DT: THE CALLER SAID BOTH FRONT BALL JOINTS WERE DEFECTIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS MAKING NOISES IN THE FRONT END. THIS WAS THE ONLY INDICATION THAT SOMETHING WAS WRONG. THE DEALER TOLD THE CONSUMER THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TOLD THE CONSUMER THAT THE BALL JOINTS WERE BAD. THE MECHANIC…
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DT: THE CALLER SAID BOTH FRONT BALL JOINTS WERE DEFECTIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS MAKING NOISES IN THE FRONT END. THIS WAS THE ONLY INDICATION THAT SOMETHING WAS WRONG. THE DEALER TOLD THE CONSUMER THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TOLD THE CONSUMER THAT THE BALL JOINTS WERE BAD. THE MECHANIC TOLD HIM THAT THE BALL JOINTS SHOULD NOT GO BAD AT THAT MILEAGE. THE MANUFACTURER OFFERED NO HELP. THE CONSUMER DID NOT KNOW IF THE PROBLEM WAS WITH THE LOWER JOINTS. *AK (11/15/05) THE NOISE WAS COMING FROM THE DRIVERS SIDE FRONT TIRE. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT THE NOISE WAS COMING FROM BOTH BALL JOINTS AND THE CV JOINT. *SC
NHTSA ODI #10137200
Mileage unknown · Nov 11, 2004
SuspensionTires
AFTER 15,000 MILES ON GOOD YEAR TIRES I HAD STRANGE WEAR OF ALL 4 TIRES. I WENT TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP BURT FORD 303-643-9020 AND APPROVED THROUGH FORD ALL TIRES HAD BEEN REPLACED. (THIS WAS BOUGHT NEW OFF OF FORD LOT WITH GOODYEAR TIRES) THEY STATED THE TIRES HAD COUPLED? BAD TIRES AND REPLACE. 20,000 MILES LATER THE SAME THING…
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AFTER 15,000 MILES ON GOOD YEAR TIRES I HAD STRANGE WEAR OF ALL 4 TIRES. I WENT TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP BURT FORD 303-643-9020 AND APPROVED THROUGH FORD ALL TIRES HAD BEEN REPLACED. (THIS WAS BOUGHT NEW OFF OF FORD LOT WITH GOODYEAR TIRES) THEY STATED THE TIRES HAD COUPLED? BAD TIRES AND REPLACE. 20,000 MILES LATER THE SAME THING HAPPENED ALL 4 TIRES AND I WAS TOLD BY FORD CUSTOMER CARE, 1-800-241- FORD, AND BURT FORD THAT AGAIN IT WAS THE TIRES AND AGAIN THE NEW TIRES HAVE STARTED COUPLING. I FEEL THIS IS THE FORD RANGER 2001, 4 WHEEL DRIVE, BUILD DEFECT THAT IS MAKING THIS HAPPEN. I AT THIS TIME FEAR THE VEHICLE HAS A MAJOR DEFECT AND THIS WILL MAKE THE TRUCK UNSAFE AND POSSIBLY CAUSE LOSS OF LIFE. FORD STATED THEY CHECKED FRONT END ONLY. THEY ARE NOT TAKING THIS AS A REAL ISSUE AND HAVE NOW PLACED ME AND MY FAMILY IN DANGER. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10098699
Mileage unknown · Jun 30, 2004
Suspension
WHILE DRIVING CONSUMER HEARD A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP, AND MECHANIC NOTIFIED CONSUMER THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. HOWEVER A INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT LOWER BALL JOINT WORE OUT.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10080179
51,200 miles · Aug 7, 2003
Suspension
I HAVE A FORD RANGER EDGE 2001. I PURCHASED IT JUN 11 2003. I JUST STARTED FEELING WEIRD VIBRATIONS AND SOUNDS FROM THE FRONT END .I TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC AND HE TOLD ME BOTH UPPER SUSPENSION ARMS NEED REPLACING.THIS IS GOING TO COST OVER A $1000.00 DOLLARS. I WAS TOLD IF I DON'T DO IT SOON I COULD LOOSE ONE OR BOTH OF MY FRONT …
