Leather/Vinyl Seat Cover (18-7042)

WARNING: This page is about the Explorer Base, 2.0L Eng VIN 9, which is a different variant/trim than selected.

Publication date: 2018-11-07
Reference number: 18-7042

LEATHER/VINYL SEAT COVER

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN

Reference Number(s): 18-7042, Date of Issue: November 07, 2018

FORD:	See model list below
LINCOLN:	See model list below

Superceded Bulletin(s): G0000129, Date of Issue: November 07, 2018

MODEL

NOTE: This bulletin supersedes G0000129. Reason for update: Not Applicable

SUMMARY

This article supersedes GSBs G0000006, G0000129 and G0000131.

Use this document to assist in determining warrantable/non warrantable decision regarding leather/vinyl seat covers.

SERVICE INFORMATION

Warrantable Repair (repair is required instead of replacement)

Split seams caused by loose or broken thread must be re-sewn.
- NOTE: Exception to this policy is front seat back covers that have side airbags. Per Workshop Manuals these cannot be repaired.
Loose trim cover "J" clips should by secured by either reattaching or alternative means (e.g. adhesive, screw, etc.).
Trim covers that are loose/misaligned must be corrected through adjustment, which includes complete removal and installation to ensure all attachments are secured/aligned.

Non-warrantable Conditions

Burns, soil marks, cuts, scratches, scuffs, tears, or punctures by foreign objects that occur after new vehicle delivery.
Leather/Vinyl character lines/wrinkles.
Leather natural markings (scars less than 3mm x 100mm in length) (3/32"x 3 & 15/16")
Cloth normal deterioration and wear e.g. minimal nap crush.
Dye transfer from customer clothing to the seating surface.
Damage due to chemicals, solvents, or use of non-Ford approved cleaners (see Owner's Manual).
Do not place heavy objects on the seat.
Do not operate a heated seat if water or any other liquid spill on the seat.
On vehicles equipped with seat-mounted airbags, do not use chemical solvents or strong detergents. Such products could contaminate the side airbag system and affect performance.
Household cleaning products or glass cleaners will damage covers, please see the Owner's Manual for approved cleaners.

Warranty Defects (requires replacement)

Split seams caused by material tears, loose thread tension, broken thread, or elongated needle holes.
Leather russet visible (sub-surface leather when topcoat is removed) and leather top coat peel.
Cloth pile yarns missing and cloth excessive nap crush.
Sub-surface wear through caused by seat structure, springs, wires.

LOOSE THREAD AT SEAM (WARRANTABLE)

Frayed/unraveled material near a seam requires replacement. (Figures 1 - 2)

LOOSE THREAD AT SEAM (NON-WARRANTABLE)

Snags noted by pulled thread on each side (may/may not be broken thread). (Figure 3)

Split seam with associated damage. (Figure 4)

SPLITS AND CUTS (WARRANTABLE)

Splits will follow the grain and show vinyl substrate. (Figures 5 - 6)

SPLITS AND CUTS (NON-WARRANTABLE)

Straight cuts with stutter marks or sharp points. May also cross multiple panels. (Figures 7 - 8)

WEAR AND ABRASION (WARRANTABLE)

Frayed, fuzzy, pilling appearance from normal wear. (Figure 9)

Bearding will come through perforations from wear on the backside. (Figure 10)

WEAR AND ABRASION (NON-WARRANTABLE)

Chips, scratches, abrasion, stutter marks. (Figure 11 - 12)

SCARS AND NATURAL MARKINGS (WARRANTABLE)

Natural leather scars/markings which exceed: 3mm x 100mm (3/32" x 3-15/16"). (Figure 13)

Groups of bumps or blisters (bug bites, etc.). (Figure 14)

SCARS AND NATURAL MARKINGS (NON-WARRANTABLE)

Natural leather scars/markings which are smaller than 3mm x 100mm (3/32" x 3-15/16"). (Figures 15 - 16)

PEELING FROM WEAR/REPAIR (WARRANTABLE)

Peeling/excessive topcoat wear with leather russet seen from ingress egress wear. Typically occurs from an edge or natural character line/fold. (Figures 17 - 18)

PEELING FROM WEAR/REPAIR (NON-WARRANTABLE)

Peeling/cracking from a previous repair. This will show a lack of grain, the same color beneath or painted surrounding thread. (Figures 19 - 20)

WRINKLES (WARRANTABLE)

Wrinkles that bunch or crack between perforation holes. Not related to liquid damage (often seen after cover removal). (Figures 21 - 22)

WRINKLES (NON-WARRANTABLE)

Wrinkles from liquid damage will often affect multiple panels and feel raised and/or hard. (Figures 23 - 24)

STAINS AND CHEMICAL DAMAGE (NON-WARRANTABLE)

Stains or dye transfer can be darker/lighter often yellow or blue shades. (Figures 25 - 26)

Chemical damage will discolor, dry, crack and cause brittle material. It will also dissolve thread and cause staining to seat padding. (Figures 27 - 28)

REPAIRS (WARRANTABLE)

Repair split seams and detached J-clips per the Warranty & Policy Manual (see page 1 under Warrantable Repair). (Figures 29 - 30)

REPAIRS (NON-WARRANTABLE)

Loose center panel is a leather characteristic if not improved by removal/installation. (Figure 31)

Character lines are a characteristic of usage; may improve with cleaning/conditioning. (Figure 32)