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The Old One-Two Punch: Faultly Transmission Part Idles Ford Plants

Ford Motor shut down five assembly plants and partially closed another after the automaker discovered a defect in a clutch mechanism used in the automatic transmission of some of its vehicles said Ford spokeswoman Anne Marie Gattari. The part in question allows for a smooth shift from first to second gears.

Vehicles affected by the shutdown are: the F-series pickups, E-series vans, Expedition SUVs and some sedans. The plants that were completely closed because of the discovery of the defective part are Ford's Michigan Truck, Ohio Assembly, Norfolk Assembly, Wixom Assembly and Dearborn Truck plants. The Kansas City Assembly plant will continue to build the Escape SUV, but its other operations will be shut down. Ford expects a quick resolution to the problem. No word on how many, if any, vehicles with defective parts made it into consumer's hands.