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I HAVE A FORD RANGER EDGE 2001. I PURCHASED IT JUN 11 2003. I JUST STARTED FEELING WEIRD VIBRATIONS AND SOUNDS FROM THE FRONT END .I TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC AND HE TOLD ME BOTH UPPER SUSPENSION ARMS NEED REPLACING.THIS IS GOING TO COST OVER A $1000.00 DOLLARS. I WAS TOLD IF I DON'T DO IT SOON I COULD LOOSE ONE OR BOTH OF MY FRONT TIRES AT HIGH SPEED OR OFF ROAD. HE ALSO TOLD ME HE HAS A LOT OF FORD RANGERS ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. PLEASE HELP. *PH
NHTSA ODI #10030979
Mileage unknown · Jul 11, 2003
Suspension
CONSUMER STATED THAT FRONT END IS WEARING. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10027081
6,000 miles · May 31, 2003
Suspension
AT 6K MI WHILE MAKING RIGHT TURNS AT SPEEDS 30 MPH AND LOWER, THERE WAS A DISTINCT VIBRATION IN THE FRONT END. FORD REPLACED THE STEERING RACK. NOW AT 23K MI SAME EXACT PROBLEM IS BACK. *TT
NHTSA ODI #10020804
19,600 miles · Mar 11, 2003
Suspension
THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE SWAYED, WHEN THE VEHICLE HIT A BUMP IN THE ROAD. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10011399
Mileage unknown · Apr 1, 2002
Suspension
VEHICLE IS PULLING TO THE RIGHT SIDE. RIGHT/FRONT TIRE FEELS AS IF IT IS GOING TO BUCKLE UP UNDER VEHICLE. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
NHTSA ODI #8006761
Mileage unknown · Feb 26, 2002
Suspension
WHILE DRIVING 57-67 MPH THERE IS A CONSTANT VIBRATION. ENGINEER FROM FORD STATED IT WAS A CHARACTERISTIC OF THE TRUCK.*AK FORD RECOMMENDED AND INSTALLED NEW GOODYEAR WRANGLER TIRES ON VEHICLE. *TT
NHTSA ODI #8004593
Mileage unknown · Feb 11, 2002
Engine And Engine CoolingService Brakes, HydraulicStructure
DATE OF PURCHASE SMELLED RUBBER ON THE DRIVERS FRONT WHEEL. TRUCK BOUNCES ALL OVER CONTINUES TO DO SO, THIS CAUSES POOR STEERING CONTROL AS WELL. BRAKES ALTERNATES FROM GRABBING OR SLOW IN WORKING, PCM HAS BEEN REPROGRAMMED, YET THE WHINNING IN THE ENGINE OR DRIVE TRAIN CONTINUE. SUSPENSION VERY WEAK, VEHICLE LEANS TO THE RIGH…
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DATE OF PURCHASE SMELLED RUBBER ON THE DRIVERS FRONT WHEEL. TRUCK BOUNCES ALL OVER CONTINUES TO DO SO, THIS CAUSES POOR STEERING CONTROL AS WELL. BRAKES ALTERNATES FROM GRABBING OR SLOW IN WORKING, PCM HAS BEEN REPROGRAMMED, YET THE WHINNING IN THE ENGINE OR DRIVE TRAIN CONTINUE. SUSPENSION VERY WEAK, VEHICLE LEANS TO THE RIGHT ON THE CURVES AND STEERING CONTROL IS DANGEROUS.
FORD IS RECALLING MODEL YEARS 1995-2003 WINDSTAR, 2000-2003 EXCURSION DIESEL, 1993-1997 AND 1999-2003 F-250 SD THROUGH F-550 SD DIESEL, 1992-2003 E-150 THROUGH E-550, 1995-2002 EXPLORER, 1997 AND 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER, 1995-1997 AND 2001-2003 RANGER, AND 1994 F53 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH (SCDS). THE SCDS MAY LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A VEHICLE FIRE COULD OCCUR WITH OR WITHOUT THE ENGINE RUNNING.
