE VEHICLE OFF AND THEN RESTARTED IT; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE CONTINUED NOT TO ACCELERATE. THE FAILURE HAS OCCURRED ON THREE OCCASIONS. THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER AND THE GEAR SHIFT REMAINED IN DRIVE. THE GEA…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER, TURN THE VEHICLE OFF AND THEN RESTARTED IT; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE CONTINUED NOT TO ACCELERATE. THE FAILURE HAS OCCURRED ON THREE OCCASIONS. THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER AND THE GEAR SHIFT REMAINED IN DRIVE. THE GEAR SHIFT CONSOLE AND THE THROTTLE PLACE ASSEMBLY WERE ALSO REPAIRED BY A LOCAL MECHANIC. THE CONTACT IS CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY RISK SINCE A CRASH COULD HAVE OCCURRED DUE TO A LACK OF ACCELERATION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 96,000.
NHTSA ODI #10300475
34,000 miles · Nov 28, 2009
Vehicle Speed Control
I HAVE A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE ABOUT A MONTH AGO STARTED TO ACCELERATE BY ITSELF FOR VERY SHORT SECONDS. AS TIME PASSED ACCELERATIONS WERE STRONGER. I NOTICE THEY WERE MORE NOTICEABLE WHEN TURNING THE WHEEL WHILE IN REVERSE. A WEEK AGO AS SOON AS I PUT THE CAR ON REVERSE REVOLUTION WHEN UP QUICKLY AND I HIT A POLE . THE CAR REMAI…
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I HAVE A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE ABOUT A MONTH AGO STARTED TO ACCELERATE BY ITSELF FOR VERY SHORT SECONDS. AS TIME PASSED ACCELERATIONS WERE STRONGER. I NOTICE THEY WERE MORE NOTICEABLE WHEN TURNING THE WHEEL WHILE IN REVERSE. A WEEK AGO AS SOON AS I PUT THE CAR ON REVERSE REVOLUTION WHEN UP QUICKLY AND I HIT A POLE . THE CAR REMAINED ACCELERATE SO I TURNED IT OFF. HAVEN'T HAD THE TIME TO TAKE IT TO A SERVICE STATION TO CHECK IT OUT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10293799
48,100 miles · Oct 30, 2009
Vehicle Speed Control
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. WHEN APPLYING PRESSURE TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AT 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. HE WAS ABLE TO PULL TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, AND THE TECHNICIAN CONCLUDED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY FAILED. THE VEHICLE HA…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. WHEN APPLYING PRESSURE TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AT 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. HE WAS ABLE TO PULL TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, AND THE TECHNICIAN CONCLUDED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY FAILED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED DUE TO THE UNAVAILABILITY OF THE PART. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 47,900. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 48,100. THE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER WAS UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #10290353
42,130 miles · Oct 1, 2009
Vehicle Speed Control
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IDLING, THE RPMS INCREASED 2500 TO 3000 WITHOUT VEHICLE ACCELERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, AND THE THROTTLE BODY WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 42130.
NHTSA ODI #10285984
44,000 miles · Sep 17, 2009
Vehicle Speed Control
I OWN A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE THAT HAS BEEN ON FORDS LOT FOR 67 DAYS NOW. IT NEEDS A NEW THROTTLE BODY AND THEY ARE NOT STARTING PRODUCTION ON THEM UNTIL OCT 31ST 2009. WHICH MEANS THEY WILL NOT BE TESTED AND READY FOR INSTALL UNTIL NEXT YEAR WHICH MEANS I WILL HAVE GONE 6 MONTHS WITHOUT MY CAR WHICH I AM STILL PAYING FOR BECAUSE…
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I OWN A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE THAT HAS BEEN ON FORDS LOT FOR 67 DAYS NOW. IT NEEDS A NEW THROTTLE BODY AND THEY ARE NOT STARTING PRODUCTION ON THEM UNTIL OCT 31ST 2009. WHICH MEANS THEY WILL NOT BE TESTED AND READY FOR INSTALL UNTIL NEXT YEAR WHICH MEANS I WILL HAVE GONE 6 MONTHS WITHOUT MY CAR WHICH I AM STILL PAYING FOR BECAUSE I JUST BOUGHT IT LAST YEAR. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10284259
51,870 miles · Sep 14, 2009
Vehicle Speed Control
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS. WHEN PROCEEDING FROM A COMPLETE STOP AT A TRAFFIC SIGNAL THERE WAS A REDUCTION IN THE ENGINE POWER SIGNIFICANTLY. THE CONTACT CONTINUED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE WITH CAUTION. THERE WERE TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS THAT THE…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS. WHEN PROCEEDING FROM A COMPLETE STOP AT A TRAFFIC SIGNAL THERE WAS A REDUCTION IN THE ENGINE POWER SIGNIFICANTLY. THE CONTACT CONTINUED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE WITH CAUTION. THERE WERE TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS THAT THE "FAIL SAFE MODE" AND "ENGINE" WARNING LIGHT INDICATORS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CONTRIBUTED TO THE THROTTLE BODY ASSEMBLY. THE TECHNICIAN ALSO STATED THAT THE PART WAS ON A NATIONAL BACK ORDER. THE VEHICLE IS INOPERABLE AND HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED FOR THE MALFUNCTIONS. THERE WERE CONCERNS OF THE SAFETY RISKS INVOLVED AND THE UNCERTAINTY OF THE AVAILABILITY OF THE PART. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 51,870.
