Archived 01 August 2018
Product Identifiers
Engines affected / Serial Number Range - 2.0L L4 / 88206000 and up - 2.8L L4 / 88300000 and up - 4.2L L6 / 88401000 and up - 2.0L L4 / 70002130 and up - 3.0L V6 TDI / CEZ000000 and up - 4.2L V8 TDI / CMC000200 and up The issue identified only affects products that are fitted with a DTS.
The Hazard!
For DTS (digital throttle and shift) equiped engines, a failure of either the trim, pilot, steering or paddle wheel sensor could result in a reduction of sensor voltage and cause a misinterpretation of the DTS shift actuator's position.
The issue may result in the shift actuator shifting into forward gear during the engine start process, even though the electronic remote control handle is in the neutral position, the drive unit will remain in the forward gear until the failed sensor is disconnected causing a potential accident.
What to do...
Contact your nearest authorised Mercury dealer and arrange for the engine to be inspected to check whether it has a DTS or a mechanical throttle and shift.
If the engine has a DTS system, the dealer will replace it with a redesigned vessel sensor harness which will avoid the issue set out above.