Remedy: FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS THAT DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS IN LINE WITH THE SCDS. ON 1999-2003 WINDSTAR VEHICLES WITH A LEAKING SCDS, DEALERS WILL ALSO INSPECT THE ABS CONTROL MODULE CONNECTOR AND REPAIR AS NECESSARY. REPAIRS WILL BE COMPLETED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 27, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-888-222-2751.
ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, PASSENGER VEHICLES, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND MOTOR HOMES CHASSIS, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY, UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS. OWNERS OF THE PASSENGER CARS INCLUDED IN THIS CAMPAIGN WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN THEIR VEHICLES TO THEIR DEALERS TO HAVE THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH DISCONNECTED AS AN INTERIM REPAIR. AS SOON AS REPAIR PARTS ARE AVAILABLE (EXPECTED OCTOBER 2007), OWNERS WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN TO THE DEALERS FOR INSTALLATION OF A FUSED WIRING HARNESS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 13, 2007, AND MAILING COMPLETED BY SEPTEMBER 19, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-888-222-2751.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, PICKUP TRUCKS, AND MINIVANS. EQUIPPED WITH SEAT BELTS SUPPLIED BY TRW. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE DRIVER'S AND/OR FRONT PASSENGER'S OUTBOARD SEAT BELT BUCKLE MAY NOT FULLY LATCH. FORD CROWN VICTORIA BUILT AT ST. THOMAS ASSEMBLY PLANT FROM 4/17/00 - 5/29/01 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS BUILT AT ST. THOMAS ASSEMBLY PLANT FROM 4/17/00 - 5/29/01. LINCOLN TOWN CARS BUILT AT WIXOM ASSEMBLY PLANT FROM 3/27/00 - 5/30/01. LINCOLN NAVIGATORS BUILT AT MICHIGAN TRUCK PLANT FROM 4/11/00 - 5/31/01. FORD WINDSTARS BUILT AT OAKVILLE ASSEMBLY PLANT FROM 3/23/00 - 5/30/01. FORD RANGERS BUILT AT TWIN CITIES PLANT FROM 3/28/00 - 5/30/01, AND ALSO AT THE EDISON PLANT FROM 3/13/00 - 5/25/01. FORD F-150 TRUCK BUILT AT NORFOLK PLANT FROM 4/18/00 - 5/25/00; AT ONTARIO PLANT FROM 5/10/00 - 5/28/01; AT KANSAS CITY PLANT FROM 9/11/99 - 5/25/01; AND AT CUAUTITLAN PLANT FROM 5/16/00 - 6/9/01. FORD SUPER DUTY F-250, F-350, F-450, AND F-550 TRUCKS BUILT AT KENTUCKY PLANT FROM 4/17/00 - 5/27/01; AND AT CUAUTITLAN PLANT FROM 5/16/00 - 6/19/01. FORD EXCURSIONS BUILT AT KENTUCKY PLANT FROM 4/17/00 - 10/2/00. FORD EXPEDITIONS BUILT AT MICHIGAN TRUCK PLANT FROM 4/11/00 - 5/31/01.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE RESTRAINT SYSTEM MAY NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE OCCUPANT PROTECTION, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY TO THE SEAT OCCUPANT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FRONT OUTBOARD SEAT BELT BUCKLES AND IF THE BUCKLE FAILS THE INSPECTION PROCESS, IT WILL BE REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 25, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES WITH STEEL HOODS AND CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH SHEET MOLDING COMPOUND HOODS. A WIRE FORMED HOOD STRIKER COULD BE SUSCEPTIBLE TO FATIGUE FRACTURES. IF THE HOOD STRIKER FRACTURES, THE HOOD COULD FLY OPEN WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A HOOD FLY-UP WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING OPERATED COULD RESULT IN REDUCED DRIVER VISIBILITY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HOOD STRIKER.