NHTSA ODI #10283923
23,000 miles · Sep 9, 2009
Vehicle Speed Control
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE OF THE THROTTLE BODY CAUSED UNINTENDED VEHICLE ACCELERATION. UNINTENDED VEHICLE ACCELERATION INCREASED THE RISK OF VEHICLE CRASH. AN AUTHORIZED TECHNICIAN ADVISED HER THAT SINCE THE PARTS WERE ON BACK ORDER UNTIL DECEMBER 2009, NO REPAIRS COULD BE MA…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE OF THE THROTTLE BODY CAUSED UNINTENDED VEHICLE ACCELERATION. UNINTENDED VEHICLE ACCELERATION INCREASED THE RISK OF VEHICLE CRASH. AN AUTHORIZED TECHNICIAN ADVISED HER THAT SINCE THE PARTS WERE ON BACK ORDER UNTIL DECEMBER 2009, NO REPAIRS COULD BE MADE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 23,000.
NHTSA ODI #10283412
100,000 miles · Sep 8, 2009
Vehicle Speed Control
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH HER VEHICLE STALLED. THE FAIL SAFE ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD. THE CONTACT SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF, RESTARTED IT AND WAS ABLE TO DRIVE NORMALLY. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE FAILURE COULD BE RELATED TO THE THROTTLE BODY. THE CONTACT CONT…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTYLE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH HER VEHICLE STALLED. THE FAIL SAFE ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD. THE CONTACT SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF, RESTARTED IT AND WAS ABLE TO DRIVE NORMALLY. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE FAILURE COULD BE RELATED TO THE THROTTLE BODY. THE CONTACT CONTINUED TO EXPERIENCE MULTIPLE FAILURES AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE REPAIRED SINCE THE PART WAS ON NATIONAL BACK ORDER. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE CONTACT TO PURCHASE THE PART FROM THE JUNK YARD. THE CONTACT REQUESTED A RENTAL VEHICLE AND THE MANUFACTURER DENIED THE REQUEST SINCE THE WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT YET BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 100,200.
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE FOLLOWING STATES: ALASKA, COLORADO, CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, IDAHO, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KANSAS, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, MONTANA, NEBRASKA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, NORTH DAKOTA, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, SOUTH DAKOTA, UTAH, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND WYOMING. THE SIDE DOOR LATCH MECHANISMS MAY EXPERIENCE WATER INTRUSION ALLOWING THE LATCH MECHANISM TO FREEZE IN COLD WEATHER.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: AS A RESULT, THE DOOR LATCH PAWL MAY NOT RETURN TO THE LATCH POSITION WHEN THE DOOR IS CLOSED, AND THE DOOR COULD OPEN WHILE THE VEHICLE IS MOVING.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SHIELD OVER THE FRONT LATCHES; SEAL A DRAIN HOLE IN THE REAR WINDOW TRIM MOLDING ON THE FREESTYLE REAR SIDE DOORS; AND APPLY GREASE TO ALL FRONT AND REAR SIDE-DOOR LATCH MECHANISMS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 8, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE STRAPS THAT SECURE THE FUEL TANK TO THE VEHICLE BODY MAY BREAK, CAUSING THE FUEL TANK AND FUEL TANK HEAT SHIELD TO DROP ON THE DRIVESHAFT (ALL WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLES) OR EXHAUST SYSTEM (FRONT WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLES).