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
DURING THE INITIAL RECALL CAMPAIGN IN 2001, THE SUBJECT VEHICLES WERE INSPECTED BY FORD DEALERSHIPS USING A TEST TOOL THAT WOULD DETECT A DEFECTIVE FRONT SEAT OUTBOARD SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLY.APPROXIMATELY ONE MILLION VEHICLES PASSED THE INSPECTION TEST FOR ONE OR BOTH FRONT BUCKLES.SUBSEQUENT TO THE RECALL SERVICE ACTION, ODI RECEIVED 15 CONSUMER REPORTS ALLEGING THAT A PASSED INSPECTION BUCKLE SUBSEQUENTLY FAILED TO LATCH OR INADVERTENTLY UNLATCHED DURING USE.IN ADDITION, FORD HAS IDENTIFIED 543 OWNER AND FIELD REPORTS ALLEGING BUCKLE FAILURE SUBSEQUENT TO PASSING THE INSPECTION TEST.FORD TESTED AND EXAMINED OVER 100 WARRANTY-RETURNED BUCKLES AND FOUND THAT 44% OF THE BUCKLES HAD NO PROBLEM OR A CONDITION NOT RELATED TO THE RECALL INSPECTION (NON-LATCH RELATED BUCKLE DAMAGE OR FOREIGN CONTAMINATION).WARRANTY CLAIMS WERE HIGHEST DURING THE 18-MONTH PERIOD AFTER THE START OF THE RECALL (JULY 2001) AND HAVE BEEN DECLINING DURING THE PAST 24 MONTHS.OVER THE PAST 12 MONTHS, FORD HAS RECEIVED APPROXIMATELY 12 WARRANTY CLAIMS PER MONTH OUT OF A VEHICLE POPULATION OF ABOUT ONE MILLION.COMPLAINTS COUNTS ARE ALSO DECREASING.DURING THE PAST SEVEN MONTHS, ODI HAS RECEIVED ONLY TWO COMPLAINTS. A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Seat Belts
DURING THE INITIAL RECALL CAMPAIGN IN 2001, THE SUBJECT VEHICLES WERE INSPECTED BY FORD DEALERSHIPS USING A TEST TOOL THAT WOULD DETECT A DEFECTIVE FRONT SEAT OUTBOARD SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLY.APPROXIMATELY ONE MILLION VEHICLES PASSED THE INSPECTION TEST FOR ONE OR BOTH FRONT BUCKLES.SUBSEQUENT TO THE RECALL SERVICE ACTION, ODI RECEIVED 15 CONSUMER REPORTS ALLEGING THAT A PASSED INSPECTION BUCKLE SUBSEQUENTLY FAILED TO LATCH OR INADVERTENTLY UNLATCHED DURING USE.IN ADDITION, FORD HAS IDENTIFIED 543 OWNER AND FIELD REPORTS ALLEGING BUCKLE FAILURE SUBSEQUENT TO PASSING THE INSPECTION TEST.FORD TESTED AND EXAMINED OVER 100 WARRANTY-RETURNED BUCKLES AND FOUND THAT 44% OF THE BUCKLES HAD NO PROBLEM OR A CONDITION NOT RELATED TO THE RECALL INSPECTION (NON-LATCH RELATED BUCKLE DAMAGE OR FOREIGN CONTAMINATION).WARRANTY CLAIMS WERE HIGHEST DURING THE 18-MONTH PERIOD AFTER THE START OF THE RECALL (JULY 2001) AND HAVE BEEN DECLINING DURING THE PAST 24 MONTHS.OVER THE PAST 12 MONTHS, FORD HAS RECEIVED APPROXIMATELY 12 WARRANTY CLAIMS PER MONTH OUT OF A VEHICLE POPULATION OF ABOUT ONE MILLION.COMPLAINTS COUNTS ARE ALSO DECREASING.DURING THE PAST SEVEN MONTHS, ODI HAS RECEIVED ONLY TWO COMPLAINTS. A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.
Seat Belts:front:buckle Assembly
DURING THE INITIAL RECALL CAMPAIGN IN 2001, THE SUBJECT VEHICLES WERE INSPECTED BY FORD DEALERSHIPS USING A TEST TOOL THAT WOULD DETECT A DEFECTIVE FRONT SEAT OUTBOARD SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLY.APPROXIMATELY ONE MILLION VEHICLES PASSED THE INSPECTION TEST FOR ONE OR BOTH FRONT BUCKLES.SUBSEQUENT TO THE RECALL SERVICE ACTION, ODI RECEIVED 15 CONSUMER REPORTS ALLEGING THAT A PASSED INSPECTION BUCKLE SUBSEQUENTLY FAILED TO LATCH OR INADVERTENTLY UNLATCHED DURING USE.IN ADDITION, FORD HAS IDENTIFIED 543 OWNER AND FIELD REPORTS ALLEGING BUCKLE FAILURE SUBSEQUENT TO PASSING THE INSPECTION TEST.FORD TESTED AND EXAMINED OVER 100 WARRANTY-RETURNED BUCKLES AND FOUND THAT 44% OF THE BUCKLES HAD NO PROBLEM OR A CONDITION NOT RELATED TO THE RECALL INSPECTION (NON-LATCH RELATED BUCKLE DAMAGE OR FOREIGN CONTAMINATION).WARRANTY CLAIMS WERE HIGHEST DURING THE 18-MONTH PERIOD AFTER THE START OF THE RECALL (JULY 2001) AND HAVE BEEN DECLINING DURING THE PAST 24 MONTHS.OVER THE PAST 12 MONTHS, FORD HAS RECEIVED APPROXIMATELY 12 WARRANTY CLAIMS PER MONTH OUT OF A VEHICLE POPULATION OF ABOUT ONE MILLION.COMPLAINTS COUNTS ARE ALSO DECREASING.DURING THE PAST SEVEN MONTHS, ODI HAS RECEIVED ONLY TWO COMPLAINTS. A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.
RQ04011 · Front Seat Belt Buckle Assembly
Opened Oct 22, 2004 · Closed Feb 17, 2005
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seat Belts:front:buckle Assembly
UNDER RECALL CAMPAIGN (01V227), FORD RECALLED APPROXIMATELY 1.3 MILLION VEHICLES TO INSPECT AND IF NECESSARY REPLACE THE FRONT DRIVER AND/OR PASSENGER SEAT BELT BUCKLE.APPROXIMATELY 1.1 MILLION OWNERS RESPONDED BY TAKING THEIR VEHICLES TO A DEALER FOR INSPECTION OF THE BUCKLE USING A SPECIALIZED BUCKLE TEST TOOL.FORD REPORTED THAT 829,927 VEHICLES HAD BOTH BUCKLES PASS THE TOOL TEST AND ANOTHER 167,336 VEHICLES HAD ONE BUCKLE PASS.ODI AND FORD RECEIVED COMPLAINTS ALLEGING SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILURE SHORTLY AFTER PASSING THE ORIGINAL RECALL INSPECTION SERVICE.COMPLAINANTS ALLEGED THAT THE BUCKLE FAILED BY EITHER NOT LATCHING OR FALSE-LATCHING (PARTIAL ENGAGEMENT OF THE LATCH TO THE LATCH PLATE).A FALSE-LATCHED BUCKLE MAY RELEASE WITH MINOR MOVEMENT OR IMPACT AGAINST THE BUCKLE HOUSING INCLUDING INADVERTENT RELEASE WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION.ODI IS UPGRADING THIS RECALL QUERY TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA05-004) TO FURTHER ANALYZE THE FIELD PERFORMANCE OF THOSE VEHICLES THAT FORD DEALERS PASSED (ONE OR BOTH BUCKLES) USING FORD'S INSPECTION TEST (997,263 VEHICLES).
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