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THIS HAPPENS, DRIVERS MAY NOTICE A NOISE OR A FUEL LEAK. A FUEL LEAK IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH FUEL TANK STRAPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 1, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
2
PE11018 · Idle Instability
Opened May 11, 2011 · Closed Feb 7, 2013
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control
On November 29, 2012, Ford Motor Company (Ford) initiated Customer Satisfaction Program 12N03 to extend warranty coverage terms for repair of engine idle RPM surge caused by throttle body deposits in all model year (MY) 2005 through 2007 Ford Freestyle, Five Hundred and Mercury Montego vehicles.The program extends the coverage for up to 10 years of service or 150,000 miles from the warranty start date of the vehicle (all vehicles are eligible for the program through May 31, 2013, regardless of mileage).Dealers will repair vehicles exhibiting the condition by removing and cleaning the throttle body and reprogramming the PCM with software containing an updated idle speed control strategy.According to Ford, some of the affected vehicles may experience momentary, intermittent engine idle RPM surge (idle flare) when stopped or during low speed driving maneuvers such as in a parking lot or driveway.Unstable idle speed control (dips and flares) around the target engine speed (700 rpm) can occur in vehicles with deposit build-up in the throttle body when the system adjusts engine speed in response to changes in engine load, typically from power steering application or air-conditioner compressor cycling.Idle speed control logic is only active at vehicle speeds below 3.5 mph and when the accelerator pedal is not applied.Ford testing of a vehicle with a worst case throttle body measured a maximum idle flare of 1360 RPM lasting approximately 1 second, which Ford indicated was consistent with system design to limit vehicle speed and acceleration in idle control mode.Ford indicated that the test vehicle was held in place with normal brake effort and that vehicle speed remained under 4 mph without the brake pedal applied.In addition to throttle body deposit accumulation, symptoms associated with the condition may include Check Engine lamp illumination and diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0505, P0506 or P061B.Ford attributed the surge condition to changes in idle air flow resulting from the progressive buildup of deposits in the throttle body from normal Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) system operation.This condition was not adequately compensated for in the original Powertrain Control Module (PCM) calibration.Ford issued a technical service bulletin on August 15, 2011 (TSB 11-8-5), releasing an updated powertrain control calibration for vehicles with CVT transmissions.On October 19, 2011, Ford issued a second bulletin (TSB 11-10-21) superseding TSB 11-8-5 and including updated powertrain control calibration for vehicles with 6-speed transmissions.Prior to Ford issuing the TSB?s, owner?s experiencing the alleged defect either received no repairs, if dealers could not duplicate the condition, or had the throttle body cleaned or replaced, which only provided temporary correction until the throttle deposit build-up returned.Ford?s revised powertrain calibrations appear to be effective remedies for the idle instability caused by build-up of throttle body deposits.However, even after the TSB?s were released, many owners experiencing the condition continued to have difficulty with proper diagnosis and repair as dealers were often either unable to duplicate the condition or were unfamiliar with the new repair procedures.Ford's new program addresses those concerns.NHTSA's testing and complaint analysis indicate that the idle speed control issue in the subject vehicles can only occur at very low speeds, are very brief events, are easily controlled by moderate brake pedal forces and result in minor increases in vehicle speed even with no braking.This investigation is closed.The closing of this in
THE SUBJECT VEHICLES EXPERIENCE A LOSS OF PROPER INSTRUMENT CLUSTER OPERATION.TYPICALLY, THE PROBLEM APPEARS AS THE NEEDLE ON THE GAUGE (SPEEDOMETER, TACHOMETER, FUEL, AND/OR TEMPERATURE) SWEEPS AND RESETS INTERMITTENTLY.FORD REPORTS THE PROBLEM AS MOMENTARY POWER INTERRUPTION CAUSES THE GAUGES TO SWEEP AND THEN RECOVER TO NORMAL FUNCTION.IN AUGUST 2006, FORD ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (TSB 06-17-9) TO PROVIDE GUIDELINES TO SERVICE TECHNICIANS FOR DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIR OF THIS CONDITION.ODI'S REVIEW OF FORD'S RESPONSE TO THE AGENCY'S INFORMATIONREQUEST LETTER REVEALS THAT THE MAJORITY OF THE REPORTS TO FORD (63%) INDICATE THAT THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WOULD EXPERIENCE INTERMITTENT LOSS OF POWER.FORD REPORTS THAT THISLASTS FOR ONLY A FEW SECONDS.ALSO FORD STATES, THE VEHICLE'S EXTERIOR LIGHTING WOULD NOT FAIL TO ILLUMINATE EVEN IN THE EVENT OF POWER INTERRUPTION TO THE CLUSTER BECAUSE THE EXTERIOR LIGHTS ARE POWERED SEPARATELY AND DO NOT RELY ON ANY SIGNAL FROM THE CLUSTER.ADDITIONALLY, ODI CONTACTED COMPLAINANTS WHO AFFIRMED THE INTERMITTENT CONDITION AND THAT NONE OF THE EXTERIOR LIGHTS ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES WOULD BE AFFECTED BY POWER INTERRUPTIONS TO THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER.ODI LAST RECEIVED A REPORT REGARDING THIS ISSUE IN AUGUST OF 2007.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED AT THIS TIME.ODI WILL HOWEVER CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE ISSUE AND WